Having swum in opposition to the tide for years, Mitsubishi took inspiration from its best-selling rivals when creating the brand new Triton.
Longer and wider than the earlier model, it’s a bigger and extra highly effective machine nearer in nature to the newest Ford Ranger.
Mitsubishi declined to play the numbers sport with the outdated automotive, buying and selling bragging rights surrounding towing capability or engine energy to serve up a barely smaller – and cheaper – proposition.
It couldn’t tow 3.5 tonnes, didn’t match the height energy figures of the Ford Ranger or VW Amarok and had a relatively slim cabin that mirrored a singular strategy.
However the brand new automotive is greater, measuring 50mm wider and a few 150mm longer between the entrance and rear wheels. It matches the Isuzu D-Max’s 3.5 tonne towing, claims the identical 150kW of energy because the Toyota HiLux and employs security tech reminiscent of a brand new centre airbag to supply related occupant safety to the Ford Ranger.
A closely revised 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine advantages from the addition of a second turbocharger to ship improved thrust. New driving modes assist customise the automotive’s behaviour to work higher in numerous environments.
These are constructive developments, however a six-speed automated transmission seems like a shortsighted selection when rivals have extra ratios, significantly because the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport combines the same engine with an eight-speed auto.
It’s additionally the primary automotive on this class to be fitted with a driver monitoring system, although we’re not satisfied that’s a promoting level.
4-wheel-drive dual-cab variations begin from $50,940 plus on roads for the fundamental Triton GLX and run to $63,840 (about $70,000 drive-away) for the range-topping Triton GSR. That’s about $7000 greater than the earlier mannequin.
Bluff and blocky styling on the brand new automotive seems higher than the marginally fussy look of the outdated automotive, falling into line with the best-selling Ranger. However there aren’t any muscled-up, wide-body variants to rival the Toyota HiLux GR Sport or Ranger Wildtrak X.
And the inside isn’t a patch on the Blue Oval’s contender.
The Triton seems like a throwback in comparison with extra fashionable alternate options, let down by standard analog dials for the motive force’s devices.
Mitsubishi has a correct 12.3-inch digital sprint within the Outlander, so it’s disappointing to see it lower corners on the Triton.
The outdated automotive’s shift paddles are additionally lacking in motion, eradicating a level of management for the motive force.
The 9-inch central infotainment display screen has sat nav and wi-fi smartphone mirroring, however solely comes with a four- or six-speaker stereo, not the 10-speaker Bose unit in Mitsubishi’s SUV or high-grade Rangers.
Mitsubishi put extra effort into the automotive’s security techniques, becoming energetic cruise management and a entrance cross-traffic alert system to enhance the rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and lane maintaining help discovered within the older automotive.
A few of these options change into extra delicate if a driver-facing digicam detects drowsiness, although the system is much from good.
Laughter could be confused for a yawn, which might instigate the kind of warnings, chimes and beeps that make you need to get out and stroll.
Fortunately it’s environment friendly, utilizing a claimed 7.7L/100km of diesel due to the addition of a stop-start system that helped cut back gas consumption by 10 per cent. Tailpipe emissions are additional diminished by an AdBlue gas additive system that mixes a liquid answer into the exhaust stream to assist lure particulates – excellent news for the setting, however an additional tank to high up at service time.
Mitsubishi backs the Triton with a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee that doubles to 10 years when you have servicing performed by means of official dealerships.
The larger physique is 115kg heavier in high spec GSR trim pictured right here, however the additional grunt from its twin-turbo engine ensures the automotive’s power-to-weight ratio has improved.
The engine isn’t the smoothest unit going round, missing the muscular effortlessness of rivals packing 500Nm or extra. Faster steering helps the brand new Triton really feel extra correct on tar, although the additional weight is noticeable within the bends.
We drove the automotive at its launch in South Australia with none load within the tray, and located that it skipped round and felt unsettled on tarmac and dust, missing the composure and luxury of the class-leading Ranger.
VERDICT 3.5/5
Smarter, extra spacious and environment friendly than the outdated mannequin, the brand new Triton nonetheless lacks the wow issue of sophistication leaders.
MITSUBISHI TRITON GSR
PRICE: About $70,000 drive-away
ENGINE: 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 150kW and 470Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $2445 for five yrs
SAFETY: 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, energetic cruise management, lane preserve help, entrance and rear cross-traffic alert
THIRST: 7.7L/100km
SPARE: Full-size
TOWING: 3500kg