Triton ute becomes a rock star
The heavily revised version of the Triton is sharper, more aggressive and more versatile off-road, writes Damien O’Carroll.
The Mitsubishi Triton has long been something of the thinking man’s ute – not as flashy or belligerently trucklike as the likes of the Ford Ranger, but deeply impressive value for money and easily one of the best handling utes on the market.
Now, Mitsubishi has decided that what would normally be a mild, midlife upgrade was a good excuse to do something more extensive.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
Mitsubishi is referring to the latest version as a new model, such is the extent of the facelift, but the reality is it is probably somewhere in between. Think of it as Triton 5.5.
For 2019 the Triton gets a bolder, more aggressively blunt evolution of Mitsubishi’s now-familiar ‘‘dynamic shield’’ front end, similar to the ASX, Pajero Sport and Outlander, bringing it into line with the SUV family.
Striking, distinctive and
infinitely better looking in the metal (particularly on the move) than it comes across in photos or video, the new look dumps the swoopy curves of the previous two incarnations of Triton in favour of a big, squared-off and boldly aggressive truck-like look, which is far more in line with what the market currently wants.
An initial glance at the rear may lead you to think that little has changed, but this has been squared
off too (in fact, every exterior panel, save for the roof, is new) and new tail-lights with an LED section that traces the shape of the Pajero Sport’s taillights is a nice touch. And not as polarising as the actual lights from the Pajero Sport.
While the outside gets a bold, chromey polish for 2019, the interior is more reserved, with only a new centre console and mild detail changes to spruce it up.
Mechanically, the big news is that the Triton now gets a six-speed automatic transmission, while the manual remains a six-speed unit. The 2.4-litre diesel engine carries over unchanged.
Apparently the eight-speed unit in the Pajero Sport was considered, but its extra weight and the six-speeder’s superior durability swung the decision its way.
As well as revisions to the suspension and chassis, Mitsubishi has also added a range of new safety features, including forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning, while the top spec VRX model also gets blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system.
Hill descent control has also been added, as well as a new off road drive mode selection that includes settings for gravel, mud/snow, sand and rocks.
Mitsubishi New Zealand is bullish about the new Triton’s chances in the local market and is projecting a 25 per cent boost in sales on the back of only minor price increases, equipment upgrades across the board and a renewed focus on the upper end of the ute segment, where the Triton has previously lacked the required desirability factor.
Where did you drive it?
The global reveal was held in Thailand (where pretty much all utes are born) and we didn’t actually get