The Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero in international markets) has been re-launched in the Indian market. Since it is brought to the country via CBU route hence it is priced at Rs. 68.45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Mitsubishi is one of the few brands which never had much commercial success in India as they have limited vehicles on offer which unfortunately aren’t mass attracters. Due to low sales in 2014, Mitsubishi was forced to pull up the premium SUV Montero from the Indian market.
Last generation model was discontinued owing sky rocketing price of Rs. 40 lakhs and this one is placed even higher. So we don’t get the point of re-launching the facelift version at such jaw dropping price. The reason of such extortionate price is that the model is brought to the country via CBU (completely built up) route. However there is a possibility that the Japanese carmaker might launch Montero via CKD route which help in considerable drop in prices.
Mitsubishi dealers have already started accepting orders for a booking amount of INR 10 lakhs in June 2016 while deliveries have already begun. This new version borrows design cues from company’s dynamic shield face and features new bonnet, redesigned front grille and front bumper with LED daytime running lights. Other changes include new 18 inch alloy wheels, revised body cladding, revamped with rear set up including spare wheel.
The facelift is available in seven paint schemes- black Mica, white solid, warm white Mica, platinum beige metallic, Quartz brown metallic, Eiger gray metallic, Platinum beige metallic and cool silver metallic.
Apart from these minor changes, most of the design is similar to previous gen model. The cabin is bestowed with features like power and tilted sunroof, Rockford music system with 12 speakers, fully automatic air conditioning, chrome embellished door handles, detachable third row seats, touch system with navigation, auto high beam controller, height adjustable driver seat, premium leather upholstery, multi function steering wheel with plethora of controls etc. To rival against Land Cruiser Prado, the cabin of Montero looks basic.
The seven seater SUV measures 4900mm in length, 1875mm in width, 1900mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2780mm. The SUV offers an impressive ground clearance of 235mm. To sum up, safety features on board are 6 airbags; 4ABS, EBD and brake assist system, active stability and traction control and all wheel control etc.
Powering the SUV is the same 3.2 litre DI-D diesel engine that puts out 189bhp power@3800rpm and high torque of 441Nm@2000rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic gearbox and drive selector. The SUV is available in four driveline modes- 2WD high, 4WD high, 4WD low with locked center differential and 4WD high with locked center differential.
