The New Mitsubishi Triton: Chunky, Conventional, and Competitive

Will the new Triton meet the expectations of Australian buyers and keep Mitsubishi at the forefront of the one-tonne ute market?

Discover the latest updates on the new model Mitsubishi Triton, set to release in February next year. From its imposing exterior to its conventional cabin, this one-tonner offers safety features, infotainment kit, and a striking new color range. But is it enough to maintain Mitsubishi’s position in the one-tonne ute sales race?

The new model Mitsubishi Triton is ready to hit the market in February of next year, delivering a truck that is both chunky and imposing. However, while the exterior may give a tough impression, the cabin and mechanical features are more on the conventional side. Even the available specifications, such as rear drum brakes, are not breaking any new ground.

One thing that stands out about the new Triton is the inclusion of new safety and infotainment features, along with a refreshed color range. These additions aim to enhance the overall driving experience and style of the vehicle. However, it’s worth noting that initially, only one engine option will be available: a 2.4-liter twin turbo-diesel, paired with an automatic transmission.

When it comes to performance, the Triton boasts a double wishbone coil front suspension and a leaf spring rear suspension, all riding on a sturdy ladder chassis. This setup ensures a comfortable and capable ride, making it suitable for various applications. Mitsubishi seems to have its target audience in mind, as the Triton retains its value proposition while introducing updates that cater to the evolving needs of fleet customers, small businesses, and tradies. However, with a higher starting price, it remains to be seen if buyers will find it worth the investment.

Speaking of price, the new Triton will be available in different models, with the base GLX Double Cab starting at $43,690 for two-wheel drive and the range-topping GSR Double Cab 4WD priced at $63,840. Comparatively, the Triton proves to be relatively competitive in terms of features and pricing when compared to similar vehicles from other brands. While there may be a couple of cheaper options from Chinese manufacturers and the SsangYong Musso, the Triton holds its own in the market.

Having had the opportunity to test drive the gen-six Triton prior to its release, it’s safe to say that this vehicle is an all-rounder. It not only looks good and has a slightly larger exterior, but it also offers a roomier interior and comes well-equipped with the latest features. Additionally, it handles well on the road, performs admirably off-road, and is expected to be fuel-efficient and reliable. All these factors are likely to be appealing to the target audience.

According to Oliver Mann, Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s general manager of marketing and product strategy, the new Triton represents a significant step up for the brand. He describes it as a ‘tier one product’ that has ‘stepped up to the premier division.’ While this may not make it a benchmark setter, it shows that the Triton has caught up with its competitors in terms of performance and features.

With that said, will the new Triton be enough for Mitsubishi to maintain its position in the competitive one-tonne ute sales race? It’s a possibility, but to secure its spot, Mitsubishi must ensure that a full range of variants is readily available. This will provide buyers with more options and cater to their specific needs.

In the meantime, Shaun Westcott, Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO, acknowledges that the new Triton is a significant improvement over its predecessor. He highlights the better on-road feel and broader off-road capability as key advancements. However, these improvements were experienced with pre-production test vehicles equipped with the superior Super Select II 4WD system, which includes multiple 4WD options and a locking center differential. Therefore, it’s essential to wait and see if the production models can deliver the same level of performance.

Looking to the future, Mitsubishi is considering the possibility of offering other engines in the Triton range, including more affordable petrol options. The focus initially is on resetting the Triton at launch, but additional variants, including cab-chassis models, will follow. However, exact specifications and engine types have yet to be confirmed.

In terms of electrification, Mitsubishi is exploring the idea but has reservations due to range limitations and packaging constraints. While they recognize the potential of electrified powertrains, the current battery technology would pose challenges in terms of weight and impact on load space. Mitsubishi will continue to study the concept, waiting for a significant breakthrough to make an electrified Triton a viable option.

With all these updates and considerations, Mitsubishi still believes that the Triton holds a competitive advantage. It strikes a balance between price and features while offering similar dimensions to other brands. Additionally, it provides ample space for practical use, as even a Euro pallet fits in the back. These factors contribute to the Triton’s appeal in the market.

• The new model Mitsubishi Triton is set to be released in February next year.
• It features a chunky and imposing exterior, but the cabin and mechanical aspects are more conventional.
• New safety features, infotainment kit, and a new color range are some of the updates.
• Only one engine, a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel, will be available initially.
• The Triton is competitively priced against similar vehicles from other brands.
• It offers a comfortable and capable ride for both on and off-road applications.
• A full range of variants will be available in the future.
• Mitsubishi is considering the possibility of electrification for the Triton.
• Hydrogen powertrains have their challenges and limitations.

In conclusion, the new model Mitsubishi Triton presents itself as a chunky and imposing one-tonner, catering to the needs of fleet customers, small businesses, and tradies. It brings forth safety features, infotainment advancements, and a fresh color range. With its competitive pricing and capable performance, it has the potential to maintain its position in the Australian ute sales race. However, Mitsubishi must ensure that a full range of variants becomes available to meet the demands of its diverse customer base. Ultimately, only time will tell if the Triton can continue to impress and secure its spot in the market.