Mitsubishi’s new bakkie flaunts a bold new face, with the same price as its predecessor
Mitsubishi South Africa has launched their ‘new’ Triton bakkie. Whilst not all-new, the bakkie has been heavily revised over its predecessor, with the biggest changes giving it a truly distinctive face in a staidly-styled bakkie-market.
The Triton gets a completely redesigned front-end, gaining the new Mitsubishi face, and bringing it more in line with the brand’s bakkie-based SUV – the Pajero Sport. From the side-view, it gets squarer wheel arches, a bonnet that sits 100mm higher, and slim-styled head lights, all adding to a more macho look than ever before. The rear is also more boxy that before, sporting larger tail lights. Interestingly, despite these changes, the dimensions are the same. It also offered in a palette of new colours.
"The new tough-looking Triton is significantly more competitive and meets the diverse needs of bakkie customers around the world," says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. "Mitsubishi Motors is celebrating its 40th year of building bakkies this year. The new Triton features a host of enhancements and refinements making it even more durable and reliable for commercial users and giving leisure users the comfort and ride they desire."
It's powered once again by the brand’s splendid 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT turbo-diesel engine, and produces 133kw at 3,500rpm and peak torque of 430nm from 2,500rpm. The compact motor is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic, which actually replaces the outgoing models 5-speed automatic.
Set to be offered in 4x2 and 4x4 guise, the new Triton is even more competent off-road than its predecessor. Standard off-road tech across the range include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC); with the four-wheel drive variants gaining a Super Select 4WD-II 4WD system with Hill-start Assist (HSA). Further bolstering its off-road credentials is a ground clearance of 220mm (5mm more than before), and an approach angle of 28 degrees, a departure angle of degrees. It can also tow a maximum of 3.1 tons.
The interior has also been thoroughly refreshed, and boasts a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column paired with a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a Bluetooth equipped touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and leather upholstery throughout. ISOFIX seat anchors are standard fitment as well.
The new Triton will feature numerous driver assist systems such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, a rear camera, and parking sensors. It also bests its predecessor’s paltry offering of two airbags with seven airbags - dual front airbags, side airbags, driver knee airbags and curtain airbags. Braking performance and feel are improved with the use of larger front discs and calliper pistons. The ride is further improved with the use of larger rear dampers which contain more damping oil.
The new Triton is covered by Mitsubishi Motor's 3-year / 100 000km manufacturer's warranty and a 5-year / 90 000km service plan with 10 000 km service intervals.
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-DC 4x2 6MT R509 995
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-DC 4x2 6AT R529 995
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-DC 4x4 6MT R569 995
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-DC 4x4 6AT R589 995
