The Mitsubishi evolution started with the launch of the 2007 Triton range, and now Australia cannot get enough of this good looking Ute. While it’s being pushed as a sporty work horse, initial impressions of the vehicle’s styling left us wondering if perhaps it’s almost too pretty to rough up its market dominating rivals from Toyota and Nissan.
Seemingly following a trend set by big American pick-up’s, Hilux and Navara ST-X have taken a ‘size is everything’ approach, whereas the Triton, on the face of it, offers a slightly more, should I say, petite looking package. With far more curves than the other boxy examples in the utility class, further building on the confusion over Mitsu’s claims about the Triton’s hard yakka abilities.
This new Triton is a great-looking Ute, though maybe a little over the top with some of its styling, like the corrugated fuel flap and distractingly-large circular details on the rear bumper for instance. But with styling cues up-front from Mitsubishi’s passenger car line up and a swooping arc at the base of the rear doors, it adds a point of difference to the right angled competitors it’s up against.
It’s what’s below the surface that matters when you’re talking true workhorse offerings, and Triton doesn’t mess about. All 4X4 Tritons are equipped with an Easy Select 4WD system that allows engagement of 4H 4WD on the fly at up to 100km/h. In addition the rear differential can be locked via a switch in the cabin.
A locked diff offers no slippage, when engaged both rear wheels turn at the same speed, greatly improving traction when needed. The Triton easily scales steep dirt banks and crawls itself across unforgiving rocky landscape with similar ease. Naturally due to the requirement of inside and outside wheels to rotate at different speeds when cornering, the diff-lock system is not recommended for use on the tarmac.
All four of the Tritons body styles (Single cab flatbed, Single cab GLX , Double cab GLX and Double cab GLS) have been engineered to absorb and redirect impact energy in the event of a collision, and sit atop a rugged ladder chassis. A 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol which is only available as a 4 X 2, 3.5 litre V6 petrol, or 3.2 litre common rail diesel engines, are your choice of power trains.
On the road, the V6 cruises with ease with external noise just audible from the cabin. Matched to either a five-speed manual, or in GLS versions, a four-speed auto, a slight wanting for grunt was a minor niggle with the 137kW power unit. No such deficit with the diesel though, although the engine noise is more apparent compared to the petrol, yet still quiet for a diesel. Output is among the best in the category at 118kW@3800 rpm, torque sits between that of its biggest competitors at 347Nm@2000 rpm, no automatic is optioned however.
A confident leaf-sprung rear and double wishbone front suspension rides more comfortably than others in the class, and steering lock receives top marks at just 11.8 metres though it does take 4.5 turns to get from lock to lock.
Inside, simple and practical is the theme – it is a Ute after all. Even the work-ready bench seat of the entry-level cab chassis variant was quite comfortable, and despite sitting close to the floor pan, and height only adjustable steering column, a good driving position was still achieved. GLS versions naturally receive the pick of the goodies bag, carpeted foot wells, leather bound steering wheel, more attractive upholstery fabrics, climate control, and the like.
The range topper also receives a digital multi-info display with barometer, compass and altimeter, the novelty of which will probably pass quickly unless you can think of a genuine use for them. The same could not be said about the GLS’s three-point lap-sash belt in the centre rear seating position, pity it is not offered in the GLX double cab, which opts for just a lap belt for the fifth occupant.
Dual front airbags are standard across the range as is ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), should you need to place a child seat, for those growing number of families, in the front passenger seat the L/H airbag can be disabled via a switch in the glove box.
Is the new ML Triton tough enough to mix it with the big guns of the Ute category? Sure is, with a genuine work hard attitude, attractive looks and room for a gang of five in the double cabs it has what it takes to be the pick. Whether you want it as a city runabout SUV with the option for weekend fun or as an everyday workhorse, the new Triton range will most certainly has an option for you.
AUTO FACTS
- Price: $19,990 – $49,990
- Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder & 3.5-litre petrol; 3.2-litre diesel
- Max Power: 94kW@5250rpm; 194Nm@4000rpm, 135kW@4750rpm; 309Nm@3500rpm, 118kW@3800rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
