Mitsubishi’s Triton has lengthy performed a job as a extra funds pleasant ute possibility, having fun with success and admiration alongside the best way. It proves that maybe inexpensive doesn’t imply unhealthy too, notably within the hotly contested twin cab market.
That’s why we had been excited to get our arms on the lately revamped and range-topping GSR. And whereas that moniker used to typically denote one thing additional within the mumbo division, it hasn’t for a while.
What it does offer you is blackouts throughout the wheels, door handles and roof rails, which when set in opposition to the commensurately darkish Graphite Gray paintwork, garners a sinister aesthetic.
Whereas there’s no denying it seems to be new and completely different, on this author’s eyes, it has misplaced the edginess that we appreciated concerning the final mannequin. There may be familiarity within the stacked LED lights up entrance although, but it surely feels extra spherical in total design.
That lengthy rear overhang makes a repeat look, in a package deal that’s greater in nearly each side over the older mannequin. “Transformer” model flares sadly intensify what’s an 18-inch wheel and tyre mixture that has too constructive an offset.
Climbing into the inside reveals a much more fashionable format. The general theme is darkish, seemingly in continuation of the outside blackouts. Leather-based appointed seating is commonplace within the GSR and complemented by orange stitching.
A black headliner makes for a pleasingly moody area. The entrance row seats are heated, snug and supply electrical adjustability, together with lumbar. Connectivity duties are dealt with by each USB-A and C ports up entrance, together with a wi-fi charging pad.
Storage is nicely sorted, with a centre bin, glove field and door pockets. Car interfacing is dealt with predominantly by a 7.0-inch central display as anticipated, however fortunately there’s a variety of buttons for HVAC and the Tremendous Choose 4WD II system.
There are numerous drive modes, but it surely’s laborious to differentiate after they’re on because the notification is in a tiny font on the underside proper of the in-binnacle display. The problem is exacerbated by the scale of the motive force monitoring digital camera that sits atop the steering column.
It’s not solely an obstacle to the display, however the system itself is overzealous, triggering in an nearly steady vogue. It may be turned off, however that’s not the purpose. Rear seating is spacious and cozy with, an assortment of charging and air-con vents.
Apparently, the rear vents had been on the roof, one thing this author hasn’t seen since getting round in a GU patrol. Tub area within the tray is sweet, as is accessibility, the latter owing to a decrease 812mm peak.
There’s no resistance to opening nor closing of what’s a heavy tailgate, which is a irritating inconvenience. We’re glad that since our time within the Triton, Mitsubishi has famous they may make modifications to the design to help with this.
There’s a few tie-down factors and a plastic liner in there, however nothing a lot else. We might have favored to see an influence outlet for a top-spec mannequin. Underneath the hood is a brand new 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Firing it up ends in the pleasant clatter we all know nicely.
Outputs from the now sequential-turbo setup are 150kW energy and 470Nm of torque, which is a close to 10 per cent enchancment on the model it replaces. It stays backed by a newly developed 6-speed computerized, which has a wider ratio unfold.
It does job of selecting the correct gear, leading to a powerful 8.4-litres/100km in actual world testing – in opposition to a claimed 7.4-litres. Driving it’s easy and it by no means feels missing, apart from a titanic turning circle and manufacturing unit rubber that’s difficult within the moist.
Even the lightest throttle relevant on any gradient ends in wheelspin, enjoyable once you’re 19, not when the household is on board. The place it thrives although is on the open highway. On a 200km spherical journey to the Central Coast, we uncover a quiet cabin.
A softer suspension tune means all it’s essential to do is choose the correct observe by the 6-speaker stereo and set the adaptive cruise management. Off highway testing began with some rutty path work, the place we had been largely impressed, apart from some clearance points.
As cautious as we had been with the rear overhang, there have been situations the place we couldn’t assist however kiss mom Earth with it or a sidestep. The problematic tyres on highway turned an asset in these situations, and we had been in a position to get by what we class as a fundamental loop.
A day on Stockton Seashore was subsequent up, with tray again snags for lunch and a few waterplay for the children. Whereas we did strive sand mode right here, even with out it, getting on and off what could be a very deep and mushy floor was a non-issue. An excellent day was had by all.
It’s price noting that the brand new Triton will get 3.5-tonne braked towing capability, lastly bringing it according to the competitors. Backed by a 5-star ANCAP score, the Mitsubishi ute comes with a bunch of security tech, together with airbags and lane departure prevention.
That setup contains emergency lane help, whereas rear cross visitors alert and ahead collision mitigation additionally characteristic. A part of us would love a few issues ironed out, given the $63,840 plus on-roads price ticket too.
Whereas it nonetheless trails the mainstays, the hole is far smaller than it has been earlier than. With a 10-year guarantee and capped pricing servicing, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is a worthwhile addition to the adventurous however funds acutely aware household’s procuring record.
You’ll find out extra on the Mitsubishi Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low price finance quote, discuss to Australia’s greatest reviewed automotive finance dealer; Credit score One. To see a fantastic vary of automobiles on the market, try OnlyCars.com.au.
Our take a look at car was equipped by Mitsubishi Australia for impartial evaluate functions.
