After months of teasers and spy shots, Mitsubishi has officially revealed the next-generation Triton with major upgrades over its predecessor.
Most importantly, the new Triton is larger than the one that came before it, it features newly-developed suspension and four-wheel-drive systems, safety has been significantly improved, and it sports an imposing design that lends it more road presence.
Launched in Thailand today, the bakkie will be introduced to the Asean and Oceania markets next, with Japan to follow in 2024. Its South African launch date has yet to be revealed, however.
Everything new
The sixth-generation Triton is available in three body styles, a single cab with two seats, a club cab with two front seats and cargo space behind them, and a double cab with two rows of seating for up to five occupants.
The bakkie’s ladder-frame chassis has been enhanced to achieve a bending rigidity increase of 40% and a torsional rigidity increase of 60% when compared to the fifth-generation model, and weight gain has been kept minimum through the use of more high-tensile steel.
These upgrades not only improve ride comfort and road performance, but also make the bakkie safer during a collision, said Mitsubishi.
Providing propulsion in the new Triton is a refined version of the previous iteration’s 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel motor with three output levels.
Depending on the model, the powertrain generates 110kW and 330Nm, 135kW and 430Nm, or a maximum of 150kW and 470Nm, and all three configurations are available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and in two-wheel and four-wheel drive (4WD).
Each version benefits from a reworked suspension system with improved road-holding capabilities and ride comfort, an active limited-slip differential (LSD), as well as hill-start and descent assist.
Underpinning the 4WD specifications is then the most advanced versions of the brand’s Super Select II and Easy Select systems.
The Super Select II models are equipped with a centre torque-sensing LSD that directs 40% of power to the front axle and 60% to the rear, and for the first time, they feature Active Yaw Control that improves cornering performance by applying light braking to the inside front wheel when turning.
They also provide 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (locked center differential), and 4LLc (locked center differential with low gear) settings, in addition to seven drive modes namely Normal, Eco, Gravel, Mud, Sand, Snow, and Rock.
The most powerful Triton further adopts electric power steering that provides better control at low speeds, more feedback at high speeds, and additional safety and comfort through its reduction of kickback from the road surface and tuning for off-road driving or towing.
Aesthetically, the new Triton still wears the brand’s “Dynamic Shield” grille but it has been thoroughly reworked into a three-dimensional look to provide a more intimidating front end.
Flanking the fixture are three-light LED headlights and L-shaped daytime running lights, with the horizontally-themed design language continuing to the bumpers and sides of the bakkie to lend it a more burly appearance.
Functional design has been incorporated in all aspects to increase utility, including a cabin shape and rear spoiler that improve aerodynamics, more durable door handles that are now bigger and easier to grip, wider side steps with improved water drainage, and hood lines that make it easier to see where the bakkie is pointed.
At the rear, the Triton’s cargo bed has been lowered by 45mm for easier access and loading, too, and the upper surface of the rear bumper corner was enlarged and reinforced with a frame to be used as a foot space.
Once inside, the squared-off look continues with a flattened front fascia that increases outward visibility, and focus was placed on “professionals” through the addition of ample storage space, larger cupholders, file and tablet holders, and soft-touch pads in main contact areas.
In addition, the new front seats provide better lower back support and more shoulder room to help reduce driver fatigue, and the vertical positioning of the A-pillar means the door can open wider than before for easier entry and exit.
Depending on the chosen Triton, the bakkie comes with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Mitsubishi Connect, offering smartphone mirroring as well as a car finder function.
With this system, owners can also check the remaining fuel and oil volumes, drive history, and the condition of the vehicle, as well as switch on the air conditioning before they get in and operate the headlights and horn directly from their smartphone.
The bakkie is further available with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, blind-spot warning with lane-change assist, and rear-cross traffic alert.
A wide range of accessories has also been created for the more discerning buyers, including a grille emblem, sports bar, wheel arch mouldings, bed liner, and side door and fuel-lid garnishing.
The South African-specific pricing and features for the new Mitsubishi Triton have yet to be announced, and are expected to be revealed closer to its launch date in 2024.
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