Mitsubishi Triton sexier and safer for 2019

The upgraded 2019 Mitsubishi Triton has been revealed in Bangkok today and will bring improved looks, a new six-speed transmission and new active safety features when it arrives in Australia in January.

For its first facelift since its release as the MQ series in 2015, the MY19 Mitsubishi Triton gets important safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Warning (with Lane Change Assist); Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System and Multi Around Monitor.

Continuing with single-cab, extended-cab and double-cab body styles, the upgraded Triton’s much more muscular ‘Dynamic Shield’ front-end design borrows heavily from the Pajero Sport SUV.

The new frontal design features a narrow upper grille with two thick horizontal bars, a large Mitsubishi three-diamond emblem, a large lower grille opening and a stylised ‘skid plate’ on the lower section of the bumper.

On upper-spec models there are new angular LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.

Indicators and foglights are grouped vertically on the outer edges of the bumper, and Mitsubishi says that the lights are more than 700mm from ground level, making them less vulnerable to water or stone damage.

Like the front-end, the tub is also new, and the previous model’s front the rear fender flares give way to an angular crease around much squarer wheel openings.

New, taller tail-lights are a simpler, cleaner design and the new rear bumper is less bulky than the current example. While the side mirrors are also new, the doors and turret are carryover.

Mitsubishi says the revised Triton is more rigid, following reinforcement to engine compartment surrounds and in the chassis frame, cab and cargo bed joins. These changes plus additional sound-proofing and vibration absorbing materials are claimed to lower cabin noise.

Top-spec models now have new 18-inch alloy wheel in place of 17-inch items.

The interior has been upgraded with more soft-touch materials in a similar vein to the 2018 Pajero Sport update, along with padded sides to the centre console and passenger side dashboard, plus monotone colours in place of the two-tone scheme used before.

Door trims comprise a thicker-gauge laminate and Mitsubishi has gone to town with the sewing machine: there’s a new stitched centre armrest cover, centre console side covers and double stitching on the parking brake lever and boot.

Air-vents and a USB port have been added to the rear seat area.

The 4N15 2.4-litre turbo-diesel continues, with outputs remaining at 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm of torque at 2500rpm.

While the Triton’s six-speed manual transmission continues as before, the MQ’s five-speed automatic has been replaced with a new six-speed unit.

Mitsubishi’s 4WD systems (part-time Easy Select for lower-spec models and part/full-time Super Select II for premium models) continue with a new standard feature for both systems: driver-selectable 4WD modes.

The four-mode system (Gravel, Mud/snow, Sand and, in low-range, Rock), as with other utes with 4WD modes, controls engine output and automatic transmission and braking performance to regulate wheel slip and maximise off-road performance.

Also new in Triton’s off-road armoury is hill descent control.

Ground clearance is up 10mm to 215mm for models fitted with 18-inch wheels, while approach, departure and ramp-over angles are within a degree of the old model at 31/23/25 degrees respectively.

Front brakes on 18-inch wheel models use larger ventilated discs with twin-pot callipers, which Mitsubishi says improves braking performance and feel.

While the independent front coil/live rear leaf spring suspension continues, in 4WD and 2WD Hi-rider models the rear leaf springs are new.

Mitsubishi says they improve comfort on paved surfaces and directional stability on unsealed roads. Larger rear dampers are fitted with increase oil capacity, improving ride comfort,

Thailand hosted the launch of the facelifted Triton (known as the L200 locally) because it serves as the model’s manufacturing base and biggest market.

Australia, where the Triton is the third most popular 4x4 ute behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, is the three-diamond brand’s biggest export market for the light commercial ute.

The Triton is also Mitsubishi Australia’s best-selling model, this year clocking up 18,049 sales to the end of October, according to VFACTS.

The Triton accounts for one in three Mitsubishis sold in Australia and to the end of October is about 1500 units ahead of the brand’s next-best seller, the ageing but low-price ASX small SUV.

Despite being in run-out mode and down 11.1 per cent for the same month last year, the current Triton was still the 10th most popular vehicle sold in Australia in October.

Watch this space for our first drive of the comprehensively upgraded 2019 Mitsubishi Triton.