5 things we like the most in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has undoubtedly been a common sight on local roads for some time as it has earned its place as one of the more popular SUVs in the Philippines.

Exhibiting refined features and solid performance, the present iteration of the midsize SUV from Mitsubishi continues to be a paradigm of quality in its price point — an aspirational vehicle that also remains within reach.

We take a look at five of the standout virtues in this Mitsubishi that we believe have enabled it to consistently capture the attention and hearts of discerning Filipino buyers.

1. Generous, flexible space

One of the reasons buyers go for an SUV is luxury of space that it affords — whether for passengers or cargo. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is a proper seven-seater that gives adequate headroom and legroom for its occupants. It can also transform into a cargo carrier when the third-row seats are folded. You can stow luggage, bags and bags of groceries, or other bulky items. With both rear seats folded, the vehicle can even accommodate a couple of bicycles or even a surfboard.

2. Legible instrumentation and easy controls from the driver’s seat

For the driver, the Mitsubishi affords not just a great sweeping view of the streets but clear and legible instrumentation to assist in the drive. An eight-inch colored LCD meter lies directly in view — making available vital information such as vehicle speed and trip information. The driver can cycle through information he or she needs via this good-looking digital cluster. Meanwhile, steering wheel controls also make it possible to access key features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), voice command activation and audio entertainment for even greater convenience and safety.

3. That’s infotainment

An entertained passenger (and driver) is a happy one, and Mitsubishi addresses this well in the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Its infotainment system, housed in the center console, features Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) that offers smartphone-like convenience. Its large touchscreen boasts an upgraded TomTom GPS navigation system and quicker processing. Information and controls such as those for the audio and journey status can be seen here. Got songs on your phone that you’d want to share? SDA supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as well. Play that awesome song!

4. A slew of safety features

An SUV is only as good as its complement of safety features for the protection of both occupants and even those outside it. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport delivers in this regard in spades. We list just several here. One is through Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which lets the driver set a preferred speed and the system automatically adjusts the distance from the vehicle in front using radar sensors. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is an indispensable way to eliminate the possibility of “surprise” collisions due to vehicles coming up from behind and falling into the blind spot of the driver. Radar sensors in the rear bumper detect these vehicles, and an indicator lamp will light up in either or both door mirrors to warn the driver.

To help prevent collisions when parking, a buzzer will sound and a warning light comes on in the LCD meter if sensors detect a nearby obstacle. The vehicle’s safety system will also cut engine output the driver’s foot accidentally presses down on the accelerator.

5. A thrifty, powerful engine

Motivating the entire range of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is the proven and reliable 2.4-liter MIVEC Clean Diesel engine. The direct-injection diesel is both frugal and powerful; it’s lightweight, too. The power plant delivers a stout 181ps and 430Nm output, which the driver can access via a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission. Fuel efficiency is impressive, with a maximum reading of 18 kilometers plus per liter recorded.

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation