Mitsubishi Strada

When you come inside the car, you will be amazed at how the interior looks like. The seats were engineered to have a J-line design. It is a clever yet beneficial way of shortening the wheelbase to maximize the interior space. The increased interior space results in class-leading legroom and allows the rear seats to be angled while the short wheelbase allows easier maneuverability.

As for the seats of the top-spec models, they are all clad with leather that has double-stitched edging to create a refined and high-quality feeling. 

Strada has some technology features that are worth the highlight. The Colored Multi-information Display with rheostat keeps the driver knowledgeable about the car’s status as he drives. It is equipped with a Capacitive Discharge Touchscreen Multimedia Entertainment System with GPS Navigation and Reverse Camera. What’s better with Strada is that it allows you to control the temperature on the driver and the front passenger through its Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control System.

In addition, it has a front USB charging port with a mobile phone tray. A new rear air conditioning circulator has also been installed in the car ceiling to ensure that the rear passengers will also enjoy the cool breeze.

The Strada channels a dynamic styling that has the looks to evoke strength and power. It has the second generation Dynamic Shield Concept fascia that is similar to Xpander and Montero Sport. Aside from creating an impactful presence, it adds a little bit more strength for the car to endure collision effects.

It is equipped with large turn signals and fog lamps while at the rear, LED combination lamps were employed. This is to accentuate the new Strada’s width and increase visibility for enhanced safety. The 18-inch two-tone alloy aluminum wheels are also something to be amazed by. The machine cut silver and glossy deep grey design delivers a powerful and sharp look.

Strada has various driving modes that can help you easily adjust to road conditions and drive with utmost confidence. This includes the 2H (2WD High Range) mode shift when you’re driving just along the highway, 4H (4WD High Range) for added traction when you’re cruising along a wet road, 4HLc (4WD High Range with Locked Center Differential) for rugged and slippery conditions, and 4LLc (4WD Low Range with Locked Center Differential) for rough terrains.

The J-line design of the seats can also contribute to the ease of handling the car. As for the suspension, it is equipped with an independent double-wishbone in the front and a live axle with leaf springs for the rear. The rear suspension was re-engineered to provide better comfort without sacrificing the cargo capacity of the Strada.

The 2.5-liter engine variant comes in two states of trims depending on their transmission. Both 4x2 and 4x2 (RWD) units that have manual gearboxes can fire up to 136 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 324 Nm torque at 2000 rpm. Meanwhile, the units with automatic transmissions are more powerful for they are capable of churning out a maximum of 178 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. However, the AWD option is not available for the automatic trims.

Top-spec variants got the more powerful 2.4-liter engine that can easily fire up to 181 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm. It employs an Inline 4 DOHC 16 valves Direct Injection Clean Diesel Engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) and Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) (4N15) that ensures clean power, optimum performance, and better fuel economy.

The automaker has employed disc and drum as the front and rear braking system, respectively. As for the safety department, Strada is a definite pro.

It is equipped with the Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (MASTC), Forward Collision Mitigation System, Blind Spot Warning System, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.

Other safety features come in as standard for all trims including 7 SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD, 3-point ELR seatbelts, and seatbelt reminders.

As for the structure of the car, it was made with Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body that features high tensile strength steel, side-impact door beams, and an energy-absorbing structure that disperse the force of impact away from the cabin to prevent deformation and ensuring the safety of the passengers.

With its price tag, Mitsubishi Strada can easily be considered as a very good catch. Given its decent design, reliable driving performance, off-road capability, good climate control, and numerous safety features, there is no wonder that a lot of car lovers will also get to see the beauty of this car as both a family car and a travel buddy. But generally, it is more ideal for adventurous types of drivers.

Overall, this is a great car with amazing features and an affordable price.