I remember the first time I saw the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series cutting through city traffic – it had that commanding presence that makes you instinctively check your rearview mirror. Much like how Australia's top-ranked high school basketball phenom is heading to Perth this weekend to begin intensive training for international glory, this vehicle represents a similar commitment to peak performance in the automotive world. Having test-driven numerous SUVs throughout my career as an automotive journalist, I can confidently say the Black Series stands apart with its purposeful aggression.
The moment you approach the vehicle, you notice the 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60 R18 all-terrain tires – these aren't just for show. During my off-road testing session last month, these tires provided exceptional grip on loose surfaces while the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivered 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. That's enough power to climb gradients that would make most urban SUVs hesitate. What impressed me most wasn't just the raw numbers but how seamlessly the 8-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery across various terrains. I recall navigating through simulated rocky paths where the Super Select II 4WD system proved invaluable, allowing instant switching between 2WD and 4WD with just a turn of a dial.
Inside, the Black Series treats drivers to leather-accented seats with contrast red stitching that immediately caught my eye. The 8-inch touchscreen interface responds quicker than most German competitors I've tested, though I wish they'd included wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. During my week with the vehicle, I particularly appreciated the 220V power outlet in the cargo area – perfect for charging professional camera equipment during remote shoots. The seven-seat configuration offers surprising versatility, with the third row folding completely flat to create 1,638 liters of cargo space. That's approximately 28% more than the Ford Everest I reviewed last quarter.
Safety features include seven airbags as standard, which is one more than the segment average, along with Mitsubishi's Active Stability and Traction Control that intervened subtly during emergency maneuvers I performed at the test track. The Multi-around Monitor System provides a 360-degree view that proved exceptionally useful when navigating tight parking structures in downtown Perth – a feature that would benefit any driver adapting to Australian urban environments.
What truly sets the Black Series apart in my experience is its dual personality – it's refined enough for daily commuting yet rugged enough for serious adventures. While testing along coastal roads, the vehicle maintained composure even when crosswinds picked up unexpectedly, thanks to its monocoque body construction. The suspension soaked up bumps that would have jostled passengers in comparable SUVs, making the 4-hour drive to training facilities outside Perth feel surprisingly comfortable.
As our young basketball star begins his intensive training journey in Perth, he'll need reliable transportation that matches his ambition – something that won't falter during early morning drives to training sessions or long trips between competition venues. The Montero Sport Black Series embodies that same relentless pursuit of excellence, combining Japanese engineering precision with rugged capability that feels right at home on Australian roads. Having driven both this and its main competitors, I'd choose the Black Series for its balanced approach to luxury and capability – it doesn't compromise excessively in either direction, much like how elite athletes must balance raw talent with disciplined training.
