The salary you need to earn to afford the new Mitsubishi Triton in South Africa

Bakkie enthusiasts will need to earn at least R53,000 per month to afford the new Mitsubishi Triton on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.

The next-gen pickup recently went on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R479,990 for the single cab, up to R889,990 for the flagship double cab.

The entry-level units are equipped with a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel producing 81kW and 200Nm, which is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive system, leading to an average fuel consumption of 8.9l/100km.

Higher up the chain, buyers can find an uprated version of the 2.4-litre plant with 135kW and 430Nm, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Despite its higher output, the more powerful diesel engine actually has a lower fuel stat of 8.3l/100km.

Anyone who grabs a SuperSelect four-wheel-drive derivative can also expect a transfer case with settings for 4H, 2H,  4HLc (central diff locked), and 4LLc (low-range diff locked).

In addition, all 4×4 models come with seven different drive modes for Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Also important to highlight is the bakkie’s towing and load carrying capacity, which maxes out at 3,5 tonnes and 895kg, respectively.

Standard kit on the Mitsubishi includes 16-inch steel wheels, a rear tailgate lock, black side steps, keyless entry, two speakers, manual air-conditioning, a USB port, fabric seats, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upgrading to the higher-end models will then throw in 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a rear spoiler, front and rear LED fog lights, heated power-folding mirrors, cruise control, keyless start, voice controls, a wireless charger, six speakers, electric windows, an electric driver seat, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, and leather upholstery.

There are also three special-edition models, which add exclusive elements such as decals, a rubberized load bin, AT45 off-road tyres, roof rails, an under-bumper tow bar, and a canopy.

The Mitsubishi Triton is sold with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan in South Africa.

What you need to earn

We can use the following formula to work out the monthly payments on the new Mitsubishi:

• Car price – R479,990/R889,990
• Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
• Interest – 11.25%
• Deposit – 0%
• Balloon – No balloon payment
• Extras – No optional extras

According to this, you’ll need to pay at least R10,591 per month for base single cab, all the way up to R19,557 per month for the top-end double cab.

Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.

This means you’ll need to earn anywhere from R52,995 per month to R97,785 per month to afford the new Triton on a finance plan in South Africa.

Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which must all be factored into your budget.