DUBAI: Ask a returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW) planning to reward himself about what he has in mind and you’d most probably get a Mitsubishi Montero Sport for an answer.
Pinoys are down-to-earth lovers of two types of cars: the sporty, two-door sedan and the sport utility vehicle, the latter of which the Mitsubishi Montero Sports lands in the top choices along with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Of course, they’d love to get on the driver’s seat of the British Range Rover but that’s a bit high-endish and not exactly up their alley.
Top Gear Philippines (TGP) recently reported that Mitsubishi has launched the “refreshed” Montero Sport in Thailand. The news raised howls among Pinoy Montero lovers as to when the darling of the crowd would make its way to the Philippines.
“The Japanese car manufacturer has given its popular midsize SUV a new face somewhat similar to that found on the updated Mitsubishi Strada. The boxy, macho combination lighting units up front closely resemble those of the company’s midsize pickup truck, and even the ones on the Xpander seven-seat MPV,” said TGP’s Drei Laurel.
The Montero Sport now has more chrome in its front grille and flanked by sporty swept-back headlights with DRLs.
“Overall, the updated front-end design adds toughness to the vehicle’s character, and gives it a look more in line with the rest of the manufacturer’s stable,” said the TGP report.
There is also no shortage of new entertainment and convenience as a modern eight-inch digital LCD meter has taken over the main gauges on the instrument panel.
In the rear is a new power tailgate that can be controlled via smartphone. Interior door handles have been lined with soft padding, and a new power outlet has been installed for rear passengers, said the TGP report.
“No mention of engine or performance changes, so the new Mitsubishi Montero Sport still runs on the company’s 2.4-liter MIVEC turbodiesel engine that generates 178hp and 430Nm. Safety features include lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, and the vehicle retains its Super-Select 4WD-II system,” Laurel said.
