Production Models

Ever since it was first introduced to the country back in 1996, the Montero has been a sought-after mid-size SUV. In some years, Mitsubishi claimed the Montero Sport was the best-selling model in its segment. Can it claim the same title in its latest iteration?

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brought in the four-wheel drive variant of the 2020 Montero Sport GT early in the year before the coronavirus pandemic locked down communities and shutdown the economy for a number of months.

Even before the arrival of the 4x4 variant of the latest iteration of the Montero Sport, its lesser brethrens had already drawn praise for their bold new look that many described as the refined version of the new look Strada and Xpander, all bearing what Mitsubishi calls the Dynamic Shield design.

At 4785 millimeters long, 1815mm wide and 1805mm tall, and with 218mm minimum ground clearance, the Montero Sport GT fits perfectly into the template of the midsize seven-seater SUV preferred by Filipino families.

Aside from the Defense Shield-based fascia, new to the Montero Sport are the large combination turn signals and foglamps, the LED rear combination lamp design, and the 18-inch two-tone, six spoke alloy wheels.

But it's what one finds inside the roomy cabin with three rows of seats upholstered in premium leather that has many raving about the Montero Sport GT 4WD.

There's the large 8-inch full LCD instrument cluster that provides info on car function as well as the advanced driver's assistance features.

It comes with the now standard smart keyless entry system with start/stop engine button, dual zone automatic climate control system, and adaptive cruise control.

Then there's the new smartphone link display multi-media entertainment system with an 8-inch display screen with Apple Carplay and Android Audio compatibility. The Smart Display Audio also allows linkage to LCD instrument cluster.

Both the LCD instrument cluster and the multimedia audio system have controls on the steering wheel for greater convenience. The steering wheel also tilts and telescopes.

The Montero Sport GT 4WD also features the new Mitsubishi Smartphone App that allows one to use a mobile phone like a remote control for various functions from power doorlocks to power windows, headlights, hazard lamps, and even to turn on or switch off engine.

The Montero Sport GT also comes with a new power tailgate with keyless operation system. One can open or close tailgate using foot movement in front of sensors. The tailgate opening height can also be set.

Keeping gadgets, including laptops, charged is vital. The Montero Sport GT 4x4 has USB ports, 12V socket, and 220-volt power outlet for charging and operating gadgets and other equipment.

The Montero Sport GT 4WD is a versatile and fun ride. The 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo and the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control provides both power with fuel economy, generating a 181 Ps at 3500 revolutions per minute and 430 Newton-meters of torque at 2500 rpm.

The 4WD comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission with sports mode for optimum fuel efficiency in normal driving. For more enthusiastic driving, use the paddle shifters.

It also comes with Super Select 4WD-II with Off-Road Traction Control. With the turn of a dial, one can shift from 2H for normal road conditions, 4H for rough roads and slippery conditions, 4HLc for even more rugged terrain and low-grip surfaces, the center differential controlling torque distribution to front and rear wheels, and 4LLc for taking on rocky, muddy or sandy trails.

Selecting these driving modes can be done without stopping, except for shifting to 4LLc.

Riding comfort on the road is helped along by a suspension system using double wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar in front and 3-link coil springs with stabilizer bar in the rear.

Also being raved out in the Montero Sport GT 4WD are over the top driver's assist tech and active and passive safety features.

Aside from Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution standard in both the GT and GLS new Montero variants, the GT 4WD also comes with Hill Descent Control, Blind Sport Warning with Lane Change Assist, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Montero Sport GT 4WD also features what Mitsubishi calls the Multi-Around Monitor. Views from cameras mounted on the front, rear and sides of the vehicle, including a bird's eye view, can be displayed in various combinations to help in safe parking.

Other safety features include 7 SRS airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all 7 occupants in vehicle, ISOFIX and Tether Anchors.

With 4-wheel drive capability, connectivity, comfort and safety features and technology, the Montero Sport GT 4WD is the SUV to aspire for.

In these CoViD-19 times, it should be pretty interesting which midsize SUV would have the most number of sales. There are pretty interesting choices now out there.