With the recent launch of the superb new Mitsubishi Triton, and having driven both the manual shifter and the automatic version, BERNARD HELLBERG SR is convinced that the five-speed automatic is the must-have.
Whether choosing rear wheel-drive for urban application or the sophisticated 40/60 split when things get muddy and tricky, the automatic gearbox, even at R20,000 more than the manual six-speed unit, just seems to make more sense with its smooth shifting, well chosen ratios which link up seamlessly with the 2.4-litre turbodiesel.
In fact, the automatic version, which enables a choice between 2H, 4H and 4L, does not suffer from a sense of insecurity which plagues lesser transmissions which always seem to develop the urge to hunt for the right gear.
Throughout the test week, the automatic ‘box always seemed composed, selecting the right gear regardless of conditions for the optimal combination of power and economy.
THE ENGINE
The latest all-aluminium 2.4 turbodiesel is a tough-as-nails unit – worthy of a company that has won the Dakar a record 12 times – and has reinforced steel piston sleeves for durability. Despite being some 100 cc smaller than its rather rough 2.5-litre predecessor, the new 2.4 is noticeably quieter with a virtually complete absence of vibrations. Power, at 133