MITSUBISHI Australia has opened up a considerable volume opportunity by releasing a new entry-level 2WD Triton ute petrol variant that is effectively priced from just $17,990.

Although carrying an official RRP of $19,990, Mitsubishi is selling the new Triton GL single cab for $2000 less than this to anyone with an ABN number – which, according to the company, covers 95 per cent of Triton buyers.

Until the end of the current financial year, the company is also throwing in Bluetooth phone kits (worth about $500) with every one sold, as well as a free fitted tray (worth $1000) on cab-chassis models.

However, Mitsubishi Australia president Rob McEniry said that the ABN price deal is an “ongoing program” and not just an introductory offer.

Small business operators such as builders, plumbers and electricians are the primary target market for the rear-drive petrol four-cylinder Triton.

The new 2.4-litre Triton price-leader is expected to account for about 3000 sales a year and help Mitsubishi’s aim of taking second place from the 4WD-only Nissan Navara on the light commercial sales chart.

Mitsubishi Australia light commercial product manager Tom Pitman claims that the new Triton GL single cab is $2490 cheaper on a spec-adjusted basis than the equivalent but larger-engined Toyota HiLux Workmate and some $5470 better than the Holden Rodeo DX.

Standard features on the Triton GL include air-conditioning, remote central locking, power windows, 16-inch wheels, MP3-compatible audio and, of course, Mitsubishi Australia’s five-year warranty (with 10-year cover on powertrain) and roadside assistance.

Mr Pitman believes that the extended warranty, which Mitsubishi introduced in December 2004, has been a major factor in the success of the latest Triton range.

He said it would also be vital for the new work-oriented Triton GL because most buyers in that market segment keep their vehicle for around five to 10 years and they appreciate not only the longer coverage but also the confidence of the manufacturer that the vehicle will not be off the road in that period – which is vital for tradies who cannot work without their vehicle.

Mitsubishi has also introduced a GLX-spec Triton double cab – priced at $25,690 – but it does not receive the ABN discount. GLX is expected to account for only 15-20 units a month. It has few specification differences to the GL apart from the bigger cab and rear seat.

Instead of a front bench that accommodates three in the GL, the GLX gets two “sports” seats up front, electric mirrors, a centre console box and remote fuel filler cap.

Steel wheels and drum rear brakes are standard on both the GL and GLX, but 16-inch alloys and ABS are options. Dual front and passenger SRS airbags are standard, along with seatbelt pre-tensioners.

The ML series Triton was launched in Australia last July in both 2WD and 4WD, powered by a choice of 3.5-litre V6 petrol or 3.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engines.

Driving the rear wheels only, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is a carryover from the previous MK series Triton, but modified to comply with the Euro IV emissions standard. It produces slightly more power (up 2kW to 94kW at 5250rpm) and the same torque (194Nm at 4000rpm) as in the previous model.

Only a five-speed manual gearbox is available and there are no plans at this stage to introduce an auto.

However, in the third quarter this year a four-speed auto will be made available for the 4x4 turbo-diesel, which should considerably boost Triton sales even further. In the fourth quarter, the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine will be added to the 4x2 line-up.