Everyone knew it was coming, but it was just going to be a matter of time. Well, that time is now as Mitsubishi Philippines has given its Strada pickup truck the much-needed MIVEC treatment with the unveil of the Strada GT.

As the top of the line variant, the Strada GT swaps its 4D56 engine for the aluminum block 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo diesel engine. The powerplant, shared with the Montero Sport, bumps up the Strada’s output to 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. It also enables Mitsubishi’s “Sport Truck” to achieve Euro-4 emissions standards.


Unlike the Montero Sport though, the Strada GT doesn’t get the 8-speed automatic. Rather, it gets a choice between a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the teaser video unveiled by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines on their Facebook page, the company outlined the other changes done to the Strada GT. And it is more than just the engine. For 2016, it gets added safety thanks to 7 airbags and ASTC or Active Skid and Traction Control system. And since it’s available only as a 4x4 variant, the Strada GT gets the Super Select 4WD system with an electronic rotary knob selector.


Aside from the launch of the new MIVEC-powered GT variant, Mitsubishi has also taken this opportunity to update the Strada. In terms of aesthetics, it gets a new blacked out grille and a front nudge bar on the Strada GT. The dressed up Field Master edition continues as well with the PIAA LED auxiliary sport lamps and two-tone turbine style alloy wheels. The Field Master and other non-GT variants now get Euro-4 emissions compliant 2.5-liter 4D56 engines for this year as well.

Indicative pricing for the 2016 Mitsubishi Strada is as follows:

• Strada GLX 2.5 4x2 M/T – P 1,058,000
• Strada GLX-V 2.5 4x2 A/T – P 1,158,000
• Strada GLS 2.5 4x4 M/T – P 1,125,000
• Strada GLS Sport V 2.5 4x4 Field Master M/T – P 1,400,000 
• Strada GLS Sport V 2.5 4x4 Field Master A/T – P 1,520,000
• Strada GT 4x4 M/T – P 1,570,000
• Strada GT 4x4 A/T – P 1,650,000