
Mitsubishi will introduce a new Athlete specification for its popular Triton bakkie to South Africa over the coming months, which is set to retail from a starting price of R749,990, according to our informants at Duoporta.
First introduced in markets such as Malaysia and Thailand all the way back in 2021, the Athlete boasts unique exterior styling giving it a sporty look befitting of its name, while offering the same level of luxuries and power as its toned-down siblings.
The bakkie’s official launch date has yet to be revealed, but it will likely be the last special-edition model of the current Triton that we will get before the new generation is unveiled later this month.
Triton Athlete specs
According to its Asian spec sheet, the Triton Athlete gained aesthetic enhancements in the form of a gloss-black front under garnish and Dynamic Shield grille, as well as model-exclusive graphics on the flanks.
The black theme continues to the side mirrors, door handles, aero-type wind deflectors, 18-inch alloy rims, and side steps to give this specific trim an overall tougher look, which is complemented by a palette of three unique exterior paints including Jet Black Mica, Sun Flare Orange Pearl, and White Diamond.
The special-edition Mitsubishi’s cabin was then on the receiving end of a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and gear knob with orange needlework, in addition to LED-illuminated scuff plates and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Buyers can also expect the same amenities as the rest of the Triton family, such as automatic LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, an electric driver seat, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, leather upholstery, cruise control, a reverse camera, and seven airbags.
Under the metal, the Athlete is identical to its namesakes, being driven by a 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel engine with 133kW and 430Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Moreover, it boasts Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system with 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc settings, as well as a rear diff lock; while offering “electronic off-road assistance” and hill start and descent control for added off-road agility.
This setup lends the double cab a combined fuel consumption of 8.3l/100km and a maximum towing capacity of 3,100kg, while the load bin supports a maximum haul of 1,030kg.
The official South African-specific specifications and features for the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete will be announced closer to its launch date.