THE latest version of the Mitsubishi Strada in the “Athlete” trim and part of the “Black Series” could very well be the most “put together” one so far. I have had the chance to test both the 4×2 and 4×4 variants. Both are fuel efficient, capable and handsome. But combining the brawny looks of the Athlete (which was launched with an attention-grabbing orange color) with the mystery of the various textures of black really brings out the strength of the pick-up. Let me justify my postulation.
First, the Strada’s tall stance, wide shoulders, full and muscular stance and that chiseled shape are part of its attractions. In a world of sharp lines or bulbous shapes, the Strada is lean and mean. Black painted rims just resolve the whole athletic look, the lack of chrome replaces the luxury it was known for when it was launched in early 2018 with oomph and punch, something that the younger pick-up buyers will truly appreciate.
The Strada Athlete would not rank well in recent and past awards from the media and consumer groups here if it did not perform well, or look good. In some cases it beat better-equipped pick-up trucks because it offered value–that difficult to explain but easy to feel X-factor. This includes the robust aesthetics of course, which except for the loud body stickers on the review units we had, was truly brawny for the Strada.
Second, the Strada keeps it current powerplant, but somehow gets a better match with engine and transmission. Pushing the Strada is the turbocharged MIVECT 2.4L diesel engine. It is a low-emission oil burner that delivers produces 181-hp and 430-Nm of torque. The turbo kicks in at 3000rpm and it can accelerate to a hundred kilometers per hour quickly without a trail of black smoke. The six-speed automatic has an extra set of controls for the 2H, 4H and 4×4 but between this version and the rear-wheel drive only 4×2, there is not much difference in power and even power delivery to the rear wheels. The extra weight of the 4×4 systems seems to give it a proper weight bias compared to the 4×2. That could just be me.
When we had the 4×2 we went to the farthest reaches of the Lobo-Malabrigo road in Batangas, and for a while, got stuck in loose gravel and beach sand–something that would not have happened with the 4×4. To test the 4×4 we went to the innards of Barangay Atisan in San Pablo and a little-known connector back road to Lipa, Batangas by the edge of Mt. Malarayat where there are plenty of opportunities to slip and slide. On 4H (4-wheel drive high) the slippery roads were easy to handle, and the deep muddy portions were best taken with 4-wheel low. What is really lacking in these conditions are better tires–the all-terrain ones fitted still lacked grip.
That however, did not prevent the Strada to do its job. Power is available on demand–a lot of grunt without a lot of stress on the engine thanks to the well-matched 6-speed automatic transmission which is both sensitive and versatile. The gearing of the rear axle and the quick-thinking of the transmission can push the heavy pickup quite even through muck. And driving with a heavy load 8 sacks of unhusked rice is an ease. I should mention that the transmission knows when to keep in low gear under the heaving necessary in the mud.
Third, the Mitsubishi Strada sits really high. I had no opportunity to test the over 600mm wading depth, just waiting for a flood to do that. I also lost the chance to dive into the Daraitan River because the local government closed the access road due to some security issues. I am unsure if there is a bigger aspect ratio to the tires
The 4×2 and 4×4 share the same two-tone leather seats (orange and black). I think this is a Strada Athlete feature. It isn’t a new concept but the seat’s sporty shape and color matching is really beautiful. I think it works for the original orange color of the launch model of the variant. But in the Black Series of the Athlete, it works even better, breaking the monotone and adds to its total character
The price tag on this soldier is P1.764M. Not affordable to all but one of the most value-for-money offerings when making a comparison. I won’t go head to head with the Ford Ranger Raptor in price and features but in terms of value–with all that it comes with– automatic headlight detection, forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, stability, and traction control, trailer stability assist, hill descent control, hill start assist, multi around monitor, and the ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system (that one electronic gadget designed to put to rest the myth of unintended acceleration) means there is a lot to get for the price.
