Heavily revised Mitsubishi Strada debuts in PHL, sold in 6 variants
ON NOV. 9, 2018 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) held in Bangkok, Thailand, the global premiere of the upgraded Mitsubishi Triton — or Strada, in some markets, including the Philippines (the model is also sold in other places as the L200). During the launch program, MMC chief executive officer Osamu Masuko underscored the Strada’s importance in the company’s lineup, saying the pickup provides a “solid foundation on which we will grow our business in Thailand, the ASEAN region and the world.”
On Jan. 26, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) introduced this new version of the Strada in the country.
The latest Strada is locally available in six variants. The base variant is the GLX Plus 2WD M/T, which costs P1.165 million. The other variants are the GLX Plus 2WD A/T, GLS 2WD M/T, GLS 2WD A/T, GLS 4WD M/T, and the range-topping GT 4WD A/T, priced at P1.670 million.
Produced at Mitsubishi’s plant in Laem Chabang, Thailand, the pickup is expected to be sold in 150 countries. MMPC said in a statement released during the local launch program it is optimistic that the refinements received by the pickup will make it “one of the most preferred vehicles in its segment.” The company added it is “looking forward to once again dominate the pickup truck segment.”
UPDATED FEATURES
MMPC said the new Strada features Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” design concept that “communicates a powerful and reassuring sense of protection.” The design is marked by a high hood, LED projector head lamps, a new grille and re-sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines. Complementing the changes are seven exterior colors: white diamond, graphite gray metallic, sterling silver metallic, jet black mica, red solid clear, grayish brown metallic, and Impulse Blue metallic.
New features in the Strada’s cabin include a redesigned center panel and console, and a 2DIN touch screen monitor for the multimedia system that can connect to devices via USB, aux-in and Bluetooth with mirror link. MMPC said all variants are equipped with GPS navigation. Other items included are trays for smart phones and a USB port.
POWER, OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
The latest Strada is powered by an inline-four 2.4-liter Clean Diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger and MIVEC, or the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System. The engine makes 179hp at 3,500rpm and 430Nm at 2,500rpm.
MMPC said the pickup now rides and handles better because of its larger rear dampers, which contain more oil. Braking has also been improved via larger front discs and caliper pistons.
The GT 4WD A/T is equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4-Wheel Drive system while the GLS 4WD M/T has the company’s Easy Select 4WD system. Both, MMPC said, “deliver optimum traction and handling characteristics on any given road condition.”
Among the safety features of the new Strada are its proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution, active stability traction control, hill-start assist and trailer stability assist — now standard in all variants. The top GT 4×4 variant adds forward collision mitigation, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System and blind spot warning.
The upgraded Strada is now available in all MMPC dealerships.