Most pick ups are designed and engineered to take the harshest that can be thrown at and carried by it and keep on going, however, that usually entails a truck that's rough on its occupants too. Not for the Mitsubishi Strada.
After 3 years of being on sale, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has just refreshed their Strada. It's been an urbanized truck ever since its launch, departing from the boxy stereotype that pick ups have been known for. Edges have been smoothed out and lines rounded, but the basic pick up architecture is still there. The biggest changes over the original version is in the front, with the new bumper and Boulay's grille has been redesigned, blacked out, and accented by a 3-bar chrome grille. The Strada is also wearing new shoes in the form of a new set of 6-spoke wheels
Inside, it's still as modern as before, in fact, it's still a more modern cabin than all of the other pick ups in the market. The interior is predominantly black while the dashboard looks like it was lifted off a coupe. Right in front of a driver is a great steering wheel that now features satellite audio controls, and behind it are the blue gauges bezeled and rimmed with silver accents.
Being a top of the line model means this Strada is exquisitely equipped, even amongst the other trucks. The multi info display at the top of the center console is one of the best around, featuring a multitude of data like the compass, fuel economy, barometer and temperature, among others. The 1DIN OEM audio system is also the best equipped in its category with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, an auxiliary and USB port and even Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile. All windows are powered, including the rear vent window. Instead of aircon, you get an automatic climate control system, and even a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment. The spec list is long, and a lot of the features will definitely come in handy.
And then there's the great engine. It's the 3.2 liter diesel engine, coded 4M41, a close relative of the legendary 4M40 found in the Pajero from the 1990's. The engine now receives the latest common-rail direct fuel injection technology with Di-D, bumping power figures to 160 PS and torque to 343 newton-meters.
The transmission for this version is a 5-speed manual, though a 4-speed automatic is also available. Driving in and out of town is quite easy, thanks to the relatively light clutch action. The 4x4 system is a shift-on-the-fly affair using the 2nd lever next to the shifter. Taking the Strada off road is quite easy, enabling the driver to switch to 4x4 high or low quickly and as needed.
What really sets apart the Strada from the rest of the pack is its bias towards comfort. The ride is better than the rest of the trucking crowd, being sprung more softly. Regardless of the spring rates and damper rates, the Strada handles the weight of extra cargo quite well. The bed is relatively small for commercial purposes, but more than enough for the family's out of town trip or for moving to a different place.
I've always liked the Mitsubishi Strada, but my priorities are different from the classic trucker. I don't usually venture off the tarmac nor do I carry a hardcore amount of cargo, but for PhP 1,265,000, the Strada's style, features, comfort and ultimately its value, makes it a great choice for the urban trucker... like me.
After 3 years of being on sale, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has just refreshed their Strada. It's been an urbanized truck ever since its launch, departing from the boxy stereotype that pick ups have been known for. Edges have been smoothed out and lines rounded, but the basic pick up architecture is still there. The biggest changes over the original version is in the front, with the new bumper and Boulay's grille has been redesigned, blacked out, and accented by a 3-bar chrome grille. The Strada is also wearing new shoes in the form of a new set of 6-spoke wheels
Inside, it's still as modern as before, in fact, it's still a more modern cabin than all of the other pick ups in the market. The interior is predominantly black while the dashboard looks like it was lifted off a coupe. Right in front of a driver is a great steering wheel that now features satellite audio controls, and behind it are the blue gauges bezeled and rimmed with silver accents.
Being a top of the line model means this Strada is exquisitely equipped, even amongst the other trucks. The multi info display at the top of the center console is one of the best around, featuring a multitude of data like the compass, fuel economy, barometer and temperature, among others. The 1DIN OEM audio system is also the best equipped in its category with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, an auxiliary and USB port and even Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile. All windows are powered, including the rear vent window. Instead of aircon, you get an automatic climate control system, and even a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment. The spec list is long, and a lot of the features will definitely come in handy.
And then there's the great engine. It's the 3.2 liter diesel engine, coded 4M41, a close relative of the legendary 4M40 found in the Pajero from the 1990's. The engine now receives the latest common-rail direct fuel injection technology with Di-D, bumping power figures to 160 PS and torque to 343 newton-meters.
