The Mitsubishi Triton gives you a good kick in the kidneys when you press the accelerator. It feels like it has more mid-range grunt than the Toyota Hilux we tested last week, and the Ford Ranger I’m driving now – a surprising amount that comes in a great surge starting at 2200rpm when the turbo kicks in. It’s like driving an early Saab Turbo – push the accelerator…wait a moment…hang on for your life.
This is due to the substantial 407Nm of torque that the 133kW 2.5-litre common rail turbo diesel produces, and it’s responsible for facilitating the Triton’s excellent 3000kg (braked) towing capacity. It will also take 1155kg in the tray while carrying 5 people with a decent amount of legroom. A five-speed manual is used to swap the cogs, and you’d imagine it’d be reasonably tough to handle that kind of weight and torque.
The load capacity is good and the convenient wide step at the back make it easy to drop things in the tray. There are load tie-down options that vary with the tray chosen, but usually 6 tie-down points in the wellside ute. Three black bars protect the rear window from moving loads.
This vehicle is the middle of the range for the Triton. Above it you’ve got the GLX and GLS Sport which give you sports suspension in the rear, an automatic gearbox option (though, it doesn’t feature a differential lock), and extra airbags. Below it you’re looking at single cab and club cab 4WD models, and the 2WD range (which also does have GLX and GLS models).
This vehicle is aimed squarely at those that don’t need to park it in the city and want a utilitarian workhorse with enough grunt to transport anything the workplace requires. It’s capable in the rough, though we couldn’t do a full on test with its city tyres. There are options for 2WD, 4WD and low range 4WD, with a manual diff lock in case you really get stuck. There’s no traction control, so be careful in the wet if it’s unladen as there’s only so much that leaf spring suspension can handle. The Triton also has a good approach angle – 32.7 degrees in the front is excellent (30 for Hilux and 28 for Ranger), but loses out in the ground clearance (205mm is OK, but Hilux has 227mm and Ranger has 232) and the departure angle (20.7 degrees compared to 27 in the Ford Ranger and 23 in the Hilux), which is undoubtedly worse if you have the optional towbar fitted, like we did on our test vehicle.
Wheels are 16-inch steel on this model and the tyres are 245/70. Higher models come with alloys. The Triton has reasonable brakes. It does dip a bit under braking – to be expected with the type of vehicle – but you get ABS and EBD which keep you heading in the right direction when braking hard.
Like most utes, it’s difficult to judge the rear corners when backing. There is an optional reversing camera or reversing sensors – the Ford Ranger has these as standard on most of its models, and in our opinion they should now be standard on every new vehicle sold in New Zealand.
Other technology includes Bluetooth integration for your phone, and a stereo that has USB input for your MP3 player. The speakers aren’t that flash, sounding a bit thin and harsh.
From the back and the front the Triton looks the part. It’s not as muscular as the Holden Colorado or the new Ford Ranger, but it’s brawny enough. The side profile needs some work, though, with its noticeably separate tray making it look like there’s an escape pod ready to jettison from the front. The flared arches add more meat to the equation, and the whole ute looks smart with colour-coded front and rear bumpers.
Ultimately most people just buy the ute they like the most and all this talk of specs is really only a minor consideration. However, the Triton’s main strength is its power and towing capacity. For getting stuff from one place to another you’d be hard pressed to find something that would be much better in this style of vehicle or price range.
Our test car was fitted with the optional tow bar.
Why you’ll buy it:
- Excellent towing capacity
- More than enough power
- Will carry you and four burly accomplices easily
Pros:
- Towing ability
- Power
- Decent price for the specs
Cons:
- Feels cheap in places
- Needs more airbags – only has driver and passenger and that’s not really good enough in 2011.
