MOST PEOPLE SEE HAVING KIDS as the loss of self-exuberance and freedom. It’s the time when folks say goodbye to owning that lusty two-door sports coupe and accept the daily driving duties to school in something that resembles a minibus. Well, all that is going to change with the unveiling of two new automobiles from Mitsubishi—both catered to bring the fun back in family life: the Grandis and the Montero Sport.
Grandis: more than your average car
On initial glance, the Grandis looks to be a clash between two polar design themes: practicality and sportiness. Yet, the yin and yang is harmoniously integrated into a vehicle that’s the best of both worlds. A crowning achievement for Mitsubishi design guru Olivier Boulay, the Grandis carries the distinctive corporate styling to the next level. The gentle curves and generous roofline suggest a roomy and inviting interior for seven, while the raked triangular headlamps, dominate triangular grille and large fog lamps connote sportiness. At the back, the Grandis keeps both themes together with safety-minded LED tail lamps (they light up faster than conventional bulbs) wrapped in cool, clear white-out housings.
Once you’ve absorbed all the positive chi energy, it’s time to step inside the world of soft blue dash and beige leather seats. This relaxing color contrast interior is accentuated by the Grandis’ easy to operate controls such as the center console mounted gated gear lever, large circular climate control knobs and high-fidelity CD/MP3 audio system. Practicality is high on the Grandis’ list with numerous cubby holes from a sunglass holder to a two-tiered glove box to several under-seat compartments.
Being the modern family carrier that it is, the Grandis offers a highly flexible seating for seven. Aside from its traditional mode, the seats can be arranged in at least five ways: a five-seater with large luggage space; a fold-down 2nd and 3rd row for a mobile playroom; a fold down front seats for that lounge chair effect; a reverse fold 3rd row for picnics; and a single stowed 3rd row seat for extra-long cargo.
As practical and flexible as it is, Mitsubishi engineers haven’t forgotten the fun in driving. So, they’ve given the Grandis the heart of an athlete: a 2.4-liter SOHC inline-4 with MIVEC. The MIVEC system employs multiple cam lobes to vary valve timing depending on engine speeds. The result is astounding, class-leading figures: 165 ps at 6,000 rpm and 22.1 kg-m at 4,000 rpm. This potent power plant is mated to a mated 4-speed INVECS automatic with sportronic. The engine and transmission combination is promises to give the Grandis excellent touring capabilities without sacrificing fuel economy.
Montero Sport: go wherever
While black-tie dads and soccer moms will appreciate the Grandis’ suave style and sophistication, those who spend more time in the great outdoors will definitely head towards the way of the Montero Sport—a vehicle that has garnered an almost mystical identity in the Philippines. Using the Montero (known as the Pajero locally) DNA as the main ingredient, Mitsubishi has plugged the gap between their venerable full-sized Pajero and stylish compact Outlander SUV.
From the girth and look alone, it’s immediately visible that the Montero Sport is a well-deserved entry into the local market. The 4,620 mm overall length is compact enough for city parking while keeping all five passengers comfy with excellent head, shoulder and leg room. Its 500 mm wading depth is certainly perfect for the occasional flood but its 1,730 mm overall height is still enough to clear most, if not all, underground or elevated parking structures.
While the dominant front grille and crystal-effect headlights are honorable mentions, the best way to appreciate the technology behind the Montero Sport is to flip it over. Beneath, the Double Wishbone/3-Link Coil Spring suspension system is visible. This set-up is the same one that’s made the Pajero Field Master such an unstoppable force in the SUV category. However, for services on the Montero Sport, Mitsubishi has added a four-wheel drive system. The Easy Select 4WD allows a shift-on-the-fly action from 2H and 4H at speeds up to 100 km/h thanks to a free-wheel front differential. Similarly, the Field Master’s 2.5-liter intercooled turbo diesel engine (125 ps at 4,000 rpm / 29.8 kg-m at 2,000 rpm) makes its way on the Montero Sport. Initially, only an automatic variant is available on the Montero Sport, but a manual will make its way into the market shortly.
Venerable and capable to cross the Baja Desert as it is, the Montero Sport doesn’t shoe away from luxury. In fact, it’s packed with a long list of standard features including a leather steering wheel and seats; a high-fidelity CD/MP3 audio system; “black marble” interior accents; white backed meter gauges; and several overhead and under tray consoles. For the aspiring Boy Scout, the Montero Sport also has a 3-meter combination cluster that show battery voltage, oil temperature and a digital compass.
Luxurious as it is from the inside, the design of the Montero Sport takes its cues from the vehicle’s power train. The result is a rough and tough styling that’s austere but not bare. Standard on the Montero Sport are a monotone body, front fog lamps, side step boards, 16-inch alloys shod with 255/70 R 16 tires, a functional hood scoop and a rear deck spoiler with third brake light.
Everyone’s a winner
At the end of the day, whatever end of the Mitsubishi showroom you end up in, both vehicles are truly winners. They attract a distinct set of clientele with the same kind of mind-set: an uplifting of the spirit that’s been long destroyed by driving cars that border on the average and the boring. With the Mitsubishi Grandis and Montero Sport, the daily grind will hopefully turn into the daily grin.
Both the Mitsubishi Grandis and Montero Sport are now available at all Mitsubishi dealers nationwide. The Grandis (CBU, Thailand) is available in seven colors for an SRP of P 1,480,000 while the Montero Sport (CBU, Japan) is available in four colors for an SRP of P 1,580,000. Both vehicles come with Mitsubishi’s 3-year / 100,000 kilometer warranty.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang
Originally Published in The Manila Times
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