Economical alternative for 4x2 Triton

The 2.5-litre diesel Triton 4x2 has been a while coming.

Buyers previously wanting a powerful but economical Triton LCV, without the extra expense of 4x4 drivetrain, have had to settle for the 2.4-litre petrol-engined models.

And there was a compromise involved there. At 10.5L/100km with a manual transmission, the petrol-injected four is less efficient than the new diesel, which can achieve 8.5L/100km driving through the standard five-speed manual transmission or 9.1L/100km with the optional four-speed automatic.

Furthermore, the new diesel develops 314Nm from 2000rpm, versus 194Nm for the petrol four. The new common-rail diesel is also even more powerful than the 2.4 petrol, producing as much as 100kW at 3800rpm, as opposed to the 94kW output from the petrol engine.

Available in both single cab and dual cab body styles, the diesel 4x2 Triton GLX is priced from $22,990 for the single cab model, and $28,990 for the dual cab model.

Single cab models are available in pick-up or cab/chassis variants and feature a cloth-trimmed split front bench and bucket with manual transmission or two buckets for the automatic models. Dual cab models are both fitted with sports-style buckets in the front row seating.

Robert McEniry, president and chief executive officer of MMAL, drew a parallel between the improved sales of the Triton since the introduction of the 2.4-litre models last year and the company's forecast for Triton with the new diesel 4x2 models.

"Over the last twelve months, Mitsubishi has enjoyed a 40 per cent sales increase in the two-wheel drive utility segment, thanks to the arrival of our 2.4-litre petrol engine variant early last year," he said.

"With today's high fuel prices and the increased focus on environmental efficiencies, the new 2.5-litre diesel Triton model offers yet another economical option to our two-wheel drive utility customers.

"We now have an extensive range of tough, reliable vehicles with variants to suit any need. Customer feedback suggests the two-wheel drive diesel -- especially with the automatic transmission -- is a variant that will find great popularity in the market and we expect it to do very well."

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