My (no longer) secret love-affair with the new Mitsubishi Triton
Last year I attended the launch of the new Mitsubishi Triton in Gauteng where I was able to experience it in various terrains. From on to off-road we climbed boulders, spread its wings on highways and got to see how it performed on gravel. Several other motoring journos and I left Gauteng feeling pretty impressed and excited to see what’s to come of the new Triton.
(Sidenote: You’ll notice that this is somewhat more of a blog post, and certainly not one of my more formal reviews, so bear with me…)
Back in Cape Town I hoped that I’d have the opportunity to drive the Triton again so you can imagine my excitement when my editor informed me that I’d get to reunite with it for a few days. I couldn’t wait to get to know it better on home-ground and quite honestly, the Triton has left me love-struck.
I drove the top-of-the-range 2.4 Di-D 4×4 auto, which is priced around R559 900, but the entry-level variant goes for R479 900. After making the most of my seven-day-affair with the new Triton, having gone on various adventures around the Cape Peninsula (three times), I felt exactly the way I did when I last parted ways with it…heartbroken.
What I love most about the Triton
- It’s oh, so quiet
The Triton’s 2.4-litre engine is quiet and doesn’t grumble like some other bakkie engines. With 133 kw power 430 N.m torque you can push it on the open roads and still feels like you could be in an SUV.
2. On and off-road comfort
The new Triton’s ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even on gravel and bad roads (which is where the car really impresses.) To say that off-roading with the new Triton is extremely easy and comfortable would be an understatement. In fact while on launch late last year we took on several off-road obstacles, one of which seemed like it would be impossible to complete. The Triton carried us comfortably and effortlessly over various boulders to the top of the mountain.
3. Standard features are plenty
A bunch of features come as standard: Cruise Control, Climate Control, Steering Wheel Control, Rear-view Cameras, a Touchscreen Infotainment System, Bluetooth and USB ports, as well as Electronic Side Mirrors that open/close when you lock/unlock the vehicle.
4. Makes tricky off-roading a breeze
Thanks to its Super-Select II four-wheel drive system, you’ve got a choice between four driving modes from a console-mounted selector. The Triton is a beast when climbing up boulders and its capabilities will really impress you. The Super-Select II function gives the driver the option of a high-speed 4×4 driving mode where power delivery between the front and rear wheels is distributed. This makes driving on gravel and wet roads much safer (and easier).
5. Fun for the whole family
The Triton was designed to provide the same amount of comfort and convenience as Mitusbishi’s range of SUV models, in particular is its iconic Pajero. Inside you’ll find a spacious rear, child seat anchors and good leg and head room. You’ll be comfortable on those long, off-road trips and so will your family!
As gutted as I was to part ways with the Triton, next month I’ll be getting to know the manual transmission better and as much as I loved the auto, I’m sure the manual is going to be just as much fun to drive, so stand by…
If you want to learn more about the latest generation of Mitsubishi’s Triton, click here.