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Walkaround
Yes, it's still boxy. The dictates of maximum passenger and load space, high ground clearance and minimal front and rear overhangs make an essentially square-rigged look almost mandatory. That said, Mitsubishi designers have done an admirable job of smoothing off the rough edges to give the Sport a more modern, streamlined appearance. Still, there is something a bit unusual about the Sport's proportions, and it's the relationship between body and greenhouse. Ordinarily, they are roughly equal in height, but Mitsubishi has lowered the roofline to create something of a visual imbalance. That has no significant effect on glass area or ease of ingress and egress, but does create a hunkered-down muscular impression that takes some getting used to. The larger tires used on upscale Sports only add to the mismatch. Four versions of the Montero Sport are available. Buyers looking for what is in essence an oversized station wagon--albeit an extremely efficient one--will want to check out the two two-wheel drive models, the base ES and rather more lavish LS. The ES has the distinction of being the only Sport to do without V6 power, relying instead on a 2.4-liter four that develops a modest 134 hp. This engine is available only with a five-speed manual transmission. A 3.0-liter V6 powers all other Sports, whether 2- (LS) or 4- (LS or XLS) wheel drive. Offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, this is a rugged, refined engine. Unless fuel mileage is a top priority, it should be considered essential by most customers, as the four, though not as vibratory as some similar engines (thanks to a pair of internal balance shafts) is challenged by heavy loads and limited in trailer-towing capacity. The larger Monteros, meanwhile, benefit from a power upgrade with a new 3.5-liter V6 rated at 200 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque. Other differences between the models are confined largely to availability of options, with only the XLS getting standard air conditioning, power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, fender flares, cruise control leather upholstery and power windows, mirrors and locks. All can be applied at extra cost to the two LS versions. ABS is optional on all except the ES. Surprisingly, even the ES has a CD unit in its audio system.
Interior Features
As you'd expect, the Sport's long suit is space. Lots of it, including more headroom than the low roof would suggest. Materials used for upholstery, carpet and other surfaces are attractive and appear to be long-wearing. All Sports save the XLS (which gets leather) have good-looking cloth coverings on their comfortable seats; the front seats' range of adjustment is sufficient to give any reasonably sized person enough legroom without cramping those in back. A height-adjustable steering column is standard, though its locked positions are far enough apart that some drivers may not find exactly the wheel angle they want. Visually, the Sport cabin tends more toward truck than car, with a large, blocky dashboard holding essential gauges in front of the driver--the usual speedometer, tachometer, fuel level and water temperature gauges--and, if chosen from the options list, a Multi-Meter with compass, outside temperature, voltage and oil pressure readouts. Heat/vent/air conditioning and audio controls are centered in the dash, within easy reach of driver and passenger. Each of the outboard seating positions also has a hefty grab-handle, a feature much appreciated on- road or off. It's a bit of a reach down to the 4WD transfer case shift lever, which sits next to the shift handle on the center tunnel. No pushbutton or rotating-switch controls for this part-time system; a tug of the lever allows the driver to shift between 2WD and 4WD while the Sport is underway. A shift to low-range 4WD can only be made at rest.
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