Story & photos by Ronald Rey de los Reyes
LEGENDARY singer and songwriter Marvin Gaye truly had a profound message when he wrote the piece “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
In the song, he tells his beloved that whatever obstacles they face, they both should never lose hope and should always endure, no matter what. Such is the case with Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) when they recently launched the all-new Montero Sport at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Despite alleged safety issues, MMPC braved murky waters and introduced its third-generation mid-size sport-utility vehicle.
Froilan Dytianquin, MMPC vice president for marketing said:
“We believe, in our hearts, that the all-new Montero Sport is going to be a standout in its class.”
“We feel given its specifications, features, and styling, we will dominate the SUV category,” he added. It is to be remembered that the Montero was once the best-selling vehicle of its kind for five years from 2009 to 2013.
Thailand first took a crack at unveiling the all-new Montero Sport in August 2015 and was, in fact, in turn, warmly welcomed by their market. Produced in this land of the white elephant, it is being introduced in more than 90 countries from around the globe, including Asia, Asean, Oceania, East Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America regions among others.
The Philippines, being fourth to get dibs on the Spartan stunner has four variants available, namely, the GT 4 Wheel Drive eight-Speed Automatic Transmission, GLS 4WD six-speed Manual Transmission, GLS 2 Wheel Drive Premium eight-speed AT, and the base model GLS 2WD eight-speed AT.
Exterior-wise, the amalgamation of elements makes it a true head-turner on the road. Upfront, its unsullied sophisticated sharp lines marry a touch of power and athleticism as its long snout adopts the new Dynamic Shield front fascia concept. Style is indeed its bible as those edges clearly distinguish it from other conventional SUVs. What’s good is that all variants, except for the base GLS model is equipped with LED-type with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) for brighter and better visibility.
On its rear, meantime, runs tube-type LED combination lamps that leave lasting impressions on vehicles behind. As icing on the cake, all variants are equipped with 265/60 R18 tires, while privileged for a more aggressive stance is its top-of-the-line GT variant which dons its two-tone 18-inch x7.5JJ alloy wheels.
Inside, luxury and comfort spell the name of the game. First, its black monotone dashboard complemented with silver and woodgrain accents amplifies its level of refinement. Everything’s ergonomically placed on its dashboard and side controls for a relaxed and easy driving. Not to mention, providing a feature variety that enhances the overall riding experience of this SUV, such as a Capacitive Discharge Touchscreen monitor, DVD and MP3 player, Tuner, Auxiliary-in and USB ports, iPod-ready capability, Bluetooth connectivity and a smartphone mirror link feature. It is also equipped with a dealer option user friendly GPS navigation system. Premium black leather seats are enjoyed by the GT 4WD, GLS 4WD and GLS 2WD, while the GLS 2WD variant gets a black fabric seat. Seats are now more comfortable; thanks to the multilayer cushion. Its more rounded shoulder supports the position of one’s upper torso, while also giving it a regal appeal.
For a higher level of comfort, the upgraded sound insulation, meantime, provides a significant interior noise reduction. Passengers, too, get to enjoy a panoramic view in all directions with its top model.
Pumping the vehicles blood vessels is the world’s first clean diesel engine equipped with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology. The new 2.4-liter 4N15 diesel is now Euro 4-compliant and is cleaner than ever, more powerful and more efficient.
Compared to traditional diesel engines, the 4N15 type provides a low compression ratio, thus, reducing fuel consumption, smoke and carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as maximizing the output of the Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), resulting to a better 181 Ps/3500 rpm and 430 N-m/2,500 rpm. Making it substantially lighter than its predecessor, the power-train now uses an aluminum cylinder block. While at the center of all its upgrades is its first-of-its-class, eight-speed automatic transmission with sports mode, designed for a quicker and more responsive bursts of energy and better highway cruising.
This Montero Sport also uses an improved Super-Select II 4WD system, which features a dial type selector, complemented by the new off-road Mode (first on a Mitsubishi model), which caters the needs of off-road enthusiasts.
Finally, safety is never be compromised as the vehicle is fitted with an array of active and passive safety features. For heretics and nonbelievers, this Montero was just recently awarded a five-star rating for the Australasian New Car Assessment Program and also the Latin NCAP. Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution Body ensures the safety of all passengers.
The body structure’s crumple zones, on the other hand, effectively absorbs and dispenses crash energy from all directions, completely protecting the interior cabin. Driver and passengers are fully protected in the event of a collision with the seven air-bags system (GLS 4WD MT and GT 4WD AT variants) which includes the front dual air bags, side, curtain, double knee air bags.
Unlike its predecessor, this safety nut now features the Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system for the top of the line GT variant. While the FCM detects risk for collision and the system brings about both audible and visual warnings to alert the threat to the driver. The brakes are pre-filled, boosting braking pressure if in any case, should the driver respond to the warning and apply the brakes. If the risk escalates because the deceleration by the driver is not sufficient to prevent the collision, the FCM system applies high brake pressure (FCM Automatic Brake) to try to avoid the accident or reduce potential damage, among others.
It is available in the following colors: Sedona Red, Mystic Blue, Virgil Gray, Savanna White, Pyrenese Black, Sterling Silver Metallic and Deep Bronze Metallic. The GT 4WD eight-speed AT is priced at P1.998 million; P1.785 million for the GLS 4WD six-speed MT; P1.685 million for the GLS 2WD Premium eight- speed AT and P1.500 million for the GLS 2WD eight-speed AT.
MMPC for this year takes on the high road as they set ambitious sales of 70,000 units. At its helm is the Montero, which they aim to vend at about 18,000 from last year’s 12,000. Truly, for them, there really is no task high enough. And better yet, count on Mitsubishi to deliver.
In fact, Dytianquin asserted: “We are confident that we will be able to market this effectively, and with this, be able to vindicate ourselves.”