First Drive: Mitsubishi Triton

First Drive: Mitsubishi Triton

In the ever-expanding world of bakkies, one brand has been around for years but is often overlooked. In South Africa, the Fords and Toyotas rule the roost, with the individuals who choose to move against the grain opting for the Nissans, Mahindras, and Chinese offerings. However, one brand provided a bulletproof alternative to the status quo in the form of the Triton, and it was praised for its competence. Still, its interior and old-school characteristics limited its popularity. Mitsubishi listened and brought to light an all-new Triton.

The Mitsubishi Triton joined the band of midfield Japanese bakkies by offering impressive reliability and capability at a manageable price. To ensure this new offering from the relatively quiet brand meets and exceeds the level of its competitors, Mitsubishi went back to the drawing board and has produced an all-new Triton from the ground up. So, I took it for a test drive.

This new Triton packs a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine under its bonnet called the 4N16 DI-DC and pumps out a respectable 135kW and 430Nm. It's bolted to a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Although these figures seem similar to those of the outgoing 2.4-litre unit previously used in the Triton, this engine is a newly developed block that assists in better consumption and more efficient power output.

For the most part, this diesel 4-cylinder fits the bill well. However, there is a desire for more torque during hard acceleration at highway speeds. But once on the trails, there is more than enough torque to pull it through the rough stuff, and its short-geared low-range box benefits the technical driving requirements with a predictable and fairly instant throttle response. And for those who own a previous generation Triton or Pajero, turbo lag is a lot less present in this new offering. Additionally, the rear-locking diff is simple to engage and performs effortlessly in low-traction situations.

As for its chassis and ride quality, I always head into driving a new bakkie with the expectation of a firm rear end and a bouncy characteristic on the road. To my surprise, the Triton masks its light rear end well. The shocks lean more on the soft side, providing a pleasant and comfortable ride-quality experience. Yes, there is still a sense of rigidity from the rear subframe due to its 1-tonne payload capacity, but it is comfortable and competent.

Off the road, the shocks continue to impress, and the majority of the bone-rattling corrugations are less noticeable in the Triton than in some of its competitors, despite one factor that I will discuss shortly. In more technical off-road environments, the added 20mm of wheel travel helps it to stay grounded for longer, and its axle twisting ability is one of the best I have experienced from an off-roader in this class. However, gravel can be a great equaliser for bakkies, and this is where its biggest problem exists.

At high speeds on less paved roads, there is a noticeable amount of steering feedback, and larger bumps and dips in the road can perhaps be too strongly communicated through the steering wheel for many a taste. Now this can be looked at from two perspectives: many off-road enthusiasts like myself prefer a more communicative steering feel, within reason, of course, while a new Ford Ranger owner would arguably prefer a more cushioned steering sensation. Yes, it does reveal a more old-school bakkie characteristic, but I enjoy the more hands-on experience. There is also a subtle sense of slipperiness on the gravel at any speed, but I imagine that a set of heavy-duty all-terrain tyres over the stock Dunlop A/Ts would likely assist in both applying more grip on the gravel and less steering shock.

The outgoing Triton lost a few points in the cabin, but to my surprise, this new offering has an updated design language and aesthetic attitude. The cabin retains hints of the adventurous off-road ruggedness we seek in a 4x4 user experience, but its styling has been greatly refined. To start, the 8-inch infotainment system is modern and simple to use, allowing you to navigate through your music and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functions with relative ease.

There are also a large number of physical buttons to control air conditioning, drive modes, and off-road functions, which is worth a few points in my book. This traditional yet functional decision, says Mitsubishi, was made to assist drivers in colder climates by allowing them to switch between driving modes and heat up their vehicle on the fly without having to remove their gloves.

The cabin space is simple yet pleasing to the eyes, with less visible scratchy plastics and a pleasingly textured environment. There is plenty of storage too for various bits and bobs needed on an adventurous road trip or day out to the work site. Even rear passengers have a decent level of breathing room.

This newly refined design language is reflected on the outside, and this Triton has received more than just Botox. The front end is unique and rather round. Its thin DRLs provide a sense of visual confidence, while the lower bumper projects strength, although the front end does look overly busy. As for the side profile, there is a strong use of straight lines with directional angles, offering a sense of size and a rather pleasing silhouette. Side steps are often the first point of contact when off-road, and although these steps protrude out for the larger-footed individual, their depth is streamlined to offer strong protection against rocks without tarnishing the Triton's ground clearance.

It also comes with a selection of models to choose from in an attempt to ensure your bakkie fits your needs. Those looking for an agricultural or construction workhorse will likely lean toward the GL. The Triton’s entry-level variant features a modestly powered 2.4-litre engine, providing a straightforward yet capable driving experience. It produces 81kW and 200Nm to ensure a more frugal ownership experience with the smaller engine shipping with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The next step up is the GLS, which offers the larger power solution with a more diverse spec selection. The more apparent addition to the GLS is its low-range capability with the option of an automatic transmission. Surprisingly, the price has remained the same compared to the outgoing model.

At the top end, there are three new versions to choose from. The first is the Athlete, which is directed towards the urban bakkie enthusiast. It offers a more polished appearance in the form of 17-inch black rims. You also get a silver grille, new fender flairs, window deflectors, roof rails, and a rubberised loading bin.

The Edition 46 is the second special edition and is named after the 46 years of Triton heritage. This is the more off-road-focused package, which includes door handle protectors, side door mouldings, roof rails, a nudge bar, a black canopy with a kitchen and table, an under-bumper towbar, a roof rack, and plenty of Edition 46 badging and emblems. You can also fit a Raw Suspension Kit, which increases ground clearance by 40mm, and Mitsubishi has claimed that this added height will not decrease load capacity, towing potential, or safety.

The last special edition is the Xtreme Edition, which gives clients the best of both worlds. It's a more dynamic package in terms of design, featuring wider wheel arches and side door mouldings, Xtreme decals, door handle protectors, roof rails, and a rubberised load bin, to name a few.

On a safety front, the Triton is well-equipped, from stability and traction control to hill-decent assist and hill-start assist. It even has active yaw control, which was used in the Lancer Evo X to assist with low-traction cornering. Look into the future; these special editions will also offer power increases with a potential output of 150kW, but these units have yet to arrive and will likely only be available next year. 

I have driven my fair share of bakkies in my life, and I have a bit of a soft spot for the Triton. It’s a bakkie with an underdog attitude, and yet its impressive capabilities give it a strong bargaining chip. Its new look is bold and exciting, and although there are a few old-school bakkie traits that show face, it’s a great all-round package and one that is worth checking out. 

Mitsubishi Triton Pricing:

Single-cab models

Triton 2.4 GL 4x2 Manual: R479,990

Triton 2.4 GL 4x2 Manual: R559,990

Double-cab models

Triton 2.4 GL 4x4 Manual: R639,990

Triton 2.4 GLS 4x2 Auto: R679,990

Triton 2.4 GLS 4x4 Manual: R739,990

Triton 2.4 GLS 4x4 Auto: R759,990

Triton 2.4 Xtreme 4x2 Auto: R769,990

Triton 2.4 Athlete 4x2 Auto: R779,990

Triton 2.4 Xtreme 4x4 Auto: R849,990

Triton 2.4 Athlete 4x4 Auto: R859,990

Triton 2.4 Edition 46 4x4 Auto: R889,990

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