The salary you need to afford the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete

You will need to earn a salary of at least R84,000 per month in order to purchase the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.

The Athlete is a limited-edition model bookmarking the end of the current Triton’s run before the next generation comes out in 2024.

It has a starting price of R749,990, putting it just below the Heritage and Xtreme trim levels.

Setting the Athlete apart from the standard bakkie is a series of red highlights along the body, bumpers, and side steps, which is complemented by a set of LED headlights with black accents and matching daytime running lights.

It also gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels, and an exclusive sticker decal pack for the hood, tailgate, and sides.

The same treatment can be seen in the interior, with black and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, floor console, and leather seats.

Standard equipment on the Mitsubishi double cab comprises rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, an electronic driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a reverse camera, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Power is delivered via a 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel engine with 133kW and 430Nm, which links to a six-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time four-wheel-drive layout.

This results in a fuel consumption of 8.3l/100km, a towing capacity of 3,100kg, and a loading bay capable of storing up to 1,030kg.

There are also seven driving modes in the form of Normal, Eco, Gravel, Mud, Sand, Snow, and Rock, and the double cab has a ground clearance of 220mm.