Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) recently unveiled the highly anticipated new Montero Sport SUV – albeit in 4×2 variants for now.
Immediately apparent in the new Montero Sport is a rugged and sportier look. The SUV’s signature Dynamic Shield Front view design has been improved to highlight its width. The front fascia features a front grille that extends to the headlights while the bumper corners are given combination lamps. The SUV’s elevated bonnet showcases a deeper front face complemented by a more powerful chrome part design that adds another layer of sophistication.
Inside the cabin is an easy-to-read, eight-inch color LCD meter along with an eight-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio that is both Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-ready.
It also has a revitalized floor console along with soft padded interior door handles. Under the floor console is a storage tray while a new AC power outlet has been added to the existing USB outlet at the rear console panel to improve accessibility for all passengers. The AC 220V/150W outlet feature is available on all automatic variants of the Montero Sport.
Under the new Montero Sport’s hood is a 2.4-liter inline-four DOHC 16-valve Clean Diesel with VGT and MIVEC capable of generating 181ps of horsepower at 3,500rpm along with 430Nm of torque. The SUV’s powerplant is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode that maximizes fuel efficiency and engine power.
During the launch, (Mitsubishi Motor Corporation) MMC chief product specialist Yoshiki Masuda told WHEELS.PH that the latest model of the Montero Sport “represents durability, toughness, reliability, and safety.”
One of the main selling points that is exclusively made for upcoming 4×4 variants of the Montero Sport is a nifty feature called the remote control smartphone application that offers the driver a variety of helpful functions as well as security through a smartphone.
Aside from the fact that the power tailgate feature can be accessed through a smartphone, this feature can also notify the driver if the SUV’s doors have been accidentally been left unlocked. The “tailgate reservation system” can also be modified to automatically open or close while the driver is approaching or leaving the Montero Sport.
Meanwhile, the keyless operation system works within Bluetooth operating range. The new SUV also comes with an eight-way power adjustable driver seat to provide optimal comfort and configuration.
The popular SUV also sports a variety of safety features for heightened peace of mind. This includes lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert functions, hill start assist and hill descent control, and a multi-view camera system to limit blind spots while negotiating tight parking spots. The GT 4WD variant has seven airbags, while the GT 2WD is equipped with six, and the GLS and GLX variants are packed with two airbags.
“The Montero Sport is our second model after the Pajero. It is the latest model and the most sophisticated luxury [vehicle] and very comfortable to ride on,” said MMPC president and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri to WHEELS.PH.
Oshikiri added that they are launching the GLX, GLS, and GT models. However, there’s no official word yet as to when the higher-tier 4×4 variant will come out in the Philippine market.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Sport will be available in four variants but initially introduced two models during Friday night’s grand launch. The price points are as follows:
Montero Sport GT 2WD AT – P1,998,000
Montero Sport GLS 2WD AT – P1,769,000
The latest offering of Mitsubishi comes in White Diamond, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Gray, Medium Red, and Jet Black.
The question is: Are you digging the 2WD variants or are you holding back for the top-of-the-line 4×4 model?
