New Triton lands from $24,490

Mitsubishi has launched its long-awaited new Triton in Australia this month with a starting price of $24,490 (plus on-road costs).

The fifth-generation ute arrives with a newly developed 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine, a choice of two and four-wheel drive and the option of manual and automatic transmissions.

A base grade petrol variant will join the fold later this year.

The Triton model range — which is still offered with the choice of three body styles: single, club and double cab — remains dimensionally similar to the outgoing model and retains the 3000mm wheelbase to maintain what Mitsubishi says is a class-leading turning circle of 11.8 metres.

The body grows 15mm in length to 5200mm, is 1735mm wide (+20mm) and 1780mm high (unchanged). The rear overhang is reduced 50mm to 1340mm while the front overhang actually grows 65mm to 860mm to improve pedestrian impact safety.

In spite of the modest increase in exterior size, cabin length grows 20mm longer to 1745mm and 10mm wider to 1430mm across the shoulders. Mitsubishi is also promising a quieter (-5dBA at 100km/h), more comfortable cabin with “car-like” accommodation for up to five adults.

Tray sizes vary depending on bodystyle, however, we note that the bed height is now 15mm deeper at the rear (to 475mm, double cab pick-up variants) and 80mm deeper at the front (to 540mm). Double cab pick-up variants offer a bed length of 1520mm (-25mm).

It has also undergone a retune of its suspension arrangement, while adapting slightly its approach and departure angles for improved offroad ability. Mitsubishi says the Triton’s approach angle of 30 degrees is class leading, while the 22-degree departure angle is “dramatically improved” (the previous model was listed at 20.7 degrees). The ramp over angle is listed at 24 degrees for double cab models.

The new model is also light than the outgoing version at 1940kg (kerb), down 35kg (when comparing double cab automatic variants).

At the launch of the new Triton, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) director of marketing, Tony Principe, said the model aims to draw a mix of both trade and recreational buyers with its improved durability and refinement, and five-star ANCAP safety rating.

“Mitsubishi’s fifth-generation Triton has made significant advances in every area and represents a big leap forward in the light commercial segment,” exclaimed Principe.

“New Triton is more refined and car-like, and still retains the trademark strength, durability and reliability that Triton has built its reputation on in Australia.

“The new Triton offers an impressive level of driver and passenger comfort across all models and boasts new engine technology that delivers more torque, more power and uses up to 20 per cent less fuel.

“With ride comfort and performance tuning developed specifically for the Australian market, and five star ANCAP safety rating, the new 2016 Triton is Mitsubishi’s best light commercial offering to date,” he concluded.

With improved pedestrian and occupant safety, better noise attenuation and more interior space Mitsubishi says the Triton is also better equipped.

The Triton includes stability and traction control and seven airbags as standard while a reversing camera is available across the range. Tilt and reach adjustment have been added to the steering column, and a range of electronic safety aids including hill-start assist, trailer stability assist, an adjustable speed limiter and emergency stop signal are offered.

Amenity items now include HID headlights, LED DRLs, a full colour touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and a four-wheel drive selector dial (see full model specifications below).

Towing sees the Triton capable of hauling up to 3100kg (braked, up 100kg on the old model) with a GCM rating of 5885kg and a towball down-weight of 300kg. Mitsubishi says the GCM allows the Triton up to 300kg more payload capacity when towing at the maximum allowed rating than its 3500kg-capable rivals, most of which can only carry only 380kg in the tray with a full load on the towbar.

Mitsubishi offers the Triton with a five-year / 100,000km warranty and four-year capped-price servicing schedule. Service intervals are set annually (or at 15,000km intervals, whichever comes first) with the first service costing $350 and subsequent visits $580.

To the end of 2014, and in spite of its age, Mitsubishi sold a total of 24,256 Triton models in Australia. The figure sees Triton rank third in the light commercial utility segment behind second-place Ford Ranger (26,619) and top-selling Toyota HiLux (38,126).

2015 Mitsubishi Triton pricing (plus on-road costs):

Triton GLX (4x2 single cab and double cab):
16-inch steel wheels
Air-conditioning
Alarm and immobiliser
AM/FM audio with single CD & USB
Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution
Bluetooth connectivity
Cloth upholstery
Cruise Control
Emergency stop signal
Halogen headlights
Hill start assist
Seven airbags (front, side, curtain, driver’s knee)
Stability and traction control
Trailer stability control
Trip computer

Read the 2015 Mitsubishi Triton review