Last week Mitsubishi Motors brought in the renovated version of their Montero in the Indian automobile market. The Japanese auto manufacturer has enjoyed a very successful time in the Indian SUV market with its well known Pajero and Montero. The Mitsubishi Montero has taken the place of the phased out Mitsubishi Pajero in other automobile markets, but since the enthusiasm in the Indian car buyers is growing, the firm has introduced a fresh BSIV version of the Montero to abide by the emission norms in the country.
Other than few cosmetics makeover in the interior and the exterior, the Mitsubishi Montero 2012 is very much same compared to its previous model. However, with the intercooled turbocharger, 3.2-Litre power-mill, the engine remains as it was before. Montero has proven its mettle in all kind of terrain and in all weather conditions till now. It is indeed a very pleasurable experience to drive this mammoth machine with its eager outperforming attitude and a responsive heart. The steering wheel is easy to manoeuvre while the gearbox with its supportive mechanism controls the overall rhythm and speed of how the vehicle is moving. On the outside it looks absolutely muscular whereas the interiors are a true reflection of what luxury could be on four-wheels. The Mitsubishi Montero 2012 has a number of safety and convenience features too. The Montero is in direct competition with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Audi Q5, Toyota Fortuner and Land Rover Freelander 2.
Let’s see what makes the Mitsubishi Montero 2012 different from the lot of other SUVs.
The Exterior
Looking at Montero when it’s stationary is an adorable moment for its owner or anyone for that matter. The Montero shows off a rugged look that has a solid build with a matchless presence on the road to dominate other vehicles through its commanding stance. None can ignore this car once it passes in front of them or is parked at an open place. The bold decisive headlamps, front chrome dipped while the front skid plate is all silver painted, mud guards for protection make the contribution towards the overall robustness of this vehicle. The 17-inch alloy wheels make it look really standing tall and make it exceptionally handsome even when it faces the challenges of the rough terrain.
The Interiors
The cabin of new Mitsubishi Montero is engineered with a lot of care to the minute details as pleasure can’t be brought randomly or frequently. An unbeatable master of off-roading and a matchless leader of on-road drive, this big vehicle have tonne of convenient and classy comfortable attributes inside its cabin for its passengers and driver. Huge space, leather seats, controls that are absolutely user friendly, charm the entrant in the cabin with their royal feel and looks. This crossover has an arrangement of diverse seating that is very suitable for the passengers.
Comfort and Convenience
The Mitsubishi Montero 2012 has a tonne of hot attributes that comprise of many things which add on to the comfortable luxury for the convenience of the passengers and driver. Some of them are Information display on the centre, headlamp washer, audio system of Rockford, stylish meter cluster. Equipped with folding function the keyed power door mirrors are coloured. The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel has cruise control and audio controls to it. Lumber support equipped power seat is the best for anyone sitting on it. The centre armrest console box can be adjusted while it has lower and upper compartments to it. Accessory socket, seat heater, aluminium pedals, rear view mirror is electro chromic, the sunvisor has illuminated vanity mirror, keyless entry system is fabulous. There are other small features as well but then leaving something to experience is always better.
The Engine, its specifications and performance
Beneath the huge bonnet of the Montero lays a 16-valve DOHC, intercooled, 4-cylinder, 3200cc in-line, diesel turbocharger engine that pumps out a massive 202 PS at 3800 rpm while a peak torque of 441 Nm at 2000 rpm compliments the power. This common rail direct engine mates with a five-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sports mode.
This massively powerful engine is efficient enough to take over the most difficult terrains with much ease that is difficult for any other crossover. The technology of SS4-II or Super Select 4WD gives the machine the required kick to outperform anyone in the extreme conditions. This off-roader has a peak speed of 174 kmph where it is capable to make a 0 to 100 kmph in 15.3 seconds only.
The Safety
The firm has always given the priority to safety even when they start from scratch. The Mitsubishi Montero 2012 is no exception for it is well equipped with passive and active protection attributes. Active stability and traction control system, hydraulic brake booster, curtain and side airbags, dual-stage air bags, fuel tank is made of safety design, RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body, Collapsible steering column, anti-lock brakes with multi mode while an electronic brake-force distribution compliments it. The sensors, immobilizer, seat belts for the front, second and third row seats with child locks, anti-theft alarm doesn’t conclude the list but make most of the list.
Mileage
The Mitsubishi Montero 2012 offers a good enough mileage of 12 kmpl on the highway while it gives 7kmpl in the city that is very close to its previous models.
Price
At Rs.40.50 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) Mitsubishi Montero 2012 is a value for money for the SUV lovers who like to go off-roading every now and then.
Verdict
The latest by Mitsubishi, the Montero 2012 is packed with the best of its segment. From the exterior to interiors and finally the engine which sits beneath the hood is all a magnificent display of technology and craftsmanship. The safety features are just amazing. Mileage is as good as it may come from a heavy SUV like Montero while the price is appropriate at Rs40.50 lakh. A best buy if you really want to go for something macho and reliable on the unknown terrains.
