Mitsubishi Montero

Overview:

Mitsubishi Montero is another scintillating creation from the Japanese auto major, which went on to become one of the best-selling SUVs. It is a high end luxury vehicle and also an ideal off-roader developed by the company. This SUV has a compelling body structure featuring aggressive cosmetics all round. Its front facade looks quite attractive, owing to its large radiator grille that has a lot of chrome inserts. This vehicle also has an enchanting interior design that is designed with high quality scratch resistant materials. Furthermore, all the seats have been covered with premium leather upholstery, which further gives a plush appeal to the cabin. On the other hand, the automaker has bestowed this model with innovative comfort features like power adjustable front seats with heating function, fully automatic air conditioning system and a cruise control system. It is currently available with 3.0-litre petrol and 3.2-litre diesel engine options, which are mated with 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmission gearbox respectively.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Its petrol engine is integrated with an electronically controlled multi point fuel injection technology. It can generate a maximum mileage in the range of 8 to 9 Kmpl. On the other hand, its diesel engine is incorporated with a common rail fuel injection technology. This helps the vehicle to produce a maximum of 13 Kmpl.

Power:

The petrol version is powered by a six cylinders engine that is based on DOHC valve configuration. It can produce a commanding power of 135Kw and a hammering torque output of 278Nm. Its diesel version is powered by a 3.2-litre engine that has 4-cylinders. This engine can unleash a power of 165Kw at 3500rpm that results in a pounding torque of 343Nm.

Acceleration And Pickup:

Both the engines in this series help the vehicle to reach a top speed in the range of 185 to 190 Kmph. However, its petrol mill can break the 100 Kmph speed barrier in approximately 9 seconds. On the other hand, the diesel version can accelerate from 0 to 100 Kmph in about 11 seconds.

Exteriors:

This Mitsubishi Montero has an intimidating front facade, thanks to its masculine bumper and sporty cosmetics. It also has a signature radiator grille with horizontally positioned strips along with company's insignia embedded in the center. Its body colored front bumper houses a rectangular shaped air dam with body colored mesh, which is surrounded by a pair of fog lamps. It is also fitted with a protective underbody cladding, which gives it a dynamic stance. The headlight cluster is quite large featuring projector lamps and turn indicators. Its side profile has modernistic design thanks to the well curved wheel arches, which are fitted sturdy set of alloy wheels. Furthermore, it has trendy features like body colored door handles, ORVM caps and high gloss black B and C pillars. Its rear profile has a distinctive design owing to the stylish taillight cluster and an expressive tailgate. The rear bumper is in body color is fitted with a pair of reflectors, which adds to the safety. There is an additional spare wheel fitted to the tailgate, which has a cover embedded with company's logo.

Exterior Measurements:

This SUV has an overall length of 4900mm and a long wheelbase of 2780mm. It has a decent height of 1870mm and a generous ground clearance of 235mm. It also has a decent width of 1875mm, which helps to provide seating for at least seven passengers.

Interior:

Coming to the interiors, this Mitsubishi Montero has a plush internal cabin that is made with high quality leather and plastic material. It has a dual tone dashboard that houses a few equipments like an AC unit, infotainment system and illuminated control switches. Its center fascia has a lot of brushed metallic inserts, which gives a magnificent look to the cabin. The door panels panels are elegantly sculptured and are equipped with power window switches and chrome handles. The steering wheel has a trendy four spoke design featuring brushed metallic inserts and is further equipped with multi-functional switches. It also has a glossy finished floor console featuring a gearshift selector and a pair of cup holders. Its cabin is furnished with ergonomically designed seats, wherein the individual front seats are electrically adjustable. These are further incorporated with heating function and covered with leather upholstery.

Interior Comfort:

The automaker is currently offering this vehicle in two trim levels and both of them are incorporated with identical features. Its cabin is fitted with a fully automatic air conditioning system including manually adjustable air vents at rear, which keeps the ambiance pleasant. It also has a list of features including electric sunroof with tilt adjustment, intermittent front wipers, keyless entry system, center display for visual information, retractable assist grips and dual front sun visors with vanity mirrors. Furthermore, it is also incorporated with power windows, power adjustable leather seats with heater, a large glove box, cup holders and a leather wrapped steering wheel. This model series is also blessed with a cruise control system, which provides an effortless driving experience.

Interior Measurements:

This vehicle has an extremely spacious internal cabin that can host lavish seating for a total of seven passengers. This vehicle also has a spacious boot compartment, which can be increased further by folding third row seat. In addition to this, it also has a massive 88 litre fuel tank that helps to plan a longer trip.

Engine and Performance:

This vehicle is currently available with two engine options. The petrol version is equipped with a 3.0-litre engine that has an electronically controlled multi-point fuel injection technology. It has six cylinders and 24-valves based on DOHC valve configuration. It can churn out a maximum power of 135Kw at 5250rpm that results in a superior torque output of 278Nm at just 4000rpm. This engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox that delivers torque output to all four wheels. On the other hand, its diesel version is powered by a 3.2-litre engine that has common rail fuel injection system. This 4-cylinder engine has a displacement capacity of 3200cc and is incorporated with a turbocharger. It can churn out a power of 165Kw at 3500rpm that results in a hammering torque of 343Nm at 2000rpm. This engine is mated to a five speed automatic transmission gearbox.

Stereo and Accessories:

The manufacturer has equipped its dashboard with a proficient music system featuring a 6 disc CD player, an FM radio along Rockford 12 speakers including audio jack. In addition to these, it also houses a central information display and port for USB device. On the other hand, customers can incorporate a DVD player along with a touchscreen infotainment system including a navigator, which further enhances the convenience.

Wheels:

Both the variants in this Mitsubishi Montero series have been equipped with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. These rims are covered with 265/65 R17 sized tubeless radial tyres, which provides excellent grip on roads.

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has fitted with front wheels with ventilated disc brakes and paired its rear ones with ventilated drum in disc brakes. These are assisted by the anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution, which prevents the vehicle from skidding. This vehicle is bestowed with a heavy duty suspension system wherein its front axle is fitted with double wishbone suspension and the rear axle gets multi-link system. In addition to this, both the axles are loaded with coil springs and anti roll bars, which enhances this mechanism.

Safety and Security:

This vehicle is currently available in two trim levels among which, the base variant has aspects like three point ELR seatbelts, side impact protection beams, door courtesy lamps, back warning system and dual front airbags. In addition to these, its top end variant has aspects like power window key with off-timer, center door lock, discharge headlamps and electro chromic inside rear view mirror.

Pros:

1. Luxurious interiors with lavish seating arrangement.
2. External appearance is quite attractive.
3. An ultimate off-road performer.

Cons:

1. Various other comfort features can be added.
2. Fuel economy is very poor.
3. Initial cost of ownership is too expensive.