The best changes to the best: What’s new with the Montero

1. Revised Dynamic Shield Front Face – At its fascia where it’s most eye-catching, Mitsubishi’s very own “Dynamic Shield” grille is flanked by sleeker headlights, compared to its precursor’s. The large C-shaped chrome accents now have a more purposeful positioning, as they frame the gaping fog lamp clusters that look like huge intakes that seamlessly integrate to the new bumper and chin spoiler. First seen on the Xpander MPV, and more recently the Strada pick-up.

2. LCD digital instrument cluster – The analog instrument binnacle was replaced by a new crisp and clear multi-information 8-inch digital display cluster, similar to many of today’s premium European luxury brands.

3. Smartphone-Link Display Audio Infotainment System – a new 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system on its Multimedia console, with Apple Carplay and Android Auto built-in as standard makes mobile phone integration and mirror-imaging fast, convenient and seamless.

4. Added Safety Features – These include Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) functions. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control aid convenience and off-road performance. These come on top of the 6- or 7-airbags (depending on variant), the forward collision mitigation system, ABS-EBD brakes and more. While 4WD isn’t available yet, we hope to see Mitsubishi’s Off-road Terrain Management System on their 4WD variants next year just as in the Strada pick-up.

5. Still the same excellent power train – Mitsubishi retains the amazing 4N15 MIVEC equipped 2.4L 16-valve In-line 4-cylinder Clean Diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), rated at 181PS 430 Newton-meters of Torque driving the wheels via a 6-speed manual, or the slick and smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission from Aisin, complete with paddle shifters. No 4WD for now, but hopefully we get the Super Select II 4WD system next year.