Price: from $48490
| GENERAL | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODEL CODES | RF7GL42 / RF7GL47 | RF7GLX47 / RF8GLX47 | RF7GLS47 / RF8GLS47 |
| CAB STYLE | Double cab | ||
| TRANSMISSION | Manual / Auto | Manual / Auto 5-speed | |
| TRAY STYLE | Chassis / Wellside | Wellside | |
| MODEL CODE | RF7GL42 / RF7GL47 | RF7GLX47 / RF8GLX47 | RF7GLS47 / RF8GLS47 |
| ENGINE | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| ENGINE | 2.5L high power Common Rail Intercooled Turbo Diesel | ||
| DISPLACEMENT (CC) | 2,477 | ||
| MAX POWER KW@RPM | 133 @ 4,000 | ||
| MAX TORQUE NM@RPM | 407 / 356 @ 2,000 | ||
| FUEL CONSUMPTION – L/100KM | 8.1 | 8.1 / 9.3 | 8.3 / 9.6 |
| CO2 – G/KM | 211 | 211 / 242 | 216 / 250 |
| TANK CAPACITY (LITRES) | 75 | ||
| EXHAUST EMISSION REGULATION | EU-STEP4 | ||
| HIGH EFFICIENCY AIR FILTER WITH PRE FILTER | All models | ||
| TRANSMISSION | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| TYPE | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic | 5-speed manual / 5-speed automatic with Sports Mode |
| GEAR RATIO (1ST) | 4.313 | 4.313 / 2.842 | 4.313 / 3.789 |
| GEAR RATIO (2ND) | 2.330 | 2.330 / 1.495 | 2.330 / 2.057 |
| GEAR RATIO (3RD) | 1.436 | 1.436 / 1.000 | 1.436 / 1.421 |
| GEAR RATIO (4TH) | 1.000 | 1.000 / 0.731 | 1.000 / 1.000 |
| GEAR RATIO (5TH) | 0.788 | 0.788 / - | 0.788 / 0.731 |
| REV | 4.220 | 4.220 / 2.720 | 4.220 / 3.865 |
| REAR AXLE RATIO | 3.917 | 3.917 / 4.100 | 3.917 |
| TRANSFER RATIO HIGH | 1000 | ||
| TRANSFER RATIO LOW | 1900 | ||
| 4WD SYSTEM | Easy Select | Super Select | |
| DIFFERENTIAL | Manual Diff Lock | - | |
| SAFETY | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| AIRBAGS | Driver & passenger (Passenger on/off switch) | Driver, passenger, side & curtain (on/off passenger switch) | |
| BRAKING SYSTEM | ABS & EBD | ABS, EBD, ASC & ATC | |
| SMARTBRAKE | All models | ||
| IMMOBILIZER | All models | ||
| CHILD SEAT ANCHOR | 2 | ||
| CHILD PROOF LOCK ON REAR DOORS | O | ||
| FRONT SEAT BELTS WITH PRETENSIONER | 3 point ELR with adjustable pillar height | ||
| REAR SEAT BELTS | 3 point ELR & 3 point centre belt | ||
| SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP | All models | ||
| SUSPENSION (HIGH RIDER) | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| FRONT | Wish bone with coil spring & stabiliser bar | ||
| REAR LEAF SPRING | Heavy duty | Sports | |
| STEERING | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| POWER STEERING | All models | ||
| 3 SPOKE STEERING WHEEL TILT ADJUSTABLE |
Urethane with Cruise control | Leather with audio, cruise control & hands-free Bluetooth | |
| BRAKES | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| FRONT / REAR BRAKE | 16″ disc / 11.6″ drum | ||
| PARK BRAKE TYPE | Floor | ||
| WHEELS | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| WHEEL TYPE | 16″ x 7.0″ silver steel | 16″ x 7.0″ alloy | 17″ x 7.5″ alloy |
| SPARE WHEEL – FULL SIZE | Silver steel | Alloy | |
| FRONT & REAR TYRES | 245/70R16 HT | 245/65R17 HT | |
| HYDRAULIC JACK & TOOL SET | All models | ||
| EXTERIOR | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| FRONT BUMPER – COLOUR KEY | Body colour | Body colour with lower Silver panel | |
| HALOGEN HEADLAMP | All models | ||
| RADIATOR GRILLE | Black 2-bar | Chrome 2-bar | Chrome sports |
| WHEEL ARCH FLARES | Body colour | ||
| MUD GUARDS | Front / Front & rear | Front & rear | |
| SIDE STEPS | - | Flat | Sports |
| DOOR MIRROR ELECTRIC CONTROL | Black | Chrome | |
| SIDE PROTECTION MOLDING (BODY COLOUR) | - | O | |
| DOOR HANDLES | Black | Chrome | |
| REAR STEP BUMPER | Alloy | Chrome sports | |
| REAR CENTRE STOP LIGHT | - | Tailgate | |
| FRONT SKID PLATE & ENGINE UNDER TRAY | All models | ||
| FRONT TOWING HOOK X2 | All models | ||
| INTERIOR | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| DASH & DOOR TRIM – SWITCH PANEL | Black | Silver | |
