Let me tell you about the day I truly understood what the Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series could do. I was driving through winding mountain roads, the kind that test both machine and driver, when I remembered reading about that young basketball prodigy heading to Perth for intensive training. It struck me how similar his journey was to what this vehicle represents - both are about pushing boundaries and preparing for international stages.
The Black Series isn't just another SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup - it's the equivalent of that top-ranked athlete preparing for global competition. Having driven numerous SUVs over my 15 years in automotive journalism, I can confidently say this model brings something special to the table. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound extraordinary until you experience how they translate to real-world performance. I've taken this vehicle through everything from city commutes to rough terrain, and it handles like a champion adjusting to different playing conditions.
What really sets the Black Series apart in my experience is its Super Select 4WD-II system. Unlike many modern SUVs that prioritize pavement performance, this one genuinely remembers its off-road heritage. I recall testing it on a particularly challenging trail last month - the kind where you'd expect some wheel slip or hesitation. The active stability and traction control systems worked so seamlessly that I barely noticed the difficult conditions. It's like how that young athlete must train - mastering fundamentals while incorporating advanced techniques.
The interior surprised me with its thoughtful design. The leather seats aren't just for show - they provide genuine comfort during long drives, something I've tested on multiple 8-hour journeys. The 8-inch touchscreen interface is more intuitive than what you find in many European competitors, though I'll admit the infotainment system could use a slight refresh. Still, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, it covers the essentials beautifully.
Safety features in the Black Series demonstrate Mitsubishi's commitment to protection without compromising the driving experience. The seven airbags, hill start assist, and ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system create a safety net that's comprehensive yet unobtrusive. During my testing, the forward collision mitigation system activated precisely once - preventing what could have been a nasty fender-bender when a pedestrian stepped out unexpectedly. These systems work quietly in the background, much like the support team behind our young basketball star.
Fuel efficiency stands at around 12.5 km/L combined, which I found reasonably accurate during my month-long test, though heavy city driving might drop that to around 10.5 km/L. Where the Montero Sport truly shines, in my opinion, is its towing capacity - up to 3,100 kg. I've used it to haul a boat to the lake multiple times, and it handles the load with confidence that belies its comfortable ride quality.
The Black Series represents what I believe modern SUVs should be - capable without being crude, comfortable without being soft. It's the vehicle equivalent of an athlete who trains relentlessly but makes it look effortless. As our basketball star heads to Perth to refine his skills for the international stage, the Montero Sport Black Series stands ready to conquer its own challenges, whether that's the daily school run or an adventure across continents. Having driven both the previous generation and this current model, I can confidently say Mitsubishi has created something special here - a vehicle that understands the balance between performance, comfort, and capability in a way few competitors manage to achieve.
