MITSUBISHI MONTERO 2009,BRANDNEW

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines introduces new Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4x2

With the successful introduction of the Montero Sport 4x4 models last year, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is further strengthening its SUV line up with the introduction of the two-wheel drive version, the Montero Sport 2.5 liter GLS 4x2 automatic.  With the introduction of this two-wheel drive variant, the Montero Sport model is now complete as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines aims to get a bigger market share at the competitive and substantial 4x2 SUV segment.

Not only does the Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4x2 inherit the same basic platform and suspension its 4x4 brother has but it also exhibits class leading ride quality in a mid-sized SUV. This is because of the extensive research and development invested in making sure that the Montero Sport has superior riding comfort than the competition. This is made possible by its front double wishbones with coil springs, and a rear 3-link coil suspension with a long trailing arm design. Both ends of the Montero Sport are also fitted with stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during cornering.

The 4x2 version stands proud like the 4x4 with dimensions measuring 4,695 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, 1,840 mm tall, and the wheelbase at 2,800 mm. These dimensions equates to a vast interior space that provides a sense of comfort, purpose and safety for the Montero Sport’s 3-row, 7-passenger seating configuration that can also be varied to accommodate the most complex cargo scenario. Talking about the interior, the Montero Sport 2.5 GLS 4x2 gets a black and light grey dashboard accented by silver trims. The inner door trims with bottle holders also get the same accents.  Behind the thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel is the instrument cluster with easy to read gauges that illuminates to an amber hue during night time driving. There is also a dealer option steering wheel mounted audio remote that commands the Mitsubishi Motors Audio Design single in-dash CD/MP3/WMA player by JVC with 4-speakers. This audio system can accommodate hands free mobile phone operation thanks to its Bluetooth pairing function. MP3 devices can also be connected via the audio system’s USB, Auxiliary input ports (AUX-IN) or also by Bluetooth pairing.  Other standard equipment are dual air-conditioning with a separate rear aircon control, power side mirrors with one-touch fold function, key cylinder illumination, 2 special keys with built in electronic immobilzer, keyless entry with alarm, and convenience sockets.  Black water resistant fabric seats are also standard for this urban SUV.

Looking at the outside in detail, the all-new Montero Sport’s exterior is perfect for people looking for an SUV with a muscular stance and at the same time having a contemporary styling befitting an urbanized off-roader. Fender flares on the wheels arches plus bulging curves on the rear quarter panel widens its stance. A pair of highly specialized halogen projector headlamps provide superior visibility and additional lumination is contributed by the front foglamps mounted on the bumper. The large doors, in combination with the tubular design stepboards, are designed in a way to make getting in and out of the Montero Sport effortless.  Load bearing roof rails are standard and add to that SUV appeal. At the rear, a tailgate with large glass area and Euro-inspired tail lamps adds to the unique Mitsubishi look.

The distinguishing factor of the 4x2 from its 4x4 brother is its engine.  The Montero Sport 4x2 is equipped with a 2.5 liter DOHC 16-Valve Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel with quick-spool turbocharger and front-mounted intercooler.  This 2.5 Liter engine which is found also on the Strada model has a maximum output of 136PS @ 3,500 rpm and 314 N-m of torque @ 2,000 rpm and can easily cruise more than 170 kph and at the same time being fuel efficient at 15.5 Kms./liter (at a constant speed 80 kilometer per hour). The two-wheel drive version is also equipped with an INVECS-II 4-speed Automatic transmission with Sportronic mode. INVECS-II is a proprietary transmission technology by Mitsubishi Motors that intelligently adapts to an individual’s driving style.  
         
For handling and safety a power assisted rack and pinion steering system provides good road feel, better response, and a class leading turning radius of only 5.6 meters.   Braking power is complemented by front 16” ventilated disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that works in tandem with the Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).  265/65 R17 tires mounted on stylish multi-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels ensures excellent grip on and off the road. Like other new Mitsubishi models recently introduced in the market, the all-new Montero Sport benefits from the R.I.S.E. safety engineering. R.I.S.E. stands for Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body and frame system which greatly enhances the survivability of its occupants. The RISE frame incorporates front and rear crumple zones with reinforced beams to absorb collision force and direct it away from the vehicle’s interior. Aside from the RISE body, the all-new Montero Sport has dual-stage front SRS Airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners that react instantaneously in the event of a frontal collision and these greatly reduces the chance of passengers being slumped into the steering wheel or dashboard.  The second row is also equipped with two 3-point seatbelts plus a center 2-point lap belt while the third row passengers will have 3-point seatbelts as well.