Next Triton aims for stars but no hybrid

Mitsubishi's Triton ute will be safer, more refined and more comfortable than ever when it emerges next year, but any talk of a hybrid production version is premature.

These are insights from a man that should know, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation board member and Product Projects and Strategy boss, Ryugo Nakao.

Talking at this week's Geneva motor show, Nakao-san went on the record with motoring.com.au to rule out a diesel-electric hybrid version of the next-generation LCV– at least until its midlife makeover around 2018.

"The Triton successor will get a new diesel engine only at launch. The hybrid system will not be available at that time," he told motoring.com.au.

Mitsubishi previewed its redesigned Triton dual-cab at Geneva in form of the Concept GR-HEV, which stands for Grand Runner Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

But Mr Nakao promised an all-new clean diesel engine and significant improvements to the vehicle when it arrives during the Japanese 2014 fiscal year (April 2014-March 2015).

Nakao-san told motoring.com.au the Triton successor would aim to achieve a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating and that Mitsubishi would look to incorporate collision avoidance technology. He stated active cruise control would be a potential inclusion to top-spec models.

Released in 2006, the current Trion is fitted with dual front and side airbags across the range, but scores a four-star ANCAP rating, which matches the Nissan Navara and most Toyota HiLuxes but falls short of the five-star score achieved by rivals like Ford’s Ranger, Mazda’s BT-50, VW’s Amarok and Holden’s Colorado.

The next Triton will retain its body-on-frame construction, Nakao-san confirmed, but Mitsubishi will seek to significantly improve refinement.

"We will improve [NVH]... More luxury, to make [Triton] a true sports utility vehicle," he stated.

Nakao-san stated the Triton would still be produced in workhorse versions for markets in the ASEAN region. For that reason the existing 2.4-litre petrol engines would likely soldier on.

However, Aussie buyers can look forward to a new-generation 2.5-litre 'clean' turbo-diesel that emits less than 149g/km of CO2, which will arrive with the new model, he stated.

"At launch we will not adopt the [hybrid] system. New emission requirements in 2020 will be so strict [that] we have to look at a hybrid solution [but] now we will deliver a new clean diesel engine," he said.

A new Challenger wagon is also locked in to the cycle plan, but says Nakao-san: "Timing is a little while after the Triton successor”.

Mitsubishi previously confirmed that a new Challenger will again be based on the Triton’s full ladder chassis and that the next-generation Pajero will follow the 2014 Triton on sale within six months, possibly with plug-in hybrid power.

In the face of tight fiscal conditions and development delays for the next-generation Lancer, which is also expected to feature hybrid power, Nakao-san used the Geneva interview to reinforce Mitsubishi's commitment to the commercial vehicle sector.

"Commercial vehicles and SUVs are our main products. This is our strength compared to competitors.

"We must reinforce our strongest points [products] and then add [more passenger car models]," he opined.

For our full coverage head to motoring.com.au for the latest Geneva motor show news

Photo gallery of 2013 Geneva motor show at motoring.com.au

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