AS Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) launched the new 2020 Montero Sport, it also showed its desire to continue to dominate the local SUV market.
At first glance the new Montero looks like the Mitsubishi Xpander, all grown up. The headlight and front grill arrangement synthesizes the look of both cars under the Dynamic Shield Concept. The updated look is more robust, the chiseled lines are more powerful. Being a major update to the line, the new SUV’s appearance is both tougher but even more refined.
The Dynamic Shield concept emphasizes the sense of wideness with the headlights continuing from the front grille and the combination lamps at the bumper corners. The higher bonnet of the vehicle exhibits a deeper front face, while a more solid, powerful chrome part design projects a more refined, sophisticated appearance. The rear now junks the previous waterfall design and in its place a more geometric pattern separating it entirely from the Xpander vibe.
“The new Montero represents our high achievement in the SUV category. It is our desire to keep our leadership of the segment with this new vehicle,” Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, MMPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer said in a short interview following the vehicle’s release. Oshikiri need not be concerned,
No major performance upgrade has been made to the 2020 Montero as the 2.4L MIVEC turbo diesel mill and 8-speed automatic transmission remain. It also retains the Super-Select 4WD-II system that delivers optimal traction for all surfaces and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. The off-road mode has a newly designed switch on 4WD models to instantly access its all-terrain performance and self-extraction capability through the integrated control of engine output, transmission settings and brake power.
It also gets a new rear spoiler and a rear taillight change that has many fans excited. More uplifting for the new SUV is a fully automated rear tailgate that can raise and lower itself with the use of an app.
This Mitsubishi Remote Control smart phone app offers a number of functions for ease of access and added security, including sending notifications to the driver’s smartphone to lock the doors via the app in case the driver leaves the vehicle with the doors unlocked.
Inside however, the changes are many. Refreshed floor console and soft padded interior door handles enhance the overall interior look with quality and comfort. Storage tray that sits under the floor console are accessible from both left and right sides. An easy-to-read 8 inch color LCD meter, and 8 inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) which is compatible for Apple Carplay and Android. An 8-way power adjustable driver seat to provide convenient adjustment of seating configuration.
The most electrifying addition to the interior is a new AC power outlet that outputs a steady 220V 150W and is featured on all automatic variants.
It continues to have safety features including Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) functions, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, Multi-view camera system that limits blind spots when parking the vehicle, 7 number of airbags for GT 4WD, 6 airbags for GT 2WD, and 2 airbags for the GLS and GLX variants
The 2020 Montero Sport will be available in 4 variants and 7 color options at these prices; GT 2WD at P 1.998M; GLS 2WD at P1.769M. It will be available in the following colors; White Diamond, Sterling Silver Metallic, Titanium Gray, Medium Red, Jet Black.
