2004 Mitsubishi Montero iO 5P review from Peru

The clutch has a little sound when changing between first and second gears and the motor revs over 3.000 rpm. The dealer says it's not worth repairing, they changed the oil in the gearbox and it's now less noticeable.

When I was on the field over an unpaved road, was in great hurry and a wheel made a stone hit hard the plastic that's around the wheel, now there is a little hole and will have to change the broken panel.

After washing, the central lock stopped working. It was solved putting oil in the locks (the locks were changed with an aftermarket items). The fifth door won't open anymore remotely, but at least it functions with the key. Hope they will fix it on the next maintenance.

Other than that, nothing.

This model is a Montero iO. Except for the name, it's identical to the Shogun Pinin.

Excluding the gearbox, this 4x4 was extremely solidly built. This model was made in Japan, tough.

For off round driving, it's very good. The reduction gearbox has 4 positions (2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc) which can be changed without going out of the vehicle. The wheels are 16" and it has good ground clearance. It can pass over 50-60 cm of water without snorkel. Mud, stones, dunes, high slopes, nothing can stop it and it's also acceptably comfortable off road.

It has a high ride position and the driver ergonomics is good. It has a surprising amount of space inside, the back seats are still usable and the boot has good space too. While it's a basic version, it doesn't feel so austere as it still has A/C and some other nice features.

Because of its height, it feels insecure to speed on bad paved roads and wet weather. Since it's 4WD was designed for permanent use too, it can be switched to 4H under that conditions. The iO is very comfortable on the road, but it can't much an car in that regard. After a very long trip you feel tired.

The consumption is a bit high and the fifth gear is shorter than it should. I expected the 2.000/16v engine to be sportier, but the aerodynamic drag and weight don't help much.

The style is retro, but it's growing on me with time.

Don't know how will be in the long run, but so far it's what I expected.