Retooled Mitsubishi’s new Triton set for market

There’s no such thing as being fashionably late in a competitive world like the automotive industry, but there is at least one good thing that came out of the delayed introduction of Mitsubishi’s all-new Triton.

Waiting this long to some degree, has allowed Mitsubishi to introduce its new Pick-up truck with Mitsubishi’s sophisticated new 2.4-litre Mivec turbo-diesel engine, rather than the previous-generation 2.5-litre unit.

So presently, it has entered the market fray in double cab guise at least with club cab and single cab derivatives set to follow later in the year.

It is priced slightly below its key rivals with four high-spec 2.4 diesel models giving you usual the 4×2, 4×4, manual and automatic derivatives.

The so-called ‘J’ design side profile allowed designers to retain a relatively short wheelbase while still procuring generous rear legroom and a best-in-class seating angle, but this time the automaker have done this without making the vehicle look like a banana.

Mitsubishi admits that many previous owners were somewhat put off by the previous model’s design and the new one should prove a lot more pleasant, if a little safe even, when viewed from the front.

Featuring an all-aluminium block, the unit weighs 30kg less than the old 2.5 and has an unusually low compression ratio of 15.5:1. The engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox.

A closer look at the new engine compartment shows that it really stood out for its overall sophistication. It is quiet and smooth-revving for an oil burner and delivers oodles of torque from low down.

As one would expect at this level of the Pick-up game, it is available with a capable and comprehensive four-wheel drive system, with four modes selectable via rotary switch, including the obligatory low-range for trail creeping.

While its respective approach and departure angles of 28 and 22 degrees are competitive, the 215mm ground clearance is a bit lower than that of rivals.

Although as with any Pick-up, the ride can be a bit uncomfortable over harsh surfaces, it is decent on the highway sections. The short wheelbase also gives it a rather tight turning circle for town driving, by Pick-up standards at least, although the resultant long rear overhang is perhaps not ideal for heavier loads.

Unlike some rivals, the steering is adjustable both height and reach, allowing a comfortable driving position to be set up, but the steering does feel fairly vague on the open road.

The cabin is spacious and comfortable, and well specced, with all versions coming with leather seats (electrically adjustable for the driver) as well as a touch-screen infotainment system with reverse camera and Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control and cruise control.

The fascia design is rather plain and straightforward and although the plastics are hard to the touch, Mitsubishi has put some effort into making the materials appear reasonably classy, once again, by trucks standards at least.

MIKE OCHONMA