Mitsubishi launches new Strada
IT seems only a few months ago (it was just a few months ago— December, to be exact) when we published our first drive of Mitsubishi’s new Strada in a comprehensive off-road test on the mountainous outskirts of Bangkok in Thailand. That actual drive happened in November.
And now, barely three months later, we find ourselves again wringing Mitsubishi’s venerable truck on a dirt track—this time in Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga.
The event marks the official Philippine launch of the new Strada. I use the word “launch” literally as Mitsubishi brought in Paris-Dakar racing legend Hiroshi Masuoka to give the helmeted media reps literal flying laps on the specially designed dirt track as he launched the new truck airborne over bumps.
Considered as one of the most important models of Mitsubishi, the new Strada, which is produced in Laem Chabang Plant in Thailand, will be sold around the globe in 150 countries. In the Philippines, the new Strada will be available in six variants—all fitted with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Under the design concept “Rock Solid” which embodies a strengthened structure inside and out, the new Strada flaunts the newgeneration “Dynamic Shield.” The high hood, sleek LED headlamps, and aggressive grille and bumper design present a compelling and upscale fascia. The newly sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines expresses a tough yet modern
look. The front-to-back character line expresses a sense of space and the thickness of the overall body. The new Strada is available in seven colors: White Diamond, Graphite Gray Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Red Solid Clear, Grayish Brown Metallic and Impulse Blue Metallic.
Inside the new Strada is a functional and modernized center panel and console. All variants feature a 2-DIN touchscreen monitor with tuner/MP3/USB/iPod/ Aux/Bluetooth connectivity and Mirror Link. All variants are also equipped with a GPS navigation system. There is even a front smartphone tray which includes USB terminals. A rear smartphone tray is also available and is located at the in rear of the center console including a USB power socket.
The new Strada also boasts a spacious interior which can comfortably seat five adults, thanks to the unique J- Line design that offers a class-leading legroom for an enhanced comfort.
The new Strada is powered by Mitsubishi’s state-of-the-art 4N15 2.4-liter Clean Diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System). The powerplant delivers 181ps and 430Nm of torque. Improvements developed to deliver an extremely durable and reliable truck are evident with the comfortable ride and handling. Ride is improved with the use of larger rear dampers, which contain more damping oil. Braking power was also improved with the use of larger front discs and caliper pistons for the GT 4x4, GLS 4x4 and GLS 4x2 variants.
The GT 4WD A/T is equipped with the company’s advanced Super Select 4-Wheel Drive while the GLS 4WD MT is fitted with Easy Select 4WD which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics on any road condition.
The new Strada hosts an array of advanced passive and active safety features, including Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, which absorbs the impact of collision. It retains the current model’s high-durability and high-reliability ladder-type chassis and high-impact safety cabin structure. Active Stability Traction Control (ASTC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) are now standard on all variants. The topof-the-line GT 4x4 is equipped with Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) which can detect vehicles and pedestrian ahead preventing or reducing the impact of collision. It also has an Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), which prevents accidents resulting from improper use of accelerator when moving off or reversing. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) is also standard on the GT 4x4. With the BSW, sideswiping is prevented when changing lanes by detecting vehicles behind or at the rear quarter and alerting the driver thru an audible alert and flashing light.
The new Strada is now available at the following suggested retail prices: GLX Plus 2WD MT at P1,165,000, GLX Plus 2WD AT at P1,240,000, GLS 2WD MT at P1,225,000, GLS 2WD AT at P1,300,000, GLS 4WD MT at P1,445,000, and GT 4WD AT P1,670,000.