The 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport offers drivers the complete sport utility driving experience. The Montero Sport is a mid-sized S.U.V. that exhibits docile, easy-handling manners in urban settings while offering drivers a strong, capable chassis that can handle real off-road action. This mid-sized, adventure-ready S.U.V. relies on a ruggedly built truck chassis that attaches tough, reinforced suspension underpinnings to a thick, rigid ladder frame. Above this off-road-capable chassis, the Montero Sport offers equally rugged appearance with a powerful, imposing stance, sporty fender flares, roof rails, and chiseled truck flanks. The Montero Sport is a versatile, adventure-seeking S.U.V., able to swallow up to 79.3 cubic feet of gear in the cargo hold with the rear seat folded flat.

"Anyone in the market for an S.U.V. that can actually go off-road need look no further than the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport," said Finbarr O'Neill, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA). "The Montero Sport is the true synthesis of on-road 'sport' and off-road 'utility.'"

New for 2004

The Montero Sport lineup has been simplified by deleting the ES and Limited trim levels and simply adding content to the LS and XLS. To increase the value equation, last year's base-level 3.0-liter V6 engine is no longer available. Instead, all Montero Sports are now powered by a longitudinally-mounted 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine that produces 197 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 223 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.

Reinforcing its off-road manners, the Montero Sport is available with cutting-edge traction-aiding technology intended to allow drivers to maximize the off-road driving experience and improve safety. The four-wheel drive versions of Montero Sport are equipped with an effective, full-time ALL4-wheel drive(TM) system (A4WD), which automatically mediates wheel slippage and power delivery for optimum wheel traction-without driver activation-encountered during most on-road and light off-road situations.

To help tame more extreme off-road surfaces, the A4WD system retains the choice of part-time 4WD in both high and low range. Part-time 4WD uses a locked center differential to ensure that power is distributed equally between front and rear axles, and will not shift front to rear under varying conditions. High and low range selections help determine the engine's torque multiplication to help conquer very aggressive terrain. Further enhancing traction, Mitsubishi offers a limited-slip differential. Both Montero Sport trim levels are available in either 2WD (powering the rear wheels) or all-wheel drive.

The Montero Sport features a standard four-speed automatic transmission with Mitsubishi's Adaptive Shift Control technology. The system tailors performance to an individual's driving style-whether aggressive, relaxed or somewhere in between-for smooth operation and maximum fuel economy.

The Montero Sport's smooth, responsive ride is provided by an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a three-link rear coil sprung, live-axle rear suspension that works to maintain comfort and reassuring stability both on- and off-road. Montero Sports equipped with ALL-4-wheel drive(TM) (A4WD) are also equipped with antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). All Montero Sports utilize a front disc / rear drum combination.

On the inside, the 2004 Montero Sport features a base six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with 140 watts of power. For the XLS, a 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) Premium AM/FM/CD player with eight speakers is optionally available.

The Montero Sport features front and rear crumple zones and a reinforced safety cage structure that help deflect impact forces away from occupants. In addition, driver seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, and rear Lower Anchor and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) are standard safety measures.

TRIM LEVEL SUMMARY

The Montero Sport provides the versatility required by many of today's S.U.V. drivers, offering two trim levels designed to accommodate a variety of needs: Montero Sport LS and Montero Sport XLS.

Montero Sport LS

The Montero Sport LS offers a great deal of utility and refinement at an affordable price, making it perfect for young, on-the-go families. The well-equipped LS includes a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V6 engine mated to an automatic transmission. The Montero Sport provides a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity when equipped with an optional Class III trailer hitch, available as a genuine Mitsubishi Motors accessory.

The LS comes standard with air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers; multiple 12-volt accessory outlets, rear wiper and washer; and overhead console with digital clock, map lights and compartments for sunglasses, garage door opener and security access cards.

The large cargo area features tie-down hooks and its own 12-volt accessory outlet. The rear seat of the Montero Sport LS folds down completely for additional cargo capacity or reclines for passenger comfort. Roof rails and 16-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels are standard equipment.

To simplify ordering, the LS offers an optional Convenience Package, which includes rear privacy glass, black body-side molding, black tubular side steps, a driver's seat height adjuster, remote keyless entry, cruise control and power windows with a delay feature.

MONTERO SPORT XLS

The sporty-yet-luxurious Montero Sport XLS comes standard with a classy, upscale chrome grille; 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels; integrated color-keyed fender flares and tubular side steps. XLS amenities also include premium sport cloth fabric seat coverings and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Inside, the XLS features sport fabric, a driver's seat height adjuster, 60-40 split-folding rear seat with center armrest and integrated cup holders, and dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillars rearward. The cargo area contains four storage compartments in the floor, two of which have large covers that cleverly flip to create impromptu picnic trays complete with cup holders. Further enhancing the XLS interior is a new platinum finish look on the gauges. Other convenience features on the XLS include a remote keyless entry system and cruise control.

The XLS option packages help buyers personalize the vehicle to suit their tastes. The Touring Package includes a one-touch power sunroof; dimpled leather covered steering wheel, parking brake lever and shift knob; power sunroof; auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated compass and exterior thermometer; 210-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) AM/FM/CD audio system and limited-slip differential. Buyers may also opt for the XLS Luxury Package, which includes everything on the Touring Package, plus leather seating surfaces.

WARRANTIES

Montero Sport owners receive a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and seven-year or 100,000-mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. In addition, Mitsubishi provides 24-hour roadside assistance and free towing on all warranty-related repairs for three years or 36,000 miles.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of nearly 700 dealers throughout North America. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

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