The much awaited new Mitsubishi Triton SU (Sports Utility) will finally make its way to South Africa early next year – just over a year since we test drove one in Australia.
Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed that the Triton will be fitted with the latest-generation 2.4-litre 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC 16-valve turbocharged common rail diesel engine. This engine features an aluminium cylinder block making it lighter than its predecessors and will be paired with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The new auto gearbox offers electronic manual shifting, while the new manual box manual has shorter and smoother shifts.
The lighter 2.4-litre engine has an output of 133 kW at 3 500 rpm and 430 Nm at 2 500 rpm, with more than 350 Nm available from 1 500 rpm. This is more than a 25% improvement in low-end torque compared to the previous 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, fitted to the outgoing Triton range.
Buyers who opt for the 4×4 drivetrain will get Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system that offers four intelligent driving modes. This multifunction setup gives drivers precise control in challenging weather conditions or on loose surfaces with low-range modes, including a rear diff-lock.
One of the Triton’s modes distributes torque in a 40:60 ratio between front and rear axles via a centre differential, which dramatically improves cornering performance and helps performance on gravel and wet slippery roads.
The all-new Triton features a best-in-class turning radius of 5.9 metres and also has a completely revised suspension.
Active Stability with Traction Control, ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution give the driver added control in emergency situations.
Read our impression of the all-new Triton here.