• New Triton headed for SA
• 'A comfortable soft ride'
• Rugged design
• New engine tech
Cape Town - Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed that its next-generation Triton bakkie will arrive in South Africa by mid-2016.
The new bakkie is in its fifth-generation and the marque says it is their most advanced bakkie yet.
Wynand Pretorius, chief operations officer (COO) of Mitsubishi SA, said: "The new Triton offers a surprisingly quiet ride and cabin comfort reminiscent of a passenger car, while in the new Triton functionality and reliability required for tough working conditions are as present as ever."
Bold design
The new Triton boasts a bold grill framed by bi-xenon lights and a larger load bay.
Pretorius said: "The new design harks back to the popular Colt which was the top-selling pick-up in South Africa in the early 2000s."
A wider interior angle of the side-windows provides additional shoulder space inside the cabin. The cabin also benefits from new seats with thicker side bolsters.
Easy car-like driving
Mitsubishi says the Triton boasts a class-leading turning circle of 5.9m.
Underneath the skin, the Triton uses stiffer suspension springs and expanded stabilisers in front to reduce body roll.
The combination of finely-tuned rear shock absorbers and an extension of the rear leaf springs further contribute to a quieter and more comfortable ride.
New-gen turbodiesel
The Triton uses a new-generation 2.4 litre turbo diesel engine which produces 133kW/430Nm. The engine uses cylinder block from aluminium to save 30kg overall. There are two transmission options: a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic.
The top-of-the-range 4x4 double cab derivatives will offer the 'Super Select II' four-wheel drive system, offering four types of driving modes including full-time 4WD and 2WD which improves cornering performance.
A simple turning knob in the centre console allows for shifting between 2WD and 4WD modes.
Improved safety
The new Triton was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia and on the double-cab models offers seven airbags and ISOFIX mounting points for baby seats. All models are fitted with a collapsible steering wheel column.
Active safety technology in the form of ASTC (Active Stability & Traction Control), ASL (Adjustable speed Limiter) and TSC (Trailer Sway Control) are available.
Comfortable cruising
In top specification, the Triton offers cruise control, a keyless operating system, dual zone air-con, a reversing camera mated to a touch-screen full-colour satnav system, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and leather seats.