First introduced in 1996, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is currently in its third generation, which was unveiled initially in 2015. Based on the L200 pickup truck’s body-on-frame platform, the mid-size Montero Sport is a pure-blooded off-roader and is thus equipped with all the essentials. This includes a selectable four-wheel-drive system with a low-ration transfer case, and a rear locking differential.
The redesign in 2015 meant that the new iteration of the Montero Sport got a much-needed facelift. It also became more user-friendly, and received other upgrades as well to keep it relevant and competitive. However, the capable Montero Sport faces some really tough rivals in the region such as the Toyota Fortuner, Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Exterior
The front end of the 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sport gets the company’s Dynamic Shield design. The front fascia gets a double-slotted chrome grille that’s flanked by chic LED headlights, aggressively-molded bumper with a large air dam opening and stylish fog light housing.
The side profile not only highlights the tall stance of this SUV, but also reveals several interesting contours and character lines all along the body. There are large flared fenders, huge ground clearance, short front overhang, and the 18-inch alloys all look nice. It’s at the back that things go a bit wrong.
The most noticeable thing at the back is the gaudy design of the lights and the awkward rear design in general. Compared to the rest of the car, this rear fascia is undeniably ghastly and is definitely the most unattractive design feature to say the least. However, the LED elements within the taillights and the thick chrome bar do make their presence felt.
The three-row, 7-seat Montero Sport measures 4.785 meters in length, 1.815 meters in width, 1.800 meters in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2.800 meters. However, with the last row of seats in place, boot capacity is a measly 131 liters.
Interior
The interior of the 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sport is quite a nice place to spend time in. The leather seats are comfortable and offer good cushioning. The faux wood trim and grey metal accents also do their bit to break the monotony of the black plastic surfaces.
Build quality is good and just like in the Pajero, everything feels like it is built to last. There are some soft-touchpoints in this cabin, but they are surely outnumbered by the hard, tacky ones. However, the Montero Sport offers a comfortable, spacious cabin with good seating, and plenty of features. There’s leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, electrically-adjustable driver seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, electric sunroof, LED headlights, rear air-con vents, keyless entry with push-start button, rear entertainment system, cruise control, electric handbrake, and a touchscreen infotainment rig with a 6-speaker sound system.
Safety gadgets include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, traction and stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, speed-sensing door locks, blind spot warning, collision detection with auto emergency braking, and a raft of other nannies.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sport gets a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 215 HP and 285 Nm of torque. When mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system, this SUV can reach 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, and go on to hit 182 km/h.
Fuel economy figures vary between 13.1-13.6L/100 km for the 2WD and 4WD versions, respectively.
Verdict
The 2019 Mitsubishi Montero Sport costs between AED 79,900 to AED 109,000 to buy, while insurance costs between AED 1,798 to AED 2,453.
