It’s no secret that many Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and pickup owners will never take their steed off-road. Despite having sophisticated hardware and software, today’s breed of utes will never be used to their full potential. The most action these rigs will most likely see is a flooded street during the rainy season.
Too bad, though, as these babies can actually take quite a beating. This is what Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) wants buyers and the media to know. Or at least that’s the message it wanted to send when it organized the Mitsubishi 4x4 Camp. Held last September 24-25, 2016 at the Tarlac Circuit, Tarlac Recreational Park, no less than back-to-back Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka was on hand to teach participants the nitty-gritty of off-road and circuit driving.
The event was a weekend filled with lectures, as well as driving exercises both on the racetrack and the grueling, specially-designed 4x4 course. A contingent of the all-new Montero Sport 4x4 GT and the new Strada GT were on hand for everyone to literally abuse. In the end, however, both vehicles seemed to take everything in stride.
Apart from this, motoring media, members of the Montero Sport Club of the Philippines and Strada Club Pilipinas were given a treat via a taxi ride around the track with Masuoka-san himself at the wheel. This not only gave them a feel for the Japanese rally champ’s flawless driving skills, but likewise showed the SUV’s full potential. And this was at full tilt, mind you.
Yes, that shiny new Montero Sport or Strada parked in your garage can do much than just wade through waist-deep waters. While it may be painful for most owners to actually do it, going off-road gives them a chance to treat their pride and joy to some playtime and a much-welcome workout.
