More muscle for Triton double cabs

But the new range is so comfortable and good looking that I suspect a great many of the new double cabs will be bought for the rugged lifestyle image they project and for their lively performance on the tarmac, rather than for hard labour duties.

Three new engine variants now complete the Mitsubishi Triton double-cab line-up. They range from the highly acclaimed 2.4-litre 4-cylinder MPI (multi-point fuel injectors) petrol engine and a muscular 3,5-litre V6 fuel-injected petrol engine, to a torque-rich, fuel-efficient 3.2-litre powered DI-D manual and auto.

On the 4x4 models, hard-driving 4x4 capabilities are made simple with Easy Select 4WD, which lets you change modes whilst driving without losing ‘go-forward', while the rear diff-lock keeps traction on in the toughest of conditions to keep the Tritons going onward and upward.

“The Triton definitely has presence, but there is more to its design than aerodynamic lines. The technology in the new Triton has been tested in the 12-time Dakar winning Pajero Evolution,” said Peter Skei, divisional manager, Mitsubishi Motors.

“Winning and proving ourselves is important, but it's not an end in itself for Mitsubishi. It's the means to producing vehicles that have exceptional durability, responsive performance and secure road-holding,” added Skei.

A bigger, stronger chassis and independent double wishbone suspension with coil spring and stabiliser up front, gives the Triton SUV-like road handling. The rigid rear elliptic leaf spring also gives greater roll resistance and good ground clearance on rough terrain.

The 3.2-litre DI-D inter-cooled Turbo is the biggest diesel in a Mitsubishi LCV, delivering 118kW and 343Nm. Thanks to common rail technology it manages fuel more efficiently and burns it more thoroughly, reducing emissions, noise, and fuel consumption.

This is the same engine that does duty under the hood of the Pajero and it was first used more than 20 years ago. The engine has survived many a Dakar rally and many privateers still successfully participate with the Pajero 3.2-litre.

The new big petrol alternative, the 3.5-litre V6 SOHC produces 131kW and 295Nm and because it is a lower revving engine with more low-down grunt than the previous Pajero engine, it is particularly suitable to towing.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder MPI (multi-point fuel injection) petrol engine delivers 94kW and 194Nm. The drive-train is a 5-speed manual transmission which will suit the driver who wants a double-cab but does not have the need for a 4x4.

All the new models have electric windows, including an electric rear window, air-conditioning, a CD and MP3 player, and radio with 4-speaker audio system.

At the media launch at Gerotek, near Pretoria, I drove all the new models off-road as well as on a tight tar track designed to test a vehicle's handling and performance.

I was impressed by the build quality across the range, the spacious cabins, comfortable seating (with LOTS of leg and shoulder room and easy access), roadholding on tarmac and its off-road abilities (even though the off-road bit was done on a short, simple laid-out course which was not exactly a terribly testing terrain for any vehicle's abilities).

Impressive standard features include keyless entry, central locking, engine immobiliser and RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, which controls how the body reacts to impacts. (Collision absorbing joints provide crumple zones to absorb impact energy and reinforced beams redirect energy away from the occupants).

Other standard safety features are ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and front airbags.

All the double cabs come with a three-year/60,000km service plan and a two-year/100,000km warranty.

Service intervals vary from 10,000km for the diesel models and 15,000km for the petrol variants.

Tow-bars are standard features on the Triton 2.5-litre DI-D and the 3.2-litre DI-D.

The prices of the new range are:
Triton 2.4 MPI Manual 4x2 - R234,900
Triton 2.5 DI-D Manual 4x4 - R297,000
Triton 3.5 V6 Manual 4x4 - R304,900
Triton 3.2 DI-D Manual 4x4 - R319,900
Triton 3.2 DI-D Auto 4x4 - R327,900