Happy customers drive Triton bakkies

The survey analysed vehicles sold in the second half of 2007 with drivers of diesel-powered double cabs questioned in four key areas of the initial ownership experience: Noise, Functional Aspects (Static), Functional Aspects (Dynamic) and Appearance.

The Triton emerged as an exceptionally reliable vehicle with just 66 problems per 100 vehicles - the lowest in the diesel double cab class - compared to 77 problems per 100 vehicles for the next best diesel double cab and well below the class average of 160.

Taking Synovate's Customer Irritation Factor into account (which adjusts the significance of the fault to reflect how it is perceived by the driver in real-world terms) Triton drivers experienced the lowest number of problems in terms of appearance and dynamic functionality, and the second lowest numbers of problems when it came to noise-related issues and static functionality.

This is the first time the Triton, launched locally in April last year, has appeared in the Synovate survey.

“The Triton is a vehicle which truly moves the goalposts for the segment, and not just in terms of its styling,” says Mitsubishi Motors' divisional manager, Peter Skei. “A combination of rugged design, great powertrains and diligent assembly makes for a reliable vehicle, and the Synovate results bear out what our dealers and the very low level of warranty claims we're experiencing from them, is already telling us.

“This quality achievement, together with the four star Euro NCAP rating received earlier this year and the Gold award received for Competitive Customer Satisfaction in Service for Light Commercial Vehicles, also by Synovate, shows this new brand is proving it's mettle in a highly competitive environment.

“The Triton range continues to expand and with production at the East London plant getting up to speed, more and more South African motorists will be able to enjoy the benefits of owning what has been independently proven to be a class-leader,” he said.