The exclusive Mitsubishi Triton Athlete has officially hit South African shores, bringing a touch of uniqueness to the bakkie scene. This limited-edition Triton takes the already impressive Triton concept to new heights, and it's now available for all our local enthusiasts.
The Triton has long been a cornerstone of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa's lineup, renowned for its sporty aesthetics, outstanding performance, and legendary ruggedness, capable of conquering any terrain with ease.
The Triton Athlete is the latest addition to Mitsubishi's ever-growing product range, featuring distinctive exterior enhancements that are bound to make it a standout contender in the crowded bakkie market. Its interior also receives several special touches that significantly enhance its premium appeal.
Jeffrey Allison, General Manager of Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA), explains, "South Africa has a deep love for bakkies, and our customers enjoy personalizing their vehicles. The Triton Athlete caters to this need by offering a bespoke package that ensures it stands out, whether you're on the open road or off the beaten track."
Built upon the foundation of the Triton 4x4 Automatic, the Triton Athlete draws inspiration from the Café Racer concept, which originated in 1960s London among British motorcycle enthusiasts who embraced motorsport influences to customize their bikes.
The Triton Athlete is instantly recognizable with its bold red accents on the front bumper lower garnish, side-step, and rear bumper step, reminiscent of the motorsport body kits that graced legendary models like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A comprehensive motorsport-inspired decal kit includes a hood decal, tailgate strip, and side stripes featuring the number 01. Adding to the visual appeal, the exterior upgrades also feature LED headlamps with sleek black accents and matching daytime running lamps. The Triton Athlete rides on distinctive black 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the motorsport theme continues with black and red stitching on the leather steering wheel, parking brake, and floor console. Unique leather seats and door trim also feature striking red leather stitching.
Despite the Triton Athlete's myriad aesthetic enhancements, it retains the performance and legendary off-road prowess that Mitsubishi vehicles are known for. Under the hood, you'll find the same 2.4L DOHC MIVEC Diesel engine, delivering an impressive 133kW at 3,500 r/min and 430Nm at 2,500r/min. It's paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission equipped with Intelligent Shift Control.
For tackling diverse terrains, Mitsubishi's renowned Super Select II 4WD system provides optimal traction and handling on any surface, responding instantaneously to wheel grip without requiring driver input. Additionally, the selectable off-road mode allows drivers to choose from Gravel, Mud/Snow, or Sand modes when in 4hLc, tailoring engine output, transmission settings, and braking for superior traction. An extra Rock setting can be engaged in 4LLc. With a ground clearance of 220mm, approach and departure angles of 31 and 29 degrees, and a 25-degree ramp breakover angle, the Triton is ready to take on any obstacle.
Jeffrey Allison summarizes, "The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete offers customers a bakkie that embodies Mitsubishi's philosophy of creating products that provide safety, comfort, and quality while incorporating unique features that elevate its distinctive style and athleticism, resulting in a truly exceptional offering."
Pricing for the Triton Athlete includes Mitsubishi's standard three-year or 100,000km manufacturer's warranty, a five-year/90,000km service plan, and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals occur every 10,000km.
Also worth a look: the Mitsubishi Triton and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Mitsubishi's Value Punch in the .
FAQ
Q: What does the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete cost in South Africa?
The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is priced at R679,995 in South Africa, which positions it as a premium offering in the bakkie segment with its exclusive styling and motorsport-inspired design elements.
Q: Is the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete worth buying?
The Triton Athlete is worth buying if you want a distinctive bakkie that stands out from the crowd, especially considering it's built on the proven 4x4 automatic platform with unique styling that you won't see on every street corner.
Q: What engine does the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete have?
The Triton Athlete is powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 133kW and 430Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4x4 drivetrain for serious off-road capability.
Q: How does the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete compare to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux?
The Triton Athlete offers more exclusive styling than the mainstream Ranger and Hilux models, though it sits at a premium price point of R679,995 compared to similar spec Rangers around R650,000 and Hilux models from R620,000.
Q: What makes the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete different from the regular Triton?
The Triton Athlete features distinctive red accents, motorsport decals with the number 01, black 18-inch alloys, LED headlamps with black accents, and special interior touches that give it a Café Racer-inspired appearance not found on standard Triton models.
Should You Buy It?
The best limited-edition bakkie under R700,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete at R679,995. This isn't just another bakkie with a few stickers slapped on, it's a proper motorsport-inspired machine that'll have you standing out at every braai and building site. The 133kW turbodiesel engine provides serious grunt, the 4x4 system will tackle any farm road or beach launch, and those red accents with the number 01 decals give it genuine racing pedigree. Sure, you're paying about R60,000 more than a comparable Hilux, but you're getting exclusivity that money can't buy once these limited editions are sold out. If you want a bakkie that's as comfortable hauling your boat as it is making a statement at the local shopping centre, the Triton Athlete is a solid yes from us.
