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Montero Sport: go wherever While black-tie dads and soccer moms will appreciate the Grandis’ suave style and sophistication, those who spend more time in the great outdoors will definitely head towards the way of the Montero Sport—a vehicle that has garnered an almost mystical identity in the Philippines. Using the Montero (known as the Pajero locally) DNA as the main ingredient, Mitsubishi has plugged the gap between their venerable full-sized Pajero and stylish compact Outlander SUV. From the girth and look alone, it’s immediately visible that the Montero Sport is a well-deserved entry into the local market. The 4,620 mm overall length is compact enough for city parking while keeping all five passengers comfy with excellent head, shoulder and leg room. Its 500 mm wading depth is certainly perfect for the occasional flood but its 1,730 mm overall height is still enough to clear most, if not all, underground or elevated parking structures. While the dominant front grille and crystal-effect headlights are honorable mentions, the best way to appreciate the technology behind the Montero Sport is to flip it over. Beneath, the Double Wishbone/3-Link Coil Spring suspension system is visible. This set-up is the same one that’s made the Pajero Field Master such an unstoppable force in the SUV category. However, for services on the Montero Sport, Mitsubishi has added a four-wheel drive system. The Easy Select 4WD allows a shift-on-the-fly action from 2H and 4H at speeds up to 100 km/h thanks to a free-wheel front differential. Similarly, the Field Master’s 2.5-liter intercooled turbo diesel engine (125 ps at 4,000 rpm / 29.8 kg-m at 2,000 rpm) makes its way on the Montero Sport. Initially, only an automatic variant is available on the Montero Sport, but a manual will make its way into the market shortly. Venerable and capable to cross the Baja Desert as it is, the Montero Sport doesn’t shoe away from luxury. In fact, it’s packed with a long list of standard features including a leather steering wheel and seats; a high-fidelity CD/MP3 audio system; “black marble” interior accents; white backed meter gauges; and several overhead and under tray consoles. For the aspiring Boy Scout, the Montero Sport also has a 3-meter combination cluster that show battery voltage, oil temperature and a digital compass. Luxurious as it is from the inside, the design of the Montero Sport takes its cues from the vehicle’s power train. The result is a rough and tough styling that’s austere but not bare. Standard on the Montero Sport are a monotone body, front fog lamps, side step boards, 16-inch alloys shod with 255/70 R 16 tires, a functional hood scoop and a rear deck spoiler with third brake light. Everyone’s a winner At the end of the day, whatever end of the Mitsubishi showroom you end up in, both vehicles are truly winners. They attract a distinct set of clientele with the same kind of mind-set: an uplifting of the spirit that’s been long destroyed by driving cars that border on the average and the boring. With the Mitsubishi Grandis and Montero Sport, the daily grind will hopefully turn into the daily grin. Both the Mitsubishi Grandis and Montero Sport are now available at all Mitsubishi dealers nationwide. The Grandis (CBU, Thailand) is available in seven colors for an SRP of P 1,480,000 while the Montero Sport (CBU, Japan) is available in four colors for an SRP of P 1,580,000. Both vehicles come with Mitsubishi’s 3-year / 100,000 kilometer warranty. |
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