Major changes to Triton range

The significant upgrades in terms of standard equipment in certain models, particularly the Club Cab derivatives, are all in line with the value for money strategy of Mitsubishi Motors SA.

“The Club Cab segment, similar to the double cab segment, is skewed to the lifestyle owner, and we need to offer more for the same price,” said Mitsubishi Motors SA Chief executive officer Jaco Oosthuizen.

Occupant safety has always been a major focus area for the Mitsubishi engineers, and the Triton has a safety cell cab, driver and passenger airbags, and anti-skid ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). This is over and above the RISE body protection system which offers exceptional protection to occupants.

Combined with the extra-sturdy chassis, the Triton is a bakkie for all conditions. All the models have a five-speed manual gearbox. The Triton range is complemented by the thoroughbred Single Cabs whose tough, work-like build quality harks back to the legendary Colt range.

The Single Cabs are available with the proven 2,4-litre petrol engine, which delivers 97kW of power and 202N.m of torque, and the 2,5-litre diesel engine which is standard in the Club Cab. There are three single-cab variants – GL and GLX with the petrol engine, and a GLX with the diesel unit.

These bakkies are the workhorses of the family, trimmed in vinyl but standard with airbags, and they are all particularly well-priced. The higher spec models have air conditioning, power windows and central locking.

The Single Cabs have a carrying capacity of 1 000 kilograms and an enormous load bay measuring 2 220mm in length, 1 750 in width and with a depth of 405mm.

The diesel-powered Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 has been given a substantial boost in power and torque. In line with global environmental trends, the capacity of the inter cooled turbo diesel engine has been reduced from 3,2 litre to 2,5 litre.

However, power goes up 9% from 120kW to 131kW and maximum torque increases by 17% from 343N.m to 400N.m.

The 4×4 system, which has proved its mettle in the toughest terrain has also been upgraded. Typically driven through the rear wheels, the Triton Double Cab 4×4 now has a lockable centre differential combined with the shift-on-the-fly system.

The driver can change from standard 4×2 mode (for fuel economy) to 4H without a locked differential at speeds up to 100km/h. This complements the locking rear differential and low range for go anywhere capability.

The four wheel drive system is operated by Mitsubishi’s Super Select system, which permits the driver to select from four different transfer modes, depending on terrain.

The build quality is typically of the Japanese brand, and the cabin remains quiet and rattle free even over the toughest terrain and towing capability has been increased to 1 500 kilograms with a braked trailer.

As far as the cabin is concerned, the Triton now joins the ranks of luxury double-cab bakkies. Leather seats, climate control and excellent sound insulation make it a pleasure on longer drives.

Add to this the cruise control, a three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel with multi-function switches for the audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth, and it brings the Double Cab in line with the other luxury vehicles in the Mitsubishi product range.

The Mitsubishi Link system, which allows voice control of the system, is also standard. Some of the major specification upgrades to the Club Cab include integrated Bluetooth, audio and phone controls on the steering wheel, voice-activated phone control and the new face.

The Club Cab is available only in diesel, matching the market demand where over 85% of the models are diesel units. The Club Cab now also comes in a variant with optional rear seats.

The Club Cabs have been given an upgrade in standard features similar to that of the Double Cabs, except the seats are trimmed in fabric. All Mitsubishi Tritons are covered by a three-year/100 000 kilometre warranty.