Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has announced the introduction of its redesigned Mitsubishi Triton. The 2017 model, the fifth in the Colt/Triton lineage, will be premiered by the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-DC MIVEC Double Cab.
According to Nic Campbell, General Manager at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, engineers have improved 185 key areas of the Triton, compared to its predecessor. These areas range from deepening and reinforcing the loading bay and revising the shape of the bonnet for aerodynamic efficiency to refining the driving position for improved in-vehicle visibility and comfort.
The sculpted bonnet, bold grille and wrap-around headlights flow into a deep shoulder-line that connects to the new taillights and a curved tailgate that now facilitates effortless one-handed operation. The integrated brake light on the tailgate can’t be obscured like those on cab-mounted versions.
The design is further enhanced by the addition of chrome accents around the front driving lights, grille and flush-mounted door handles. Newly designed side steps and 17″ alloy wheels with an eye-catching multi-spoke design, complete the striking series of updates.
Comfort and convenience
Mitsubishi says that the combined engineering efforthas also culminated in improvements inside the cabin, which was purposely shaped to mirror the same level of comfort and convenience as Mitsubishi’s range of SUV-models and iconic Pajero.
Getting in and out of the new Triton is not only much easier, but sitting behind the steering wheel feels more natural thanks to a commanding driver position offering improved visibility over the front of the vehicle. The driver has the benefit of a new dashboard with easy-to-clean surfaces chosen for practicality. Range-specific features on the new model include an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio input as well as the keyless push-button Stop/Start system.
The driver is made to feel at home thanks to cruise control, dual-zone auto air-conditioning, a reverse camera, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and leather upholstery, to name but a few of the standard creature comforts.
The cabin itself has been stretched by 20mm to 1,745mm to further improve cabin space, while shoulder room ‒ both front and rear ‒ has been improved. Subtle changes include redesigned seats offering additional bolstering and higher density foam for more comfortable long distance driving.
Under the bonnet
The new Triton is fitted with a next-generation aluminium block four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine churns out more power while cutting down on vibration thanks to new mounting points on the chassis. Power delivery is rated at 133 kW at 3 500 RPM with torque peaking at 430 Nm at 2 500 RPM. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres per 100 km in a combined cycle.
The new 2.4 MIVEC turbo-diesel delivers power to the rear (2H), or all wheels (4H if 4×4) through the choice of a shorter-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, or a five-speed automatic transmission.
A range of dynamic safety systems are available on the Triton. On the double-cab versions, Mitsubishi engineers have added its proprietary ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control) system, which modulates both braking and engine power to maintain the chosen driving line in slippery conditions. The range comes standard with ABS and EBD as well as Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Off the beaten path
Mitsubishi has made sure that the latest Triton can deliver the goods offroad thanks to a cutting-edge version of the Super-Select II four-wheel drive system. Seen first in the latest iteration of the Mitsubishi Pajero, the Super-Select II system offers the driver the choice of four distinct driving modes from a console-mounted selector.
By adopting a 40:60 power split instead of the old-fashioned 50:50 configuration, the Triton maintains a set of road dynamics usually associated with a smaller all-wheel drive car. Although the advantages of this setup are broad, its gravel road prowess is perhaps most noteworthy.
“Many offroad-enabled vehicles offer the option of 4×2, 4×4 and 4×4 low range when selecting a mode for your current driving conditions. With Super-Select II, the driver is given the option of a high-speed 4×4 driving mode where the power delivery between the front and rear wheels is distributed in such a way to make gravel and wet road travelling safer,” says Campbell.
All 4×4 double-cab models offer 215mm ground clearance and despite its inherently sporty profile, Triton boasts a class-leading approach angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 22 degrees. The break-over angle is 25 degrees.
The new Triton Double Cab enters the market with a starting price of R479 900 and all models are introduced with a 5-year/90 000km service plan and
3-year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty.
Range
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×2 (man) – R479 900
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×2 (auto) – R499 900
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×4 (man) – R539 900
Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×4 (auto) – R559 900
