Mitsubishi recently unveiled the first photograph of the new L200, which we know locally as the Triton.
The front of the vehicle incorporates the new-generation “Dynamic Shield” front design concept. The bold front end, sculpted lines and extended wheel arches may divide opinion, but it will certainly be the most interesting looking bakkie when it eventually goes on sale here.
As far as the interior is concerned, it seems to be a step forward in terms of quality. There are new soft pad materials and stitching on the floor console, armrests and parking brake.
The new models are fitted with either Super-Select 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface, or Easy-Select 4WD, which simplifies switching between drive modes for different road surfaces. With the addition of new drive modes, both 4WD systems claim to deliver improved off-road performance.
Both Super-Select and Easy-Select 4WD systems use a new Off-road Mode which has GRAVEL, MUD/SNOW, SAND and ROCK (in 4LLc only) settings. When engaged, Off-road Mode integrally controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip and thereby maximize all-terrain performance and self-extraction performance in mud or snow. Hill Descent Control electronically controls the speed to allow the driver to negotiate steep or slippery descents more safely and with more assurance.
New Mitsubishi L200 retains the current model’s high-durability, high-reliability ladder-type frame and high impact-safety cabin structure while featuring class-leading advanced active safety and driver assistance systems.
Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), which can detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead
Blind Spot Warning (BSW with LCA), which helps avoid sideswiping another vehicle when changing lanes by detecting vehicles behind or at the rear quarter and alerting the driver with an audible alert and flashing light in their door mirror
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which, in the same way, helps avoid collisions when reversing
Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) which reduces accidents resulting from improper use of the accelerator when moving off or reversing in car parks and other confined spaces.
The 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel is carried over as is, but it’s not mated to a six-speed automatic.
The Triton will go on sale in Thailand first, after which it will be rolled out to 150 countries across the globe.
A South African release date has not been set, but Mitsubishi is looking at early 2019.