1999 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT UNDERSTANDS "FAMILY VALUES"

Sport utility vehicles are the transportation choice for many families, yet few can match the versatility and value of the 1999 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Even fewer have the rally-bred engineering that allowed a specially race prepared version of the Montero Sport to finish in a top position in both the 1997 and 1998 Dakar Rallies, considered the most brutal off-road racing event in the world.

For all its toughness, Montero Sport is perhaps most notable for a unique exterior design, on-road smoothness and clever features. Montero Sport's muscular, aggressive look is combined with a comfortable ride, an exceptionally quiet interior and minimum on-road harshness. Even its ride height allows enough ground clearance for extreme off-road adventures, yet retains convenient step-in and step-out accessibility.

For 1999, this popular mid-size sport utility is available in a new model. Montero Sport Limited is powered by a 200-horsepower*, 3.5-liter V6 engine previously found only in Mitsubishi Motors' larger Montero luxury SUV. Montero Sport Limited also has several other unique features such as a chrome grille, integrated fog lamps and color-keyed side steps and a leather-trimmed interior. The rest of the Montero Sport line has a new rear bumper design with larger rear reflectors, and revised standard equipment levels for even more value than ever before.

Montero Sport also has a new automatic transmission for 1999. Designed and built by Mitsubishi Motors, this new transmission offers the innovation of "optimum shift control," originally introduced on the Diamante luxury performance sedan. The transmission factors in accelerator position, vehicle speed, brake application and road conditions to select the appropriate gear, providing smoother shifts and more responsive operation.

Another feature of Montero Sport is its value and long list of standard equipment. With several different models available in a variety of price ranges, buyers can choose the Montero Sport that best fits their needs.

• Montero Sport ES

The entry-level Montero Sport ES 2WD offers a great deal of utility and refinement at an affordable price - perfect for young, on-the-go families. With its gutsy, 132-horsepower*, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission and 2,300-pound maximum towing capacity, Montero Sport ES can easily tow jet skis, dirt bikes or tent trailers.

In addition, Montero Sport ES has a standard equipment list so comprehensive, it's a shame to call it the base model. Standard features include full-cloth seating surfaces with matching door trim; AM/FM stereo with a compact disc player; rear window wiper/washer; and an overhead console with digital clock, map lights, and compartments for sunglasses, a garage door opener and security access cards.

In the cargo area, there are tie-down hooks and a 12-volt accessory outlet for pumping up beach balls or bicycle tires. The rear seat of Montero Sport ES not only folds completely for additional cargo capacity, it also reclines for passenger comfort.

• Montero Sport LS
  For 1999, the popular Montero Sport LS includes the standard features most valued by families. Yet, even with this long list of thoughtful conveniences, Montero Sport LS - available in both 2WD and 4WD models - also has a very competitive pricing structure.
  
  Yet no matter what the model, Montero Sport is quite detailed. The interior features high quality fabrics or available leather trim, and convenient features such as dash-mounted dual cupholders, seven grab handles, as well as a large cargo area with covered storage compartments and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.
  
  This unsurpassed combination of proven toughness, ride comfort and thoughtful equipment sets it apart from Isuzu Rodeo, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4-Runner. But, as if that weren't enough, none of those competitors can claim to have finished both the 1997 and 1998 Dakar Rally in a top position like a specially race prepared version of the Montero Sport did. In fact, Montero Sport completed the 5,000 mile South African off-road endurance challenge right behind race-prepped versions of the Mitsubishi Montero which finished first, second and third.
  
  Typical owners won't subject Montero Sport to punishment like the Dakar Rally, yet they're sure to appreciate the fact it is more than tough and roomy enough to handle the urban jungle of car pools, trips to the market and weekend excursions.
  
  Montero Sport's available 2-speed shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system provides low gearing for tough conditions and extra pulling power for steep hills. For the most extreme off-road adventures, a locking rear differential is included on Montero Sport Limited, while all 4WD models have four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
  
  Proving you can take it with you, Montero Sport has over 43 cubic feet of cargo capacity, one of the largest in the mid-size sport utility class, which expands to just less than 80 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The standard full-size spare is located underneath the vehicle, freeing up valuable cargo capacity. And, hidden storage compartments and tie-down hooks are perfect for hauling small items that would normally roll around.
  
  Powered by a 173-horsepower*, 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine, Montero Sport LS has 15-inch alloy wheels and black fender flares for an aggressive appearance as well as convenient, tube-type side steps.
  
  Inside, there is premium cloth upholstery, a drivers seat height adjuster, 60/40 split-folding back seat with center armrest and integrated cupholders, and dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillars rearward. In the cargo area, there are two storage compartments in the floor, with covers that cleverly flip to create impromptu picnic trays complete with cupholders.
  
  Montero Sport LS is also remarkably well equipped. Its standard equipment list includes air conditioning; AM/FM stereo with a CD player; power windows, door locks and door mirrors; cruise control; and an available security system with remote keyless entry. There's even a roof rack, floor mats, cargo area cover and cargo net to keep small items from rolling around. In addition, Montero Sport LS 4WD has four-wheel, Multi-Mode anti-lock disc brakes.

• Montero Sport XLS
  The sporty, yet luxurious Montero Sport XLS offers just about everything anyone could ever want in a sport utility vehicle. You'll know the XLS by its large, 265/70R15 off-road tires mounted on tough, alloy wheels and its classy chrome grille accent.
  
  Yet perhaps the most notable XLS identifier is its large, integrated fender flares - which, for 1999, can be painted body color for a new, monotone appearance, or as part of the metallic beige, two-tone accent that's become a Montero Sport signature.
  
  Inside, the Montero Sport XLS has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with a cassette player, cruise control, and power window, door locks and mirrors. There's even a security system with a handy, remote keyless entry system. And, the XLS 4WD also has four-wheel, Multi-Mode anti-lock disc brakes.
  
  To make the Montero Sport XLS even more sporty and luxurious, there's an available luxury package that adds a power glass sunroof and a Mitsubishi/Infinity@ premium AM/FM stereo cassette with separate amplifier, eight speakers and anti-theft feature.
  
• Montero Sport Limited
  The newest member of the Montero Sport family is the Limited, available in both 2WD and 4WD versions. Yet with its exclusive, 200-horsepower*, 3.5-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 engine - originally found only in the Montero - and several unique features, there's nothing "limited" about this sport utility.
  
  Montero Sport Limited has integrated fog lamps and color-keyed side steps that match the metallic beige two-tone paint accent. There's also a unique, chrome grille to further set the Limited apart from the rest of the line, and both 2WD and 4WD models have four-wheel, anti-lock brakes (ABS).
  
  Inside, Montero Sport Limited has leather-trimmed seating, concert quality sound from a Mitsubishi/infinity@ AM/FM stereo cassette player and eight speakers, and a power glass sunroof. It even has a unique, removable rear seat cushion that allows a completely flat cargo floor front-to-rear.
  
  There's a locking-rear differential to move the vehicle out of all but the most extreme off-road conditions.  There's a handy LCD compass and exterior thermometer that's included in a dash mounted gauge cluster that also shows oil pressure and volt status.
  
  The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is certainly the perfect vehicle for families that believe in working hard and playing hard.