|
Mitsubishi Montero Sport emerges as tough new SUV 4x4 wagon
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
|
TORTILLA FLAT, Ariz. -- Tackle the Apache Trail, which climbs out of the Phoenix desert in a serpentine circuit threaded around Superstition Mountain, and you'll need a sturdy vehicle equipped with 4-wheel traction because pavement ends beyond the oasis of Tortilla Flat.
That's where the rough route starts -- and the fun.
The path, skirting Apache Lake in a deeply etched canyon defined by multi-colored layers of rock and accented by tall exclamations of saguaro cacti, snakes up to the impoundment at Roosevelt Reservoir but along the way consists of Sonoran sand, pulverized stone and other slippery trail debris to make work out of any traverse.
Yet my recent excursion up the Apache Trail proved to be an easy challenge, thanks to a new 4-wheel-drive sport-utility wagon by Mitsubishi of Japan that can carry riders in comfort and still provide sure-footed traction confidence when venturing off pavement.
Montero Sport, with four passenger doors and two tiers of seats plus rear cargo room, shapes up as the newest entrant in the compact-class of sport-utility wagons. For off-roading, several versions stock a muscular 6-pack powerplant and a 4-wheel-drive system tied to a 2-speed transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability.
Mitsubishi's wagon looks tough, a band of low body cladding wrapping around the rectangular design where all corners have been curved so one plane flows smoothly into the next. The cladding emphasizes strong horizontal lines pitched near the base of the vehicle, which makes Sport appear to hunker against the landscape in stable stance.
Drive it off pavement, like one tester experienced on rocky courses sprouting off the Apache Trail, and Montero Sport steps lively over ground obstacles and exhibits an active attitude which instills driver confidence.
Despite bumps over turbulent terrain, it also maintains a soothing zone of comfort for on-board human cargo.
As many as five adults can ride comfortably in the wagon's cabin, which positions twin bucket seats up front and a bench for three in back.
Passenger capacity defines Sport's place in the line because another Mitsubishi wagon bears the Montero name but contains seats for seven in a full-size package.
Both vehicles utilize the same basic platform with identical wheelbase of 107.3 inches, but that's where similarities end. When the pair park together the eye will immediately pick out differences, as the original Montero looks like a husky big brother to Sport.
A ruler proves the point.
Montero Sport with 4-wheel-drive equipment added measures more than eight inches less in a bumper-to-bumper comparison with Montero and its roof drops by almost seven inches, which greatly decreases the center of gravity.
Even with less overall height, ground clearance improves by well over an inch -- a generous 8.5 inches in 4x4 version.
This lower stance for a more concise package with improved height for clearing rocks and roots and stone-washed creekbeds contributes to Montero Sport's aggressive behavior when moving off-road.
It's a tight package too, reinforced by innovative manufacturing techniques which form massive metal stampings of major body parts, like one-piece side panels and a broad front piece. Employing less fragments engineered for strength, when combined with chassis cross braces, creates a rigid framework with all sections fitted with few gaps and less welds, thus reducing flexation squeaks and rattles.
Further, by incorporating the extended wheelbase of full-size Montero, compact Montero Sport ends up with a far longer span between front and rear wheels than its class-sized competitors. This means more space inside for passengers, plus a smoother ride quality and increased stability for mastering highway curves or towing a trailer.
Independent front suspension elements -- with unequal length A arms, telescopic shock absorbers and taut front stabilizer bar -- mount to a boxed ladder frame.
Then sophisticated bushings and brackets isolate suspension from frame and frame from body so wheels react to rough footings without sending such trauma into the cabin.
From the passenger's point of view, you end up with a pleasant ride sensation that's way removed from the typical SUV's truck-rough treatment.
Mitsubishi sweetens its new deal by building a Montero Sport in four distinct variations, with pricing and power and optional off-road riggings to fit various lifestyle modes and budget constraints.
The bargain deal appears at the bottom of this series with Montero Sport ES, whose price drops to about $18,000.
It arrives late in the model-year with the only 4-cylinder engine offered, plus a 5-speed manual stick shifter and rear 2-wheel-drive traction. The 2.4-liter four, with single cam and multi-point electronic fuel injection applied, produces 134 hp and adequate engine torque through all gears.
Sport's basic model contains a high level of conveniences, beginning with the twin front bucket seats separated by center console and a rear folding bench for three. Bonuses include an adjustable steering column, overhead console, analog instruments with tachometer, dual airbags for increased safety, and a rear storage area equipped with cargo tie-down hooks, two recessed storage compartments and an auxiliary power outlet.
A second rear-drive model, Montero Sport LS, installs an electronic automatic 4-speed transmission and V6 engine for a bottom line that approaches $22,000.
This Mitsubishi 3.0-liter V6, which also shows up in the larger Montero, features a cam on top and four valves in every cylinder. Output extends to a zippy 178 hp.
Two 4-wheel-drive editions, LS and XLS, draw from the same V6, with interior perks increasing up the series. The LS gets a manual 5-speed, while XLS has the automatic. Sticker figures expand from $24,000 to $31,000 or so between these two editions, but ultimate XLS has it all -- even deluxe leather upholstery.
For safety, a host of elements combine to craft a secure package.
As proof, one Montero Sport observed during the recent off-road test in Arizona was accidently driven off a steep trail and ended up rolling side-over-side for three times -- yet the two occupants walked away, shaken but not stirred.
1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT
|
| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT Specs |
| Description: |
5-door compact SUV wagon |
| Model Options: |
5-door compact SUV wagon |
| Wheelbase: |
107.3 inches |
| Overall Length: |
178.3 inches
|
| Engine Size: |
SOHC 2.4-L I4
SOHC 3.0-L V6
|
| Transmission: |
I4: Manual/5
V6: Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear 2WD, 4WD |
| Braking: |
2WD: Power disc/drum
4WD: Power 4-disc |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I4 M/5 2WD: 22/25 mpg
V6 A/4 2WD: 19/22 mpg
V6 M/5 4WD: 17/21 mpg
V6 A/4 4WD: 18/21 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 18,000 to $ 31,000 |
|
|
