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Cars > Peek

Mitsubishi’s pickup truck wears a new face now

Making it look like the Montero Sport and the Xpander

It’s like giving the Montero Sport SUV a cargo bed. PHOTO FROM MITSUBISHI

It’s a good time to be selling pickup trucks right now, as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law already exempts these mechanical workhorses from excise duty. Which explains why automakers have been sprucing up their pickup models, including Toyota with the Hilux Conquest, Chevrolet with the Colorado High Country Storm and Isuzu with the D-Max X-Series. Even Nissan recently teased Philippine International Motor Show visitors with an aggressive-looking Navara Warrior X. And, of course, Ford has already brought in the Ranger Raptor (along with an updated Ranger lineup).

This leaves us with Mitsubishi, whose Strada model has remained virtually unchanged since its launch in 2015. Parked next to its prettified rivals, the Strada now looks old and tired.

Well, not anymore. Mitsubishi has given the Strada—also known as L200 or Triton in other markets—a total cosmetic makeover, especially up front. Here’s the pickup’s latest exterior design:

This transformation gives the Strada a better shot at competing against newer pickups. PHOTOS FROM MITSUBISHI

Obviously, the Strada’s face follows the styling of the Montero Sport and the Xpander. There is no longer any doubt that it is the pickup cousin of its more popular stablemates.

The changes are a lot subtler over at the back. PHOTOS FROM MITSUBISHI

Inside, the previously boring steering wheel, dashboard and center console have been replaced with basically the same ones you’ll find in the Montero Sport.

The Strada also gets the Montero Sport’s cockpit. PHOTO FROM MITSUBISHI

As to when this face-lifted Strada will be released in our market, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines senior marketing manager Arlan Reyes says “there’s no definite timing yet.” Well, at least now you know there’s a refreshed Mitsubishi pickup arriving soon, giving you yet another option in case you’re looking to purchase a new truck.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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