Mitsubishi has a contender as ute buyers are spoilt for choice.
Last month Car Showroom attended the media launch for the all-new Nissan Navara King Cab and this month we’re looking at the Mitsubishi Triton.
Throw-in the all-conquering Toyota Hilux, the Mazda B-Series, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon plus a couple of others and you get an insight into the extensive choices now available to Australian ute buyers.
Mitsubishi says the contemporary styling of the new Triton – highlighted by the Fastback model due for imminent launch - lets you stand out from the crowd and certainly the Double Cab models do push the design boundaries.
Given the variety of applications required by ute buyers, the Triton – like its competitors – is offered in such a staggering number of model variants that we simply do not have space to cover them all.
For starters there is a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sold in both single and dual can configurations in GL and GLX models (2-wheel-drive only). Other twowheel- drive models are powered by the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (GLX model, single and double cab) and the 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder common rail common rail direct injection turbo-diesel powerplant (GLX model, single and double cab).
Four-wheel-drive models are powered by either the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine or another diesel – a 3.2-litre, 4-clylinder with common rail direct injection and intercooled turbocharger. These are available in GLX single cab or double cab or higher spec versions (double cab only) – VR, GLX-R and (soon) GLS Fastback.
Best to consult with your local Mitsubishi dealer to make sense of all of this.
For couriers and tradies, here are a few points you will be interested in…
Depending on the model, Triton’s maximum payload ranges from 1355kgs to 944 kgs (two-wheel-drive models) or 1265kgs to 870 kgs (four-wheel-drive models). Best cargo bed length is 2,220mm (single cab) and the cargo bed width is 1470mm (1,085 between the rear wheel arches). Best towing capacity is found with the 2.5-litre diesel Triton at 2,500 kgs (trailer with brakes). By comparison, Nissan Navara offers a 3,000 kgs towing capacity.
Triton matches its rivals in other key areas like safety with dual front airbags, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (standard on most models) and a load sensing proportioning valve to adjust barking performance according to the load out back.
