Better late than never, Mitsubishi is making a double-headed assault on the increasingly popular ute market with the addition of the GSR and GLX-R to the Triton Double Cab range.
Both are bold looking pick-ups with 18-inch alloy wheels – the GSR in black – the GLX-R gaining chromed door mirrors, front bumper garnish, door handles and silver front grille. The latter sits between the GLX+ and GSR in the Triton scheme of things.
The GSR – the test vehicle – goes beyond with styling dominated by black exterior highlights, plus upmarket comfort and convenience in the cabin.
The GLX-R manual 4WD sets the scene with a $41,990 price tag, plus on-road costs, the auto version adds $2500 to the price, while the GSR automatic 4WD tops off the range at $51,890.
Mitsubishi has also updated its Diamond Advantage Program, with the new-car warranty extended to ten years or 200,000 kilometres. providing the vehicle is serviced by a company dealer. If owners do not service with a Mitsubishi dealer, the warranty reverts to five years / 100,000 km.
Capped price servicing is also extended to 10 years / 150,000 km and roadside assistance to four years with authorized Mitsubishi dealer servicing.
STYLING
The Triton GSR has one of the most imposing front-ends in the segment with black shield design, grille, headlamp garnish and skid plate.
Black makes a further impact on the Double Cab design with 18-inch alloy wheels, door mirrors and handles, plus sidesteps.
INTERIOR
Luxury is the byword with leather trimmed upholstery topped off by heated front seats, power adjusted on the driver’s side. Leather extends to the steering wheel and park brake handle and gearshift knob.
Buyers have the option of a tan orange interior, with tan orange highlights on the leather seats, orange console box and knee pads.
Front seats offer a deal of comfort and lateral support rarely found in a truck. Indeed, there are instances of my being less comfortable in a luxury vehicle.
The rear seat, designed to take three, is flatter and firmer. There is limited leg room but head room and seating position gives occupants a good view all round.
Dual zone climate control includes a centrally located roof-mounted outlet.
INFOTAINMENT
A 7-inch touchscreen works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, six-speaker audio, digital radio, four USB inputs, one HDMI input and there’s keyless entry and start.
All Triton models come standard with the Mitsubishi Link system, which uses Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to a smartphone. Basic phoning can be controlled by voice or steering wheel controls to ensure safety while on the move.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The new Triton makes use of a 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC 16-valve common-rail intercooled diesel engine consisting of an aluminium cylinder block.
It is among the quietest and most efficient diesel engines on the market.
Peak power is 133 kW at 3500 rpm, while torque is an impressive 430 Nm at 2500 rpm. Triton’s turbo-diesel power is matched to a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with Sports Mode.
SAFETY
A five-star ANCAP rating on 2015 crash testing makes it lag in some safety aspects but the Triton gets seven airbags, stability and traction control, hillstart and descent assist, trailer stability assist, an electrochromatic mirror, front and rear parking sensors and two IsoFix anchorages and two top-tethers.
DRIVING
The engine was tentative responding to accelerator input, needing time to catch up, so easing into moving traffic required care and attention.
Once on the move, however, overtaking was capably catered for with the Triton’s 430 Nm of pulling power.
Cruise control and audio steering-wheel mounted controls added to a relaxing drive.
There was little complaint with the test car’s fuel consumption, chalking up 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.
All-Terrain test car’s tyres picked up road surface blemishes, especially at speed on motorway concrete. The body’s aerodynamic design resulted in a stable, non-turbulent performance under similar circumstances.
The Easy Select 4WD, offers two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive High and Low Range via a dial that allows the driver to switch on the move at speeds of less than 100 km/h.
Choose gravel, mud/snow, sand or rock modes via the off-road button. Engine output, transmission settings and traction control are adjusted to suit the conditions. Lock the rear diff of the GSR further improves off-roading.
An 11.8 metre turning circle isn’t too bad, while a 360-degree camera, with steering-wheel switch, adds to the all-round view, a boon when parking.
Mitsubishi has made much of accessory packs, which offer the choice of three different tonneau covers – soft, hard and roll-top.
The test vehicle was fitted with the roll-top, which will set back the buyer a shade under five grand fitted. The roll-top had its quirks, with the locking system initially presenting some problems. Sticking with it, though, had the well-sealed system becoming second nature to operate, while keeping cargo in the lined tub dry and safe. A full-size spare fits under the rear.
SUMMARY
The Mitsubishi Triton may have shortcomings against its close rivals from Toyota (HiLux) and Ford (Ranger) but the addition of the upscale GSR brings it closer, and the pricing and extended warranty put it beyond the others in buyer appeal.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R manual 4WD: $41,990
Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R automatic 4WD: $44,490
Mitsubishi Triton GSR automatic 4WD: $51,890
Options:
- Soft tonneau pack: $2699
- Hard tonneau pack: $4699
- Rolltop tonneau pack: $4999
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Mitsubishi Triton GSR 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, 6-speed automatic, 4WD Double Cab utility)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.440 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 133 kW
Maximum Torque: 430 Nm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.6 L/100km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic, 4WD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5280 mm
Wheelbase: 3000 mm
Width: 1815 mm
Height: 1780 mm
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Kerb Mass: 1950 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Drum
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Ten years / 200,000 kilometres (with conditions)
