Mitsubishi Montero 3.2 DI-D (Old)

Though the Montero is essentially a face-lifted version of the earlier Pajero 3.2, it looks distinctively different with a new grille, a new bumper and reworked front fenders, which still have those characteristic bulges. The fog lamps are now round instead of rectangular and the narrower grille has a prominent central bar. Going over to the sides, the body-cladding is in a different shade and the rear wheel arch retains that huge bulge towards the rear-lights. The rear remains pretty much the same with just an addition of an air-spoiler.

The Montero’s 3.2-litre twin-cam, 16-valve unit is a direct-injection turbo but doesn’t come with ‘common-rail’ technology — a byword today for cutting-edge diesels. The specs are still pretty impressive though, especially the 38kgm of torque, which is developed at only 2000rpm.

It has a lot of electronic help like the M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability Traction Control) system where the engine ECU houses eight sensors within it, all on the lookout for loss of traction.  If a wheel spins or is not in symphony with the other three, the ECU engages traction control providing a combination of braking and accelerating force through the hydraulic control unit, so you won’t be caught wanting for traction.  Add the differential locks and a low range transfer case and you have an SUV that can brush off most surfaces.