2016 Mitsubishi Montero launched at Rs 71.06 lakh

In 2014, Mitsubishi discontinued the Montero in India. But now, for 2016, the carmaker has relaunched an updated version of the SUV, and it looks like it means business. But does it do justice to its price tag?

As far as looks go, the new Montero has those classic SUV rugged lines, but seem toned down from that seen on the boxy Pajeros of the past. It still has the horizontally lined front grille which contains directed vents that channel air to cool all engine pistons equally. The air dam and front bumper, however, have been revised, and it also gets DRLs integrated into the bumper, near the fog lamps. The side profile is similar to the older model's, but gets a rear wheel arch that flows all the way to the rear end of the car. The SUV also gets fog lamps at the rear for night driving.

It comes with the same 3.2 litre, 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection, diesel engine that has been tweaked for a more refined performance and smoother torque delivery. It churns out a peak power of 192hp at 3,800 rpm, and has a peak torque output of 441Nm at 2,000rpm. The car has a five-speed automatic gearbox and true to its off-road credentials, gets four driveline modes – 2WD High (2-H), 4WD High (4-H), 4WD High with locked center differential (4-HLc), and 4WD low with locked center differential (4-LLc). All modes can be changed on the go, except for the 4-LLc mode. Suspension duties are handled by a double-wishbone setup at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

The Montero now gets swanky headlamps that have a high discharge output, headlight washers, and an automatic high beam that is controlled by a camera. It also gets a panoramic sunroof, as well as the option of having the last two rear seats fold neatly away into the floor of the car for extra space. It is fitted with a Rockford Acoustic Design sound system, and an infotainment system that now offers Bluetooth. There is also a centre information display to relay navigation information from a compass, as well as altitude and fuel consumption. Safety features include AWC (All Wheel Control) and ATSC (Active Stability and Traction Control), as well as a multi-mode ABS and EBD.

The new Montero is available in seven colours across India, with customisable dual-tone interiors. Since it is brought in via the CBU route, the Montero is priced at a whopping Rs 71.06 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), which puts it in the crosshairs of premium SUVs like the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. A detailed review will be able to tell us if it’s worth that premium, but on the face of it that looks quite tough. However, Mitsubishi says there is a possibility for the Montero to see a CKD route to India, which will result in a drop in price.