Triton ‘impressive beast’
Superior all-round performance, improved safety technology and a more robust design with greater cabin and cargo space combine to make the next-generation Triton “a beast to be reckoned with”.
That’s the view of Tony Johnston, chief operating officer at Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ).
“In recent years, the Triton has emerged as a serious challenger at the front of the pack,” he says. “This latest evolution reinforces its claim as one of the best-equipped utes on the market.
“It will turn a lot of heads especially with launch prices on offer for almost every model, headlined by the 4WD VRX at $10,000 below RRP.
“At the end of 2022, we took delivery of 5,000 Tritons to meet customer demand. This year, we surpassed 50,000 sold in New Zealand.
“We are proud of that achievement and excited about what this next-generation range has to offer as the Triton goes from strength to strength.”
The length and width of the all-new ute’s chassis has increased compared to the current model with an extra 130mm between the wheels reducing rear overhang for superior stability, cargo capacity and towing performance.
The next-generation Triton provides a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg, while suspension and chassis frame upgrades ensure driving stability is improved even when towing a standard full-size trailer.
With a payload capacity of more than one tonne, the wellside body has a longer and wider cargo bed to accommodate a European-style pallet of 1,200mm by 800mm.
The chassis frame is also new, constructed with high-tensile materials to better absorb road noise and vibrations. New front and rear suspension contribute further to improved handling and comfort on all road types.
Powertrain with bite
The new Triton has 150kW more power and 470Nm of extra torque than its predecessor. All models feature Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine (4N16) with generous torque available from low in the rev range. It’s integrated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Precision engineering, weight reduction and enhanced components have resulted in an engine that significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The introduction of AdBlue in a selective catalytic-reduction system enables the ute to comply with Euro6b regulations.
All this combines to achieve fuel efficiency of 8.8l/100km and 233g/km CO2 emissions in the top-of-the-range 2024 model-year VRX, pictured above, compared to 9.8l/100km and 257g/km from its 2023 model-year predecessor based on WLT-3P calculations.
In addition to a chassis and suspension engineered for robust off-roading, a rear-diff lock comes as standard across the range.
The marque’s Super Select 4WD II is standard on all four-wheel-drive models, offering four modes to suit different road conditions with the option of full-time 4WD.
A newly developed active yaw-control system, aka torque vectoring, helps the ute turn on a safe line and as the driver intended, even on slippery gravel or snow.
Packed with safety
Already well-stocked with technology in its previous iteration, the next-generation Triton benefits from 10 extra advanced safety systems.
Front cross-traffic alert employs radar to alert the driver via visual and audio alarms if an approaching vehicle is detected when entering an intersection.
The driver-monitoring system can alert a potential lack of attention behind the wheel by using a camera on the steering-wheel column to monitor the motorist’s face. If the system judges the driver is falling asleep or is distracted, it will issue a warning with an alarm and display.
Adaptive cruise control has been added to all models. Other all-range additions include lane-departure prevention and emergency lane assist. Rear automatic emergency braking is available on wellside models with a multi-around-view monitor and moving object detection.
Creature comforts inside
Mitsubishi says SUV-style comfort has been the goal for the Triton’s interior, particularly in seat comfort and air-conditioning performance. Its larger footprint means more room for driver and passengers.
The in-cab experience is enhanced by redesigned seats with power lumbar support and a range of driver-position adjustments.
A nine-inch smartphone link-display audio system marks an upgrade on the previous seven-inch one. It comes with an embedded navigation system, AM/FM radio, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Vehicle information is presented on a seven-inch driver’s display behind the steering wheel.
In terms of exterior styling, specification has been enhanced in the step up from GLX to GLXR to VRX models by adding larger alloys, accents and distinctive grille designs.
The range-topping VRX features a body-colour, high-grade grille, black 18-inch alloys fitted with 265/60R18 Maxxis tyres and black detailing with titanium accents.
“Every model in this range offers an upgrade on what has come before,” says Johnston. “It’s a truly impressive beast, our best yet by some distance.”
Stock is due to arrive in early 2024 and buyers can now place their deposits. The range starts with the 2WD GLX single-cab chassis from $44,990 plus on-roads and a launch price of $38,690. The range-topping 4WD VRX double-cab wellside costs $59,990 at launch after which it starts at $69,990.
