YOU might not be capable to frighten a Triton, however consumers would possibly wish to know the place the zhuzh is within the new mannequin Mitsubishi one-tonner due out in February subsequent 12 months.
The brand new mannequin seems “truck” chunky and imposing, however is considerably standard within the cabin, underneath the pores and skin, and when it comes to its mechanical and accessible specification that features rear drum brakes.
New security and infotainment equipment makes an look this time round in addition to a brand new color vary. Just one engine, a 2.4-litre twin turbo-diesel, is on the market initially and solely with computerized transmission.
The brand new Triton has a double wishbone coil entrance and leaf spring rear suspension and rides on a ladder chassis. Nonetheless, given the market is predominantly fleet prospects, small companies and tradies, Mitsubishi may be heading in the right direction with its new ute particularly because it retains the worth proposition of the earlier mannequin albeit from the next final analysis price-wise.
It should arrive in dealerships from February priced from $43,690 in two-wheel drive GLX Double Cab type and rising to $63,840 for a four-wheel drive GSR Double Cab.
Spec for spec, the ask is comparatively aggressive towards related automobiles from different manufacturers, a lot of which price extra (apart from a few the Chinese language choices and the SsangYong Musso).
Primarily based on a current native introduction to the gen-six Triton we discovered it’s a competent all-rounder, good to take a look at, barely bigger exterior, roomier inside, properly geared up, succesful, and no-doubt dependable, gas environment friendly and protected; all factors sure to enchantment to the target market…
Mitsubishi Motors Australia common supervisor advertising and product technique, Oliver Mann, describes Triton as a so-called “tier one product” that has “stepped as much as the premier division”, which we interpret as an admission that the Triton has caught up with the present competitors however is just not a benchmark setter.
Is it sufficient for Mitsubishi to take care of its place within the Australia one-tonne ute gross sales race? Probably. However a full vary of variants have to be available sooner quite than later.
Within the meantime, Mr Mann stated the brand new mannequin was a “colossal step up on its predecessor with higher on highway really feel and broader off-road functionality.”
We might agree with that, as it’s measurably higher throughout all purposes notably within the journey and dealing with division and for low-speed lugging.
That have to be tempered by the truth that the excessive spec pre-production GLS and GSR check automobiles at a current preview drive in South Australia had been geared up with the superior Tremendous Choose II 4WD system which has a number of 4WD choices yaw management and a locking centre differential.
Mr Mann stated the brand new Triton was a step alongside the way in which to autonomous driving with new know-how together with lane centring and digicam managed ADAS.
On the preview media occasion for the Triton, GoAuto requested Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO Shaun Westcott if different engines could be accessible within the Triton vary particularly cheaper, petrol engines in additional fundamental “Workmate” type car to which he replied within the affirmative.
“Our focus is on resetting the Triton at launch so now we have a restricted vary to start out with after which, topic to transport and different variables, different variants will observe together with cab-chassis fashions,” he stated.
“I can’t offer you detailed specification for these fashions or if they’ve petrol or diesel engines, however we can have automobiles to swimsuit most consumers on the way in which.”
By way of potential electrification in some type for Triton, Mr Westcott stated Mitsubishi was “ it” however held reservations relating to vary and different limitations with electrification whereas packaging was an issue if Mitsubishi was taking place the PHEV and HEV path with Triton.
“The place do you set the battery?” he requested.
“You may’t merely put it underneath the ground due to the load and different controls wanted that take away load area and add to the car’s weight.
“There would have to be a step change in battery know-how earlier than an electrified Triton is taken into account although we’re learning the thought.”
Mr Westcott stated Mitsubishi nonetheless has a aggressive benefit with Triton despite the fact that the mannequin is now related spec to its opponents.
“The equipment balances the value and it’s related dimensions to different manufacturers and sure, a Euro pallet matches within the again,” he added.
With regards to hydrogen powertrains, Mr Westcott commented, “Hydrogen has some challenges, and some billion {dollars} must be spent to make it viable on a variety of fronts together with the availability chain.”
