MITSUBISHI TRITON
2,4 DI-D 4x4 AT
Preconceptions can be a funny thing.when the last Mitsubishi Triton squared up against six accomplished double-cab rivals in our last Bakkie Shootout in 2017, few of the test team (including South African rally legend Hannes Grobler) held much hope for its chances.yet, with its forgiving ride and comfy cabin garnering it team-wide plaudits on-road and its durable frame and grippy AWD underpinnings acquitting themselves well off the blacktop, the Triton came within a whisker of unseating the 2,0-litre biturbo Amarok for top honours.
The eld is broader this year and while the Triton’s R654 995 sticker price still sees it competitively placed in the overall value stakes, it’s got some capable rivals undercutting it here. Although it’s technically one of the newer entrants, the Triton’s compact packaging and analogue cabin interface mean it feels a generation behind in this company.thanks to the softness of its suspension and relaxed, somewhat heavy tiller, it exhibits that strange Mitsubishi off-roader trait of feeling like it’s already run-in despite being fresh off the showroom oor. Given that it’s a mechanically robust product, it could be likened to a hard-as-nails pair of hiking boots that’s just been nicely worn in.
Mitsubishi did give it a much-welcomed visual update with the adoption of the rm’s Dynamic Shield nose treatment and several cues inside and out, drawn from the likes of the Eclipse Cross.the 2,4-litre turbodiesel ‘four feels old-school in its languid interaction with the automatic transmission but those outputs remain competitive and we know the Triton is one of the more uid and assured members of the segment in the on-road ride and handling stakes. If it can emulate its off-road performance in the previous Shootout, there’s a good chance the often-overlooked Triton could cause yet another upset in this contest.
“PROVEN AND AS STRONG AS ANYTHING HERE, BUT NOT THE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH NO REACH ADJUSTMENT TO THE STEERING. ALSO, NO RECOVERY POINTS IN THE REAR.”