RUNNING ON VALUE

MITSUBISHI’S TRITON PROVES THAT LESS OF EVERYTHING CAN STILL BE A SUCCESSFUL FORMULA.

THE Triton remains Australia’s third most popular 4x4 despite selling 2826 fewer units in 2016 compared to 2015. While that might seem like bad news for the new-generation 2.4-litre ‘MQ’ Triton, given 2016 was the first full year of sales of this new model, appearances in this case are deceptive.

Sales in 2015 were buoyed off the back of heavy discounting of the previousgeneration MN Triton leading up to the second-quarter introduction of the new MQ. In fact, Mitsubishi were selling run-out MNS at near Chinese and Indian ute prices to get them off the showroom floor.

The Triton stands out among 4x4 utes in a number of significant ways. First, it’s a relatively small ute by class standards and doesn’t quite match the class leaders in terms of payloads or towing capacity. The fact that most of the tray of the dualcab models overhangs past the rear axle is also a negative when it comes to carrying those really heavy loads.

That said, in our recent load and tow test the Triton proved that its ‘little’ 2.4-litre diesel was well up to towing 2800kg and carrying maximum payloads, even if the rear suspension wasn’t entirely happy to carry that much weight around. The chassis still coped okay but not as well as others when loaded right up.

The flip side of the coin is that the Triton is more manoeuvrable than most competitors thanks to its relatively short wheelbase, and it has a sporty feel to the way it steers and handles thanks in part to being lighter than most competitors.

Significantly, GLS and Exceed models also offer full-time 4x4 in the form of Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select’ system that also incorporates a 2WD mode. Full-time 4x4 adds greatly to the Triton’s functionality, driveability and safety under most driving conditions, including off-road. That’s not to say the Triton is a gun off-road ute, because it isn’t, but that’s nothing to do with its Super Select system. The Triton is still handy enough off-road, but it’s certainly no Hilux, Ranger or Amarok.