Now tougher than ever, the new Mitsubishi Triton
Celebrating four decades with a tough new look and a host of enhanced exterior and interior features, the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton also has an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission.
"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."
Although most of the changes are "under the skin", the new Triton will be immediately recognisable thanks to its bold and tough-looking new face.
Apart from the new transmission, the new 2019 Triton also boasts more powerful styling that incorporates the latest iteration of the Dynamic Shield front design concept; an enhanced 4WD system that delivers improved off-road performance, and the latest in active safety and driver assistance systems.
On the occasion of the world premiere, Mitsubishi Motors CEO Osamu Masuko stated, "The new Triton is one of our most important global strategic models. Its success will accelerate the momentum of the company's sustainable growth."
"The new model brings enhancements to the durability, reliability and comfort developed over the 40 years since the introduction of the series. I am fully confident the new Triton will meet the diverse needs and wishes of our customers around the world."
New exterior features
Some of the most striking new exterior features of the new Triton giving it a new appearance include:
Front view: The new face incorporates the new-generation "Dynamic Shield" front design concept. The high hood line and beefier-looking headlights located higher up to give the new model a more powerful and imposing frontal appearance.
Side view: Newly sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines, extended wheel flares and bright accents embody the strength of a full-size Mitsubishi Motors bakkie and add a modern twist.
Rear view: The lighting and bumper parts become part of the tough design, framing the front and rear designs and adding visual width. The new Triton also comes in fashionable colours including Sunflare Orange, Diamond White Metallic and Graphite Grey Metallic, adding more appeal to the range.
New interior features
The latest version of the descendant of the mighty Dakar conqueror that has earned a reputation as an unbreakable, tough, durable and reliable 4x4 over the years, has also received a major upgrade to the luxury and comfort of the cabin.
The restyled inside of the new Triton expresses a modern and robust feeling with new frame surroundings for the switch panel and air outlets. A high-quality look is created by soft pad materials and stitching on the floor console, armrests and parking brake.
The new interior boasts the following: Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable Steering Column; Multi-function Leather Steering Wheel with Audio and Cruise Control; Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control; Touch-screen Radio/CD and MP3 Player; Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Optional); Dual-zone Automatic Air-conditioning; Electric Windows; USB and Accessory Sockets; Leather Seats; Electrically Adjustable Driver Seat and Chromatic Rear-View Mirror.
Safety features
Other interior elements making it significantly more competitive include an enhanced 4WD system boasting electronic Off-road Assistance mode that delivers improved off-road performance, and the latest in active safety and driver assistance systems.
The new Triton is "Engineered Beyond Tough" and retains the current model's ultra-durable and highly reliable ladder-type frame and high impact-safety cabin structure while featuring class-leading advanced active safety and driver assistance systems, including RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body Construction; 7 Airbags; Side-impact Protection Bars; Collapsible Steering Column; ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors; ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control); ABS (Anti-lock Braking System); EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution); BAS (Brake Assist System); HSA (Hill Start Assist System); DRL (Daytime Running Lights); Speed-sensing Auto Door Lock; Rear View Camera; Keyless Operating System; High-mounted Rear Stop Lamp (Tailgate); 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.
Power and performance
The Triton combines Mitsubishi's powerful tried and tested 2.4L MIVEC Turbo Diesel Engine with the all-new 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Intelligent Shift Control, delivering the optimum balance of engine power, fuel economy and interior quietness with smooth acceleration at low engine revolutions. A 6-speed Manual Transmission is available as well.
The new Triton retains its proven MIVEC DOHC Intercooled Turbo Diesel for the latest generation, including:
- Common Rail Direct Injection
- 133kW@3500rpm
- 430Nm@2500rpm
- Fuel consumption: 7,5 litre/100 km in the combined cycle (7,6l/100 km for the new 6-speed automatic)
Off-road abilities
The new Triton 4WD models are fitted with Mitsubishi's latest Super-Select II 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface, delivering improved off-road performance.
The latest version Super Select II 4WD system is used with an Off-road Mode available on the automatic transmission derivatives. The Off-road mode has Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock (in 4LLc only) settings for improved traction on different road surfaces.
When engaged, Off-road Mode integrally controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip, thereby maximising all-terrain performance and self-extraction performance in mud or snow.
The 4H drive mode distributes torque in a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip device for safer on-road driving in slippery conditions such as gravel and wet roads. 4HLc (4WD High range with CD locked) distributes torque equally between the front and rear wheels for improved traction on sand, dirt and snow. 4LLc (4WD Low range with CD locked) provides greater torque for extreme off-road conditions.
Electronic off-road assistance
To further enhance the off-road experience provided by the unique Super Select II 4WD System, Hill Descent Control has been added to the 4x4 Automatic Transmission derivative for additional safety when on dangerous ground.
Vehicle speed is electronically controlled to allow the driver to negotiate steep or slippery descents more safely and with more assurance.
In addition, the selectable Off-road Mode maximises traction on unsealed surfaces. This allows the driver to select either the Gravel, Mud/Snow or Sand mode in 4HLc to suit surface conditions and optimise engine output, transmission settings and braking for superior traction.
An additional Rock setting can be engaged in 4LLc which makes the new Triton virtually unstoppable."The new Triton is engineered to be tough and looks the part," says Campbell.
"We are confident that the upgraded version will build on the popularity of the original Triton and the 40 years of development of this iconic pick-up."
Pricing
The new "Engineered Beyond Tough" range includes four different derivatives:The new Triton is covered by Mitsubishi's Manufacturer's Warranty of 3 years or 100,000km and a 5-year/90,000km Service Plan and a 5-year/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 10,000km.
