Mitsubishi unveils all-new Triton

MITSUBISHI Motors Corporation (MMC) has premiered its new sixth-generation Triton in Bangkok, Thailand – its first completely new utility offering in nine years, and a model that brings comprehensive engine, body and technology changes to the range.

Slated to launch in ASEAN and Oceania regions early next year, the new Triton is the latest in the nameplate's 45-year history, MMC saying that approximately 5.6 million examples have been sold in over 150 countries.

Speaking at the Triton’s global launch, MMC president and chief executive officer, Takao Kato, said the model is expected to form a strategic part of Mitsubishi’s future model plans.

“As a pick-up truck that fits for a new era, we have developed the all-new Triton with even more ‘Mitsubishi Motors-ness’,” he said.

“The key features of the all-new Triton were exclusively developed by Mitsubishi Motors, including a robust ladder-frame and body, tough chassis, powerful and driver-friendly engine and 4WD system that achieves excellent roadholding and stability.

“With production ultimately expected to reach 200,000 vehicles (sold) in over 100 countries, the all-new Triton is an extremely important model that will provide foundational support for Mitsubishi Motors, as well as the first global strategic vehicle to be rolled out at the start of our growth phase. Please look forward to our challenges that begin from here.”

From launch, the all-new Triton will again be offered with three body styles: single-, club- and double-cab and with pick-up and cab-chassis tray designs. It will offer a larger body that before, as well as a twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine MMC says “significantly boosts environmental performance and power”.

Upgraded drive modes combine with electronically controlled Active Yaw Control and Super Select II 4WD in higher grades, with adaptive cruise control available on automatic models. New safety features include front and rear autonomous emergency braking, a centre airbag, and many more.

In matching efforts from Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen and others, MMC has extended the functionality of its Mitsubishi Connect system to enable help calls (SOS) to be made at the push of a button, while emergency calls are automatically made when an airbag is deployed.

Additionally, by linking the vehicle to a smartphone, Mitsubishi Connect allows a car finder function, fuel and oil state information, drive history and other aspects of the vehicle to be viewed remotely. Owners can also precondition the cabin and operate the headlights and horn.

MMC says the Triton’s newly developed ladder frame chassis provides a 65 per cent greater cross-sectional area than the previous model achieving a bending rigidity of 40 per cent and torsional rigidity of 60 per cent.

Further, the use of high-tensile steel has kept weight gains to a minimum while also offering improved roadholding, ride comfort, durability and collision performance.

The body of the new Triton is also lighter than before, thanks again to the use of high-tensile steel.

Under the bonnet, the 4N16-series engine is a development of the (133kW/430Nm) 4N15-series unit offered previously, and is available in three configurations, depending on market. In the highest state of tune, the unit offers 147kW and 470Nm (from 1500rpm) enabling what MMC says is a “highly responsive driving (experience) with abundant torque”.

All engines are available with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, the latter uniquely with shift-by-wire technology to “significantly reduce vibration” from being directly transmitted to the cabin.

The all-new Triton continues to use MMC’s Super Select II 4WD and Easy Select 4WD systems, which are equipped with a torque sensing Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that distribute driving force at a ratio of 40 per cent to the front and 60 per cent to the rear ensuring both traction performance and cornering performance.

An active LSD (brake control type) is offered in two- and four-wheel drive modes.

To improve maintainability, the location of the gear oil drain bolt has been changed to enable engine oil to be replaced without having to remove and replace the under-cover, and for 4WD and 2WD High Rider models, the service hole size has been increased to enable garage jacks to be used without an attachment.

And with gear oil replacement being unnecessary in the six-speed manual transmission model among other improvements, maintenance is becoming increasingly unneeded.

The Triton continues to ride on a double wishbone (front) and leaf (rear), however, the mounting bracket for the upper arm of the 4WD model and 2WD High Rider has been moved upward to increase the stroke by 20mm, while the lighter rear arrangement with stronger dampers is said to offer greater ride comfort.

MMC says it has also improved the Triton’s turning radius and, on high-output models, adding an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) rack to “enable better control and low-speed range assistance”.

Importantly, and in countering an increasing trend towards ever-higher load beds, MMC has lowered the cargo bed height by 45mm (to 820mm) compared to the outgoing model. The upper surface of the rear bumper corner has been reinforced to act as a foot hold, improving practicality for those selecting a pick-up style body.

Further forward, MMC says it has improved outward vision from the driver’s seat while also offering seats with uprated lower back support and a “more open” shoulder area. The hip point has been raised 20mm compared to the previous Triton, and the front doors reshaped to allow easier entry and exit.

Visit GoAuto again soon for local information relating to the release of the new Mitsubishi Triton.