Mitsubishi Gives the 2017 Strada GT a Clean Boost

In musician-speak, a ‘clean boost’ means increasing the loudness of the musical instrument’s signal without altering or adding to its harmonic content or frequency. This keeps the signal in pristine condition while pushing it to its limits. The same concept can be applied to cars, and in the 2017 Strada 2.4 GT, the celebrated Japanese car manufacturer does exactly just that.

To keep up with the growing challenge in the pickup segment, Mitsubishi Motors beefs up the 2017 Strada line by introducing a new variant and imbuing it with more power. Now equipped with a 2.4 Clean Diesel engine, the new Strada variant, dubbed the GT, serves as the introduction of the MIVEC clean boost powertrain in the Mitsubishi Strada which made its debut in the 2016 Montero Sport. The new powertrain features the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) technology, similar that of the Montero.

Exterior updates

The GT carries much of the Strada’s look with a few cosmetic additions. At the front, the grille and nudge bar both go from chrome to matte black, which lends the Mitsubishi hauler a sportier feel. The nudge bar has a provision for additional fog lamps for added flexibility. Silver flares remain intact, giving a nice highlight to the Strada’s dynamic stance.  The stepboard and sport bar installed at the bed also come in matte black. The new wheel design, which is exclusive to the 2017 Strada GT, come in silver and black to complement the color of the accessories.

Inside the 2017 Strada GT

The Strada interior remains unchanged, save for one addition. Carrying the same layout as its fellow top spec GLS Sport V, the Strada cabin differentiates itself with black leather seats, front and back. The leather-clad steering wheel persists, as does the paddle shifters behind it. These black accouterments match the piano-black dashboard finish excellently. The silver accents on the air con vents are also a nice touch.

The Strada GT has one of the most spacious cabins in its segment. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear seat passengers alike. An automatic eight-way adjustment feature enhances comfort on the cabin’s front seats. The flexible infotainment system plays practically everything from movies, mp3 and beyond. A USB port and Bluetooth functionality adds to the system’s versatility. Other notable features include a deep-center console and a sizable bin under the rear seat, both of which offer plenty of storage space for your personal belongings.

Safety and performance

Safety is enhanced via six airbags and Mitsubishi’s revolutionary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body. As for performance, the double wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar combined with the telescopic shock absorbers and rigid elliptic springs at the rear induce a soft ride even when the vehicle is not loaded—a welcome change to the stiff ride offered by most of its pickup counterparts.

The 2007 Mitsubishi Strada GT is currently priced at P1.655 million.