The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

There’s not too much that’s truly original in the world these days, even if it is truly new.

When the Oldsmobile Cutlass became popular, GM came out with three different nameplates with the word Cutlass in it. Suburu has the Outback and Outback Sport. Now Mitsubishi has the Montero and Montero Sport. The difference? Different models.

The Sport comes with a shorter wheelbase than the bigger Montero and also has a lower center of gravity. It also competes against a different segment of the sport utility market.

While the bigger Montero goes after the big-bucks trucks, the Sport goes up against the Jeep Cherokee, Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer. Certainly it does a good job of that.

It’s available in four flavors: entry-level two-wheel drive ES, two-wheel drive LS, four-wheel drive LS and top-drawer four-wheel drive XLS.

Two engines are available. The first is a 16-valve, 2.4-liter single overhead cam, four-cylinder engine. This is more of an engine than a “power” plant, given that it only produces 134 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Skip it. It’s not enough to haul around this vehicle. Opt instead for the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Also a single overhead cam engine, this plant powers up with 173 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. It’s available on all models except the ES.

Acceleration is lively once up to speed, but getting there seems to take a awhile. The throttle doesn’t seem very linear in its response. Handling is okay, with little of the hobby-horse motion or side-to-side rocking that afflicts too many sport utilities. But there’s still some body lean, meaning this sport ute doesn’t feel very sporty. The suspension feels rough, even for a truck. Take this one into the bombed-out streets of any large metropolis and you’ll soon be visiting the doctor for a bad back. Despite all that, the body and chassis felt very firm, never transmitting any quiver back to the driver.

The interior is well done. The seats were nicely finished in a durable fabric. Although the cabin doesn’t have a lot of height, driver and passenger can still be comfy. Just don’t wear a tall hat.

Controls are all easy to understand and operate. But the cup holders block the view of the low-mounted audio system and the climate controls. The CD player is mounted so low as to be almost unreachable. The sound was average, except for a tape player that occasionally played tapes too fast. The climate control was excellent.

The four-wheel-drive system is a part-time, shift-on-the-fly affair with a two-speed transfer case, although there was no time to test its effectiveness. Dual front airbags are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes. Anti-lock is a $610 option. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

The cargo area is nicely thought out, with a bunch of small compartments to stash things out of sight. There are a cargo net and tie-down hooks. Luggage capacity with 43.4 cubic fee t of space is excellent.

The Montero Sport adds another model to a growing list of competent sport ute performers, although it doesn’t stand out. It’s no wonder that it doesn’t. Just look at the name. And try not to be confused.

1998Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS Standard: 3-liter SOHC V6, four-speed automatic transmission, 4WD, power assisted steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, 3 skid plate protectors, 225/75R15 mud/snow tires, full-size spare, front/rear mud guards, rear wiper/washer/defroster, power antenna, AM/FM stereo cassette with 6 speakers, variable intermittent wipers, 60/40 split folding rear seat, tilt wheel, vanity mirrors, auxiliary power outlets. Options: Anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, Premium Package (15-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille accent, fender flares, running boards, leather-wrapped steering wheel, audio upgrade, power sunroof), cargo net, Convenience Package (power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control), compact disc player, floor mats, rear deflector, roof rack, wheel locks. Base price: $23,970 As tested: $30,815 EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 21 mpg highway Test mileage: 17.5 mpg.