The transmission for this version is a 5-speed manual, though a 4-speed automatic is also available. Driving in and out of town is quite easy, thanks to the relatively light clutch action. The 4x4 system is a shift-on-the-fly affair using the 2nd lever next to the shifter. Taking the Strada off road is quite easy, enabling the driver to switch to 4x4 high or low quickly and as needed.
What really sets apart the Strada from the rest of the pack is its bias towards comfort. The ride is better than the rest of the trucking crowd, being sprung more softly. Regardless of the spring rates and damper rates, the Strada handles the weight of extra cargo quite well. The bed is relatively small for commercial purposes, but more than enough for the family's out of town trip or for moving to a different place.
I've always liked the Mitsubishi Strada, but my priorities are different from the classic trucker. I don't usually venture off the tarmac nor do I carry a hardcore amount of cargo, but for PhP 1,265,000, the Strada's style, features, comfort and ultimately its value, makes it a great choice for the urban trucker... like me.
There are lots of cars today that is moving from our streets and the high ways. You will really notice that the economy is really progressing. You will be able to think at this time if you are ready to purchase a brand new car for yourself or for your family use as well. Well I did and I have purchased a brand new 2010 Mitsubishi Strada GLS Sport 4x4 Pick Up. At first, I was really hesitant to buy a pick up because my image style is that I am a "yuppie" or a young professional and it is really a contrast for an office person with a necktie to drive a pick up to the office but then I just said to myself that it would really look great if I will be driving this amazing vehicle. Then I did bought this great car. Why it was great? then read this amazing experience I have.
It has a new look from the old Strada because there are no edges in the front bumper and with the radiator grill so the flow of the wind is smooth. It is already a chrome compared to what it is before and now it looks elegant contrast from the macho effect of this vehicle. It has also new set of 6 spoke wheels and 17 inches size of the mag wheels.
Talk about the interior of this vehicle, it has a black dashboard and it is really spacious cabin compared to the old Strada that if you were seated on the backseat you will already feel the front seat on your knees. As I hold the steering wheel and ready to drive the Strada, I now have the touch of the audio controls. From the audio of the vehicle alone, I experienced the 1DIN OEM audio system with certain categories for the music I want which is AM, FM, CD and MP3 Player and a USB port as an auxiliary for I-pods and the like. There is also a Bluetooth connectivity for my mobile phone. The Automatic climate control system would serve as our air conditioner wherein we can utilize the natural air by just opening the rear vent window also in automatic mode. I am being updated by the tire pressure with the montoring system of this vehicle if a certain tire is not properly inflated by air. The head lamp is very clear and luminous and I can also use the fog lamps as a head light during dusk and there is already sunlight.
I really am proud of having this vehicle because of the comfort it gives me and my family. For me it is the best Brand of vehicle among all the trucks out in the market. It can also carry one ton of load in the cargo part. The ride is the smoothest when you have an extra load at the back because the lever suspension is working its way for a smooth ride.
What is great about the Strada is the powerful 3.2 liter diesel engine 4M41. It has a Common-Rail direct injection of fuel or Di-D so there is fuel efficiency in each travel. The maximum fuel efficiency it can give is 13 Km per liter of fuel consumption as what I have noticed. Its power is 160 RPS and Torque to 343 newton-meters.
Driving the Strada on the road is very smooth. I can just easily switch to 4x4 if you are in the rocky terrain with high and low function for the 4x4 mode. I can also just adjust it to 4x2 mode if you are in the high way but then you should have to stop the vehicle for safety purposes when I shift the mode. The transmission of the Strada is Sportronic in which I will just have to choose if I want a manual or an automatic transmission depending on the driving mode I want. It has a 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic.
Great thing about this vehicle while having all these features is the reasonable price which I paid in cash. for Php 1,265,000.00 You will no longer feel you are at a loss because I never felt that at all. It has also a discount and my great salesman has given me lots of extras like free 3M dark tint, key chains, Early Warning Devices and Mats. He also given me free seat covers. What else could I ever want for in a vehicle. It really looks great and as I stepped down my great vehicle, I feel great also.
