Triton’s bold look, price
The first shipment of newlook Triton utes made a holiday season appearance in Mitsubishi Motors dealerships and pricing has been announced including a special launch offer for the flagship model.
Mitsubishi Motors NZ now has a 14-model Triton line-up which comprises four 4x2 models and 10 4x4 models and contains a mix of Single, Club and Double Cab bodystyles. By launching the topof-the-range VRX Double Cab 4x4 model at a special $49,990 price, Mitsubishi is taking an aggressive stance in the high specification ute segment.
The major change for 2019 is a bold new look — inspired by the “Dynamic Shield” frontal design theme of the latest Outlander and Eclipse Cross SUV models. There are also refinement and safety upgrades including a new sixspeed automatic transmission to replace the previous five-speed unit.
The Triton’s refreshed styling is achieved by the Mitsubishi designers raising the leading edge of the bonnet by 40mm to provide a squarer look and also making changes to the front guards, headlights, grille, side steps, door mirrors, fuel cap cover, rear bumper and tail lights. Flagship VRX models feature LED headlights with auto-levelling and integrated daytime running lights.
The new design widens the Triton’s appearance by pushing the squarer guards out to where the wheel arch flares previously extended, changing the stance but leaving the width measurement unchanged at 1815mm.
Moving to 18-inch alloy wheels — with a two-tone machine finish — and taller 265/60 R18 tyres for the GLX-R and VRX grades provides the Triton with a 15mm increase in ground clearance. There are also updates for the rear shock absorbers and leaf springs.
Under the skin the ladder-frame chassis, cabin structure, key dimensions and the 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine are carried over from the current Triton. With
2019 LINE-UP:
2WD GLX Single Cab Chassis (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $38,790 2WD GLXR Double Cab (manual) .. .. .. .. .. $47,120 2WD GLXR Double Cab (auto) .. .. .. .. .. .. $49,120 2WD VRX Double Cab Auto (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $54,990 4WD GLX Club Cab Chassis (manual) .. .. .. .. .. $47,190 4WD GLX Single Cab Chassis (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $48,190 4WD GLX Club Cab Chassis (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $49,190 4WD GLX Double Cab Chassis (manual) .. .. .. .. $48,490 4WD GLX Club Cab Wellside (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $50,190 4WD GLX Double Cab Chassis (auto) .. .. .. .. .. $50,490 4WD GLX-R Double Cab (manual) .. .. .. .. .. $53,990 4WD GLX-R Double Cab (auto) .. .. .. .. .. .. $55,990 4WD GLX Double Cab (auto) .. .. .. .. .. .. $55,990 4WD VRX Double Cab (auto) $62,990 (currently $48,990 special price)
the arrival of the new model at dealerships around the country, Mitsubishi is anticipating a 25 per cent uplift in Triton sales. head of marketing and corporate affairs Reece Congdon.
“Triton has long been a hit with Kiwis due to its great performance and value, backed by New Zealand’s leading new car warranty. “We are confident that the improvements available at such a sharp price will push uptake to a whole new level.”
Last year the Triton climbed into third position in the New Zealand pick-up/utility market. The Ford Ranger led the sales race with 9904 registrations followed by the Toyota Hilux with 8096. The Triton achieved 4720 registrations and edged ahead of the Holden Colorado to gain the number three ranking by a narrow margin of 137 units.