Mitsubishi's new Triton uncovered

MITSUBISHI'S long-awaited replacement for its ageing Triton workhorse has been revealed in Thailand, with the fifth-generation version ushering in safety, driveability and comfort improvements over the outgoing model.

Built by Mitsubishi Motors in Thailand, the new Triton is set to arrive in Australian dealerships by mid-2015, with a likely debut in the second quarter.

Specifications and equipment will be detailed closer to launch, but it is believed the line-up will remain similar to the current-gen model, which is available in two- and all-wheel drive and with three body-styles – Single Cab, Club Cab and Double Cab.

One change will be the lack of petrol powertrain, with Mitsubishi following the lead of other brands, such as Holden with its Colorado range, by offering its new ute with diesel power only.

The new all-aluminium 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo-diesel unit with variable geometry turbo can be matched with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic and the Triton has a turning circle of 5.9 metres, which Mitsubishi says makes it as easy to manoeuvre as a passenger car.

The Japanese car-maker's local arm also says the new Triton maintains its “working vehicle durability and load-carrying capacity”, without affecting passenger comfort.

No performance or fuel use figures have been released, but Mitsubishi says the aerodynamics of the new “athletic exterior styling” helps with fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

The styling maintains a familiar Triton look, but the dramatic sweeping line behind the rear doors that made the current model stand out has been softened, while the rear of the tub has been squared off.

At the front, the Triton has a completely new face with larger, higher-set headlights incorporating jewel-like blue daytime running lights, a prominent lower air intake and a large chrome-heavy grille.

The design appears to feature less chrome than was evident on some of the spy shots seen in recent months, which could be down to styling tweaks requested by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL), as previously reported by GoAuto.

While it is undoubtedly different to the current model, it does not bear any resemblance to the striking GR-HEV concept from last year's Geneva motor show that was set to preview the design of the Triton.

Mitsubishi says the Triton will feature generous cabin space across the three body-styles, and added that sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials have been strategically placed to ensure improvements to cabin quietness.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) head of corporate communications Shayna Welsh said the outgoing model would continue on sale until stock runs out.

Ms Welsh also said there was “no further update” to the possibility of a diesel-electric hybrid variant that has been mooted by MMAL's Japanese parent company.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia executive director of marketing Tony Principe said the new Triton improves on the existing model in a number of areas and is part of a shift in focus for the brand to light commercials and SUVs.

“The 2015 Triton is part of a new breed of Mitsubishi vehicles that reflect the sizable investment we are making in the development of world-class SUV and light-commercial vehicles,” he said.

“New Triton makes a significant leap forward in all areas, particularly in terms of passenger comfort, manoeuvrability and efficiency, and still delivers on the toughness, reliability and off-road performance that have made Triton such a success in Australia.” The eight-year-old fourth-gen Triton is still the company's biggest seller in Australia, with 18,654 units sold to the end of October this year.

It is the third best selling light-commercial ute locally in 2013, sitting behind perennial favourite, the Toyota HiLux on 31,876, and the resurgent Ford Ranger with 22,539 units sold.