Ultimate sport utility truck

MANILA, Philippines - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMPC) officially pulled the curtains off the all-new 2015 Strada, a pickup that promises to blend passenger car comfort with SUV amenities, functionality, and ruggedness. The fifth-generation model in Mitsubishi’s storied pickup truck history, the all-new Strada takes the concept of “sport utility truck” to the next level as it aims to become the top choice among pickup buyers in the country.

Since its introduction as the Forte in Japan and L200 in the Philippines, Mitsubishi’s pickup has always been one of the top choices in the segment and is constantly a strong seller among Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s global line-up. In the Philippines, it has cumulatively sold more than 56,000 units since the 1990s, making it the bestselling pickup nameplate in the country.

The all-new Strada evokes a dynamic and sophisticated stance with its taut lines and compact proportions. The highly evocative style gives it class-leading aerodynamics contributing to better fuel efficiency and high-speed quietness. Careful consideration has been done to improve visibility with thinner A-pillars and a large greenhouse. The front bumper is even designed to channel water spray in an outward manner rather than toward the windshield for better safety in wet weather conditions. The impressive headlamps house LED daytime running lights with HID projector beams for the GLS 4x4 M/T and GLS Sport 4x4 A/T variants.

At the side, the distinctive “J-line” provides a clever engineering solution that shortens the wheelbase and maximizes interior space without compromising loading capabilities. In fact, despite the Strada’s larger and deeper bed, it has a class-leading 5.9-meter turning radius.

It features a stylishly sporty two-tone black/gray interior with piano black and silver accent trims scattered throughout. The instrument cluster features a neat and straightforward display with a large multi-information display sandwiched by the large tachometer and speedometer. Dead center is a 6.75-inch touchscreen multimedia system filled with various functions from GPS navigation to reverse camera display to a tire pressure monitoring system. The Strada also boasts of the longest cabin in its class at 1,745mm with the most comfortable rear seatback angle.

The Strada is offered in six variants. In 2WD: GL 4x2 base M/T, GLX 4x2 M/T, GLX V 4x2 A/T; in 4WD: GL 4x4 base M/T, GLS V 4x4 M/T, and GLS Sport V 4x4 A/T. At the heart of the all-new Strada is an improved version of Mitsubishi’s Di-D engine. For the lower variants, they produce 136 hp at 4,000 rpm and 324 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. For the higher variants, the 4D56 engine produces a maximum output of 178 hp at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm thanks to a variable geometry turbo (VGT). Available transmission options are: five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic.

Mitsubishi isn’t hiding the fact that the Strada isn’t the most powerful in outright power. Yet, it features the best power-to-weight ratio. With a curb weight of just 1,835 kg for the GLS Sport V A/T model, it’s easily lighter than its larger, more powerful competition. Yet, it can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 10.3 seconds compared to its competitor which does 10.8 seconds even if it has a 200-hp inline-5 under the hood.

The range-topping GLS Sport V features Mitsubishi’s renowned Super Select 4WD-II system. Also seen in the likes of the Pajero, this technology provides outstanding off-road performance and superior handling with just the turn of a knob on the center console. This system also controls torque distribution between the front and rear wheels up to 40 percent front and 60 percent rear. In addition, it allows the Strada to run on full-time 4WD unlike its competitors which are purely 2WD with shift-on-the-fly systems.

With the pickup truck’s increasingly multifunction role as family transport, lifestyle vehicle, and business companion, the Strada doesn’t take a backseat in terms of safety. It uses the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, dual SRS airbags, seat belt with pre-tensioners, and anti-lock brakes (ABS)with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

The all-new Strada is now available at all Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide and comes in Quartz Brown Metallic, Impulse Blue Metallic, Earth Green Metallic, Rosita Red, Virgil Gray, Sterling Silver Metallic, Polar White, Savanna White, and Pyrenese Black. Prices range from P950,000 for the base GL 4x2 M/T to P1,440,000 for the GLS Sport V 4x4 A/T.

The Philippines is only the second market in the world to receive the all-new Strada, following its debut in Thailand late last year. It will be exported to over 150 countries worldwide and is manufactured solely at Mitsubishi Motors Thailand.