WHY MITSUBISHI’S “MTV” PARTY IS MORE THAN A THROWBACK

For the casual observer, Mitsubishi’s “I Love My MTV” (Mitsubishi TV) Media Thanksgiving was a masterclass in ’90s nostalgia. But look past the Jansport bags and the raffle prizes, and you’ll see a strategic declaration: The Icons are returning to the Filipino streets.

At Lifestyle On Wheels (Traffic Network PH included), this isn’t just news or features—it’s part of our life story. Our passion for the “Three Diamonds” began with a 1982 Lancer SL. Can you imagine driving a 4-gear shift knob? We eventually moved to the Lancer GLXi, a car we chose after seeing its modern counterparts dominate the quarter-mile street races on Libis, QC.

Our garage has been a living archive of Mitsubishi’s heyday. We transitioned from a 1992 L300 Versa Van (Citimotors Makati) to a 2002 Diesel Exceed Van (Citimotors Las Piñas), all while maintaining our legendary 1997 Pajero Super-Select (Citimotors Makati). Not an obvious “Mitsu Lover,” right?

The Mitsubishi Versa (The “Indestructible” Workhorse): Unofficial on this launch date, but delivery trucks have been seen on National highways. The “Versa” nameplate returns as a modern 15-seater passenger van with a 2.5L Turbo Diesel Engine. It will be expected to revive the “Grand Shuttle” spirit we loved in our ’92 and ’02 models.

The Destinator (Reviving the “Adventure” Legacy): The production version of the “DST Concept” (which premiered at the Philippine International Motor Show in late 2024) was officially launched in the Philippines on November 20, 2025. This 7-seater turbocharged SUV serves as the spiritual successor to the Adventure. From the “workhorse” feel of the past with a premium interior and a 1.5L Turbocharged engine, the family that grew up in an Adventure now wants the tech of a flagship modern family comfort.

The All-New Montero Sport (The Status Symbol): Rumors that it will be arriving in the early period of 2026. The next-generation Montero Sport (known globally as the Pajero Sport) is currently in final testing. Following the Triton’s launch, this new model will feature the high-output 2.4L Bi-Turbo diesel engine (150 kW / 470 Nm). Local dealerships in the Philippines probably began preparing for its arrival as the flagship family SUV for the 2026 model year.

Next-Gen Pajero (The Legend’s Return): On January 1, 2026, Mitsubishi Motors released a global teaser video (via MitsubishiMotorsTV) titled “The Challenge for the Next Generation.” Confirmed for a late 2026 arrival, the legend returns to its ladder-frame roots. For those of us still driving our ’97 Super-Selects, this is the ultimate homecoming.

Lancer Evolution (The “Dream” Project): Under the concept stage, Mitsubishi’s Engineering Fellow, Kaoru Sawase (the “Godfather” of Super All-Wheel Control), stated to media last November 2025 that reviving the Lancer Evolution is his “personal dream” and that the company now has the “technologies on-hand” (electrified S-AWC) to make it happen. While not yet in production, the revival of the Ralliart brand at recent events is the groundwork for a performance-oriented future, potentially as a high-performance Hybrid or EV.