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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
5 May 2008
There’s a real sense of optimism around Mitsubishi Australia
these days. With the years of uncertainty that culminated in the
closure of its Adelaide plant earlier this year now behind it, the
company has rolled up its corporate sleeves and entered into its
new phase as a dedicated vehicle importer with a real sense of
purpose.
Behind the negative headlines Mitsubishi sales have been
surging over the past 18 months with growth well in excess of the
market average. Among the company’s best performers has been the
Triton light commercial cab chassis and ute range.
Launched here in 2006 the latest Triton featured some
eye-catching styling innovations, most notably in the curving base
of the rear doors on double cab models. Such a radical change in
what is traditionally a conservative market was something of a
gamble but one that has been well-accepted by Australian buyers
and has led to strong sales.
While the Triton single cab model doesn’t get the radical
rear styling it does get the same bold front end that is the other
major styling feature of the current model.
The Triton range has now been completed with the addition of a
2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine to its two-wheel drive models,
joining the 2.4-litre and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines previously
available with this variant.
The new diesel engine is a modern common rail unit with a
maximum power output of 100 kW and an impressive 314 Nm of torque
from 2000 revs. We were able to test it during a 200-kilometre
drive from Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula and returned
impressed by its performance and economy.
Ride comfort is good and noise levels are low with an overall
feeling of refinement, particularly at routine highway cruising
speeds of 100 to 120 km/h. Although not quite car-like it’s not
that far off. Our test was entirely on bitumen roads which was
appropriate for the vehicle’s market.
The 2.5-litre turbo-diesel Triton is available with either
five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the latter
being the only single-cab 4x2 auto on the Australian market.
The rear of the Triton double-cab is spacious and comfortable
with a good rake angle on the backrest (unlike some competitors
with backrests at a near 90-degree angle) and so can double as a
reasonably comfortable family vehicle. Some of the extra cabin
room does come at the expense of cargo space so check for yourself
on how you want to make this compromise.
The width of the Triton’s tray between the wheel arches is a
useful 1085 mm. The length in the single cab is 2220 mm, with the
dual cab still having a handy 1325 mm. Payload ranges from 951 kg
to 1176 kg depending upon the model. Our test vehicles were
unladen, however we’ll give them some real-life work when we do
our extended test but, with such good torque numbers, we don’t
anticipate any problems in carrying a load.
Maximum towing capacity is 2500 kg.
Making the new Triton 4x2 diesel even better value is standard
equipment that includes dual front airbags, ABS brakes with
electronic brake distribution, limited slip differential, seat
belt pre-tensioners, air conditioning and cruise control.
And of course there’s Mitsubishi’s outstanding five
year/130,000km warranty with 10 years or 160,000km for the
powertrain and five years/unlimited km roadside assistance.
The new Triton 4x2 diesel’s combination of competitive
pricing, fuel economy, good equipment level and long warranty
period are sure to attract the attention of many potential buyers.
The complete Triton 4x2 range, with prices (excluding on-road
costs) is:
GL Single Cab cab chassis 2.4-litre petrol : $19,990 (manual)
GLX Single Cab cab chassis 3.5-litre V6 petrol: $22,990
(manual), $25,490 (automatic)
GLX Single Cab cab chassis 2.5-litre turbo-diesel: $22,990
(manual), $24,990 (automatic)
GL Double Cab ute 2.4-litre petrol : $25,990 (manual)
GLX Double Cab ute 3.5-litre V6 petrol: $30,690 (manual),
$32,690 (automatic)
GLX Double Cab ute 2.5-litre turbo-diesel: $28,990 (manual),
$30,990 (automatic)
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Marque Publishing Company
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