| DOOR HANDLES | Black | Chrome | |
| SEAT TRIM | GL / GLX Type | GLS type | |
| FRONT SEATS | Bucket | Sports bucket | Sports bucket high grade trim |
| SEAT ADJUSTMENT | Manual slide, recline with driver height adjuster | ||
| REAR SEATS | Bench type with centre arm rest | ||
| SEAT HEAD REST | All positions | ||
| FLOOR COVERING | Vinyl | Vinyl / Carpet | Carpet |
| GEAR SHIFT LEVER | Urethane | Leather | |
| COMFORT & CONVENIENCE | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| ENTRY SYSTEM | Keyless entry remote x 2 | ||
| ELECTRIC DOOR WINDOWS | All models | ||
| ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW | - | GLS only | |
| HEATED REAR WINDOW WITH TIMER | All models | ||
| TINTED REAR & REAR DOOR WINDOWS | - | GLS only | |
| CENTRAL LOCKING | All models | ||
| ASH TRY AND LIGHTER | All models | ||
| FOOT REST | All models | ||
| AIRCONDITIONING | Manual | Full auto | |
| PASSENGER SUNVISOR VANITY MIRROR | GLS only | ||
| GRAB HANDLES | Front x 1 & rear x 2 | Front & rear x 2 | |
| INTERIOR LAMP | Front & rear | Front & rear with map lamp | |
| COURTESY LAMP ON ALL DOORS | All models | ||
| WINDSCREEN WIPER, TWO SPEED WITH VARIABLE INTERMITTENT | All models | ||
| HEADLIGHT ON ALARM | All models | ||
| ACCESSORY SOCKET IN CONSOLE BOX | All models | ||
| SPEEDO & TACHOMETER WITH DIMMER | Black trim | Silver trim | |
| CENTRE MULTI DISPLAY METER | - | O | |
| STORAGE | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| GLOVE BOX WITH KEY AND LAMP | All models | ||
| FRONT DOOR POCKET WITH BOTTLE HOLDER | All models | ||
| REAR DOOR BOTTLE HOLDER | O | ||
| PASSENGER BACK SEAT POCKET | O | ||
| STORAGE BOX UNDER REAR SEAT | - | O | |
| FLOOR CONSOLE | Large type with lid | Large type with lid / silver trim | |
| CONSOLE CUP HOLDERS | 2 | ||
| REAR SEAT CENTRE ARM REST CUP HOLDERS | 2 | ||
| SUNGLASS POCKET | - | O | |
| AUDIO & MEDIA | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| SPEAKERS | 4 | 6 | |
| SOUND SYSTEM | AM/FM radio, CD, MP3, audio input, USB port | ||
| BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE TELEPHONE SYSTEM | Integrated with stereo system | Voice activated with steering wheel controls | |
| PILLAR ANTENNA | All models | ||
| DIMENSIONS / WEIGHTS | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| OVERALL LENGTH WITH WELLSIDE (MM) | 5285 | 5385 | |
| OVERALL WIDTH (MM) | 1800 | ||
| OVERALL HEIGHT (MM) | 1780 | ||
| WHEEL BASE (MM) | 3000 | ||
| TRACK FRONT & REAR (MM) | 1520 / 1515 | ||
| GROUND CLEARANCE (MM) | 205 | ||
| TURNING RADIUS (M) | 11.8 | ||
| KERB WEIGHT (KG) | 1765 / 1900 | 1885 / 1895 | 1905 / 1920 |
| GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT (KG) | 2920 | 2930 | |
| MAXIMUM GROSS COMBINATION MASS (KG) | 5700 | 5700 | |
| PAYLOAD (KG) | 1155 / 1020 | 1025 / 1035 | 1025 / 1010 |
| MAXIMUM FRONT AXLE LOAD (KG) | 1260 | ||
| MAXIMUM REAR AXLE LOAD (KG) | 1800 | ||
| SEATING CAPACITY – PERSONS | 5 | ||
| APPROACH ANGLE – DEGREE | 32 | 33 | |
| RAMP BREAKOVER ANGLE – DEGREE | 26 | ||
| DEPARTURE ANGLE – DEGREE | 21 | 22 | |
| TOWING BRAKED (KG) | 3000 | ||
| TOWING UNBRAKED (KG) | 750 | ||
| WELLSIDE FEATURES & DIMENSIONS | GL | GLX | GLS SPORT |
| CAB PROTECTOR | Body colour | - | |
| WELLSIDE INNER HOOKS | 6 x hooks all models | ||
| WELLSIDE INTERIOR LENGTH (MM) | 1505 | ||
| WELLSIDE INTERIOR WIDTH (MM) | 1470 | ||
| BETWEEN WHEEL ARCHES (MM) | 1085 | ||
| WELLSIDE INTERIOR HEIGHT (MM) | 460 | ||
| WELLSIDE FLOOR HEIGHT FROM GROUND (MM) | 850 | ||
Gallery
Words and photos: Darren Cottingham
two brand new machines one a production model and the other a concept.
Evo grim reeper, Eusegi went on to say that the move is part of a shift in strategy to put the company’s product focus and ethos on leadership in EV technology. There have been rumours that the next Evo would be a hybrid but few people thought Mitsubishi could actually kill off a halo model like the Evo.