2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
NEW YORK - After giving auto writers at the New York show a look at the new Eclipse, Mitsubishi's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Pierre Gagnon showed off some refinements to the Montero Sport SUV.

The 2000 Montero Sport has revised front and rear styling that adds a more purposeful look to an already clean-looking sport-ute. A new three-link rear coil-spring suspension is said to improve ride quality, and certainly should be less bouncy than the old leaf-spring setup. Under the hood, every Montero will now come equipped with a V6. The ES, LS and XLS versions will get a 173-horsepower, 3.0-liter 24-valve engine, while the Limited will be equipped with the 200-horsepower 3.5-liter used in the larger Montero.

Overall, the Montero Sport will come better-equipped than before, with standard power locks, mirrors and an automatic transmission. The LS receives three-spoke, 16-inch wheels and charcoal-colored fender flares. The Limited goes for the monochromatic look, including body-colored mirrors, rocker steps and door handles. A limited-slip differential will be standard on the Limited model and optional on the XLS.

Inside, the Montero Sport gains a third power accessory outlet, and the cupholders have been relocated to the center console where, when in use, they will be less likely to block access to the radio and climate controls.

The 2000 Montero Sport jumps on the early-model-year-intro bandwagon this year; it will be available in dealerships this summer.