Overview
Mitsubishi’s new technology Triton ute is simply across the nook (February 2024), that means the present technology goes into runout mode with offers to entice budget-conscious patrons.
Mitsubishi Australia has been on this value-for-money path for some time repeatedly releasing restricted version fashions with further equipment for a small premium and even Walkinshaw received in on the motion with a specifically outfitted Triton Xtreme from $71,990 plus on-road prices that includes improved suspension and different element modifications.
That could be a entire lot greater than the take a look at car, a Triton GLS 4×4 dual-cab Deluxe Sport Version priced from $56,440 earlier than on-road prices that serves to reacquaint us with this common, extra reasonably priced (Japanese) ute earlier than the brand new Triton arrives.
The value represents a $1500 snip over the GLS Deluxe mannequin on which it’s primarily based and $500 lower than the high quality Triton GSR.
Mitsubishi has assembled 400 examples of the dark-themed restricted Sport Version that has goodies equivalent to black leather-based upholstery with purple stitching, leather-look door playing cards, purple exterior highlights and particular decals over and above the GLS Deluxe.
A revamp of the Triton line up late final yr noticed elevated commonplace gear throughout the vary together with the demise of the petrol engine entry mannequin.
Although almost similar beneath to the bottom mannequin GLX Triton twin cab 4×4, (excluding the superior Tremendous Choose II 4WD system) the Sport Version rocks the identical 2.4-litre single turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine on this case mated to a six-speed automated transmission.
The engine is nice for 133kW and 430Nm, properly shy of the benchmark 150kW and 500Nm of different model one tonners…
What’s perplexing is using a six-speed auto and never the higher eight velocity fitted a couple of years in the past to the Triton-based Pajero Sport SUV. So, what we actually have here’s a “stickers and wheels” restricted version Triton mannequin with minor upgrades targeted on creature comforts and look.
However that’s OK as a result of the Mitsu’ ute has confirmed to be a stoic workhorse that’s match for objective throughout quite a few functions.
The mannequin’s age is clearly obvious particularly in relation to the infotainment system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) controls. The outside is depicted in white or black solely with daring striping, black 18-inch wheels (together with a full-size alloy spare) and different blacked out physique {hardware} highlighted with chrome and purple touches.
It has a bath liner and lid, rock slider aspect steps and a tow bar however nothing further up entrance when it comes to further lighting or safety.
The five-seat cabin is comparatively spacious compromised a contact by the low roofline that has its origins in earlier Triton chassis as exemplified within the curving cabin construction behind the rear doorways.
Triton Sport Version is configured solely as a twin cab pick-up with the fascinating Tremendous Choose II 4×4 drivetrain and rear diff’ lock.
The Deluxe donor car’s options are carried over and the Sport Version is out there solely with the six-speed automated transmission. An audio improve got here on this yr with a return of the factory-fitted SDA1 audio system because of improved part provide.
This built-in system contains a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity in addition to two USB factors and a HDMI port to help a number of connections. And as with the Triton GLS Deluxe, the Sport Version scores a powered driver’s seat, heated entrance seats and a multi-around-monitor.
Precise payload on this 1991kg ute is 909kg (over a tonne on some variants), it has a 1490mm huge x 1520mm lengthy load mattress and is rated to tow 3100kg.
Fascinating MITEC security options embody rear cross visitors alert, blind spot warning, lane maintaining help, lane departure warning, ahead collision mitigation, auto headlights and excessive beam, auto wipers, round view monitor, reversing digital camera, trailer sway management and hill begin help and descent management.
We appreciated the paddle shift, dual-zone local weather management, selectable off-road modes, sensible key with one-touch begin.
Driving impressions
All issues thought-about the Triton Sports activities Version is a worthy employee particularly once you take a look at the value and what you get for the cash. It is perhaps an oldie however continues to be a goodie and is common with giant numbers of tradies and leisure customers.
The two.4-litre engine has ample energy and torque however on take a look at, when towing, we paid the value on the bowser with the Triton recording 14.7 litres/100km towing lower than 2000kg in contrast with a companion Pajero Sport with the identical engine consuming 11.3L/100km pulling roughly the identical load.
We couldn’t determine it out at first, however then realised it was the six-speed auto within the Triton versus the extra environment friendly eight-speed auto within the Pajero Sport offering higher gearing for a given software and decrease engine speeds for gasoline financial system good points.
Unladen, the Triton recorded close to claimed gasoline financial system of 8.6L/100km.
Surprisingly, the next-gen’ Triton retains the outdated six-speed auto and will get one other turbo which makes you marvel if the engineers have been paying consideration.
Off the road you should look forward to the mill/turbo to spool up if quick acceleration is required however outdoors that there are not any complaints. It’s clean and comparatively quiet on the freeway and also you hardly discover half a tonne within the tray.
When empty, the Triton is jiggly over tough roads regardless of the double wishbone and coil entrance suspension, so we’re blaming the leaf springs on the rear. They’re optimum for work functions over coils however want some weight to settle the rear finish.
It has small entrance disc brakes that seem too small for heavy work though they have been fantastic when towing. Mitsubishi isn’t alone in becoming small discs on the entrance as they’re widespread on different manufacturers and are undoubtedly sacrificial when contemplating the burden of the car and potential load.
We solely used the paddle shift for choosing the popular cog towing on lengthy uphills aside from that the Triton stayed in D.
It doesn’t have radar cruise which got here as a shock and Apple CarPlay apps have been solely comfortable when related by cable.
The cabin has sufficient adjustment to get the motive force comfy over a protracted haul and the general sprint design is straightforward and efficient.
We took it for a spin off street and the (lengthy) Triton was fairly good other than being a handful handing over tight going. The suspension felt managed, and the brakes have been up for it although wheel articulation in actually tough going is missing.
It has first rate wading capabilities and crawls up and down steep climbs like a tank. However we wouldn’t try that with a tonne of firewood within the again.
So, the takeout from this late drive of a quickly to be outmoded mannequin is … good worth for cash, reliability, robust work ethic and in our opinion, a more sensible choice than a Chinese language ute for a couple of grand extra.
The Triton is roofed by Mitsubishi’s 10/10 Diamond Benefit guarantee and capped worth servicing program that includes a 10-year / 200,000-kilometre producer’s guarantee, with 10-year Capped Value Servicing.
