COMPACT CONVENIENCE

TRITON IS A MODEST PERFORMER OFF-ROAD, BUT GAINS APPEAL WITH A SHORTER WHEELBASE AND TIGHTER DIMENSIONS

THE current generation Triton arrived here in mid 2015 as the MY16 model. It was not, however, an entirely ground-up new design but more a thoroughly reworked version of the previous generation where Mitsubishi’s engineers pulled everything apart, added new parts where necessary and put it back together again. The changes were headlined by an all-new 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder designed to meet upcoming Euro 5 emission regulations. It was smaller, yet more powerful than the engine it replaced, a common theme with diesel development in the last decade. An all-new and slickchanging six-speed manual gearbox was also introduced, while the five-speed automatic was carried over from the previous generation model.

Lower-spec (GLX) models were fitted with conventional part-time 4x4, while mid (GLS) and top (Exceed) models were equipped with Mitsubishi’s unique centre-diff equipped ‘Super Select’ system that offers both full-time 4x4 (for on-road use), as well as the option of rear-wheel drive only. The main benefit of this is being able to use four-wheel drive on the road (which you can’t do with a conventional part-time system), which brings safety, driveability and convenience benefits. Off-road it offers some convenience benefit in easy conditions, but when things get tough, it effectively works the same as part-time 4x4 once you lock the centre diff and/or select low range.

What defines the Triton more is its modest wheel travel, which is down with the tailenders in the class. The GLS, GLS+ and Exceed models did have a driver-switched rear locker (later limited to Exceed and limited edition GLS Sport models), but engaging the rear locker cancels the ETC on the front as well as the back wheels, so engaging the rear locker is more of a win-lose situation.

For its part, the ETC (at least up until the 2019 model) was aimed more at on-road use, so wasn’t terrific off-road anyway. In the wash-up in some off-road situations, the Triton was better with the locker engaged, but other times it was better without it.

The 2019 upgrade, which centred on extra safety kit and a new six-speed automatic gearbox, also brought driver-switchable terrain-specific off-road Etc/esc/powertrain programs on models fitted with Super Select, which was a notable improvement but still leaves the Triton with modest offroad ability compared to the best in class. It’s relatively short wheelbase and compact dimensions are, however, a bonus in tight off-road conditions.