TO say Mitsubishi has some tough competition in the 4×4 market space is an understatement of mammoth proportions, with the dominant VW Amarok and Ford Ranger leading the way in an overly full segment that continues to grow.
But here’s the thing, the 2016 Triton GLS Double Cab 4×4 (the name alone is a mouthful) is a vast improvement on its ageing predecessor, and that’s the key here – Mitsubishi has gone all out to rejuvenate the Triton platform, beef up its performance and pretty up its look and feel – to give consumers a 4×4 that brings its ‘A’ game to the table.
Let’s start outside, where there’s an all new look, that we really liked, but that very thing may also work against the Triton. Not the fact we liked, but the fact it is different from the Triton’s of the past, and it will polarise fans of the brand – put plainly, not everyone is going to love it.
A new, more modern interior with plenty of bells and whistles also graces the inside of the Triton (and a lot of chrome, silver and piano black accent panels), with the internal and external changes offering key features such as side steps, rear step bumper, front fog lamps, a three spoke leather steering wheel, LED daytime running lamps, sports bar, dual zone air conditioning, rear view camera in display audio, and some beefy 17 inch alloy wheels.
Powered by a 2.4L MIVEC Diesel that puts out 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque, and available in a six speed manual or five speed automatic with Sports Mode (which is what we tested), the new Triton comes with some solid upgrades over previous models, and what is probably the easiest to use 4WD selector on the market (a simple push and turn dial on the centre console).
You’ll need a key to start it (no push button starts here), but you will find power windows, and electric folding mirrors, along with every safety feature known to man (or woman), including an airbag for drivers’ knees, stability and traction control, stability assist for trailers, a body build around the RISE structural requirements, and emergency stop functions that make the Triton one mighty safe 4×4.
On the payload front, the maximum in the tray a reasonable 950kg (better than some, but not the market leaders), with a 3.1 tonne towing capacity (750kg without brake assistance), so it’s a little down on some of its arch rivals. You’ll find that ‘little down’ on rivals occurs a bit here, with some of the Triton’s more solid rivals presenting more torque and power than is on offer here (that said, it definitely still feels good to drive).
The rear seats fall into the ‘little down’ category too, as they are not as good as you would expect when compared to the styling and feel throughout the rest of the car. That said, for the price, and the features it comes with, we think the new look Triton is definitely worth a look.
It offers genuine value for money, and if you’re already a Triton fan, look past the very different styling, because it will grow on you, and go and take it for a spin. What is it they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. The 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Double Cab 4×4 hits the road for $43,550 drive away, and comes in White, Sterling Silver, Earth Green, Titanium (as tested), Impulse Blue and Black.
Our test vehicle was provided by Mitsubishi Motors Australia. To find out more about the 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Double Cab 4×4, contact your local Mitsubishi dealer.
