The early models — In 1997 the Montero Sport version was introduced, this model is sleeker than the Montero Wagon, introducing the new line of Mitsubishi styling, and has room for only 5 passengers. The Sport’s off-road capabilities are very similar to the Montero, except none of the early models have the limited slip differential. The Montero Sport is the USA version, while in some years the vehicle was sold in Costa Rica with the Nativa model name, so some year models will carry this designation and it shows that the car was sold here in Costa Rica as a brand new car, as opposed to being imported as a used vehicle from the US.
The 1990s Montero Sport comes with a v6 3000 cc or 3500cc gasoline engine. These versions were mainly imported from the USA. The diesel engine Nativa is more readily available in the later than 2004 year models, and will be a 2.8 liter turbo diesel intercooler engine.
The Montero Sport has been very popular in Costa Rica ever since it was introduced. The interior is fairly spacious, with room for 5 adults, plus an ample rear cargo area. It can easily be fitted with luggage racks or a carrier, in case you need more room. The clearance and true 4×4 capability make it an excellent car for coastal and rural areas. The Mitsubishi quality and off-road DNA make it stand up well to rough road conditions over time.
The Montero Sport kept the same basic design from 1997 through 2011. There were minor accents that change on the exterior, and some changes to the interior and equipment, but really the vehicle stayed more or less the same. In 2008 Mitsubishi started a new trend in their SUV and other model designs, and the Montero Sport was updated in 2012 to the newer styling. It also became a 7 passenger SUV.
However, the chassis, and suspension remain the same. Although the limited slip differential that is common to the Montero Wagon was also added to these new Montero Sport SUVs. ( see 4×4 types in Costa Rica for more information )
Latest Developments — Mitsubishi Montero Sport
In 2017, the Montero Sport received another design change, and it also became wider and longer than previous versions. The overall design was updated, the front grill is particularly striking and the taillights were expanded with a tear drop type styling. Inside, the third row seating is superior to the previous model, and drops fully into to the rear cargo area floor. The general interior design is more luxurious and aesthetically pleasing. The automatic transmission became an 8 speed, and the engine was downsized to 2.4 liters, however it is a common rail injection system, and has variable geometry, so the fuel economy and horsepower both are better than in the traditional 2.8 liter TDI engine of previous models.
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If you would like to see information about other vehicle types and models, click here — Vehicle Makes and Models in Costa Rica — for a list of articles on our site.
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