We drive the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton 6-speed auto
The facelifted Mitsubishi Triton launched locally in April this year (2019) and with new good looks to dazzle South Africa’s competitive double-cab bakkie market, it also introduced its new six-speed automatic transmission to broaden the appeal.
Although I’d had the chance to meet the updated Triton at its launch, having a more comprehensive time with it over the last week has given me plenty to talk about – and lots to miss about it too!
What stands out?
It’s one of the best-looking bakkies out there and judging by some of the comments on social media (and by fellow motoring media) many seem to agree. Changes to the Triton’s exterior are significant from the very first look with its striking new front face that showcases Mitsubishi’s new and futuristic-looking ‘Dynamic Shield‘, newly sculpted body curves and a sharper, beefed up rear design.
Its smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox offers a more refined sense of acceleration and a seemingly quieter experience, especially on highways or when pushing up inclines. I also found that the Triton’s gearbox is intuitive enough for me to not need to make use of the paddle shifters too often.
Improved fuel efficiency – I suspect part of which is thanks to the additional gear – is also found in the new Triton. I averaged around (8.6-litres/100km) during my week spent with it, and for a large 2.4-litre beast of a bakkie like this – that I wasn’t particularly gentle-footed with in the city or road tripping down the coast – that’s pretty impressive.
It also offers surprisingly easy city-steering for a big bakkie. When it arrived at our offices, located in the heart of the CBD, I was hesitant at the thought of having to deal with such a large-looking thing, especially in our narrow, winding parking garage. But its light and reactive steering makes a big difference in confined spaces, as well as the Triton’s turning radius of 5,9 meters and of course, you become pretty dependent on the reverse camera when parking.
Sure, it has loads of impressive 4x4ing capabilities – like its Super Select II 4WD System that allows you to choose between driving modes best suited to your driving conditions (on the fly) – but it’s also incredibly comfortable, thanks to a higher ground clearance of 220 mm, a 28º Approach Angle, 23º Departure Angle and a 25º Ramp Breakover Angle – basically, you can climb boulders with this beast!
Along with its existing connectivity such as Bluetooth and audio features, the 2019 Triton now comes with additional USB points as well as Apple Car Play and Android Auto keep up-to-speed with the new market.
If you’re in the market for a new double cab bakkie and the new Mitsubishi Triton’s striking design has caught your eye, do yourself a favour and go and test drive one – and don’t let the salesman limit your test drive to a 5 km radius around town!
The new Mitsubishi Triton includes four derivatives and is priced as follows:
New Triton 2.4L DI-DC M/T 4×2 – R509 995
New Triton 2.4L DI-DC A/T 4×2 – R529 995
New Triton 2.4L DI-DC M/T 4×4 – R569 995
New Triton 2.4L DI-DC A/T 4×4 – R589 995
It is covered by Mitsubishi’s Manufacturer’s Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km and a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 10 000 km.