Triton diesel automatic

It seems like an acknowledgement that SUVs are too 'soft' for some drivers.

They need the sort of ruggedness and go-anywhere purpose that only a full-chassis LCV can provide...but it better be economical, comfortable and easy to drive.

So, plundering this lucrative sub-set of a niche, comes Mitsubishi with diesel five-speed automatic variants of the Triton range (more here and here).

The diesel/auto box combo pack is only available in 4x4 variants and as well as enhancing ease of use in traffic, the automatic will appeal to buyers who can actually use the direct-injection diesel's prodigious torque for tackling steep grades requiring the driver keep both hands on the wheel and not lift the right foot at any point.

In other words, the diesel-with-auto choice is an obvious one for the recreational 4x4 market. It's a demographic Ford (Ranger), Holden (Rodeo) and Toyota (Hilux) are already exploiting.

Up to this point, automatic transmission options for the Triton have been limited to the petrol V6 variants, but since the Pajero SUV has been available with the diesel/automatic option, it didn't make sense not to offer the pair in the Triton as well.

The new Triton variants number four in total and are primarily crew cab models, although there is a GLX cab chassis/pick-up which starts the ball rolling at $35,690.

Next up the ladder is the GLX crew cab, priced from $41,690, followed by the GLX-R crew cab ($46,990) and the GLS crew cab ($51,990).

The GLS grade is a bespoke luxury variant and the GLX-R comes equipped with some explicitly sporting features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, side steps, sports bar and nudge bar.

Luxury features fitted include carpet and unique mats, chrome and titanium-look highlights for the interior trim and Bluetooth capability.

It could be argued that these are real 'sports utility vehicles'...

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