Mitsubishi Triton

Date: 06.10.2006

The new Mitsubishi promises more that just good looks and at its recent launch it delivered a lot more. Gordon Legge reports.

Mitsubishi Triton

The new Mitsubishi has taken the clean, high-waisted lines of its contemporary’s and raised the bar. It has taken cabin comfort to a new higher level and added power to burn.

But the new Triton strongest selling point is that it is still a genuine work shore that offers fantastic 4WD ability and exceptional highway comfort.

We got to play with all the 4WD toys like ABS, dif lock, traction control in the hills between Ohariau and Wellington’s rough east coast. We went up hills that quickened the heart rate. We went down slopes that stopped all chat in the vehicle and if you can stop a motoring writer from talking, you have done a hell of a job.

When it comes to 4WD ability I must confess to being a complete nanna. My last attempt was a 100m downhill slide coming to a stop with the front wheels in lake Tarawera, forcing a read of the instruction book to learn that just because the light has come on to say it is in 4WD drive low doesn’t mean really it is. But that was another day another brand.

So I was more that grateful for the help and guidance of 4WD guru Pete Ritchie.

The new Mitsubishi Triton is built to work and work well it does.
According to the research, 44 percent of all tritons sold will be diesel, 65 percent will be double cabs and, overall, Tritons will capture at least 14 percent of the market.

All that and it is the same price as the old model. You can pick up the single cab for just $38,000 and $42,000 for the double. Other obvious advantages over the last model are coil over shocks and a move to 15,000km service intervals. This might not seem a lot, but add the difference up over 100km and you have dropped from 10 services to just six, and that is all money in your pocket.

The new diesel delivers 120Kw, up 28 percent, and torque is up almost 20 percent to 353Nm. The 3.5 litre petrol option delivers 137Kw and 314Nm of torque.

In the cabin there are all the creature comforts from climate air to drink holders. An electric window between cabin and rear is a wonderful addition. The GLS model also has climate air and a trip computer that will show range, fuel consumption, etc.

The suspension system gives nothing away to its workman like attributes with coils and double wishbones in the front and leaf springs in the rear.

All the electrics must be well sealed because on the way to the beach, we crossed 32 river fords without a problem. The river fording demonstrated two more great Triton features, the diff lock and the fantastic approach and departure angles.
So if you are looking for a ute that is capable of genuine hard work you’ll find a good workmate in the new Triton.

Specifications
Engine
Petrol 3.5ltr V6
Power 137Kw
Torque 314Nm
Diesel 3.2 ltr
Power 120Kw
Torque 353Nm
Suspension
Front double wishbone coil over
Brakes
Front 16" disks
Drums at the rear
Weight
Kerb 1920kg
Size
Length 5174mm
Width 1800mm
Height 1780mm
Towing
Unbraked 750kg
Braked 2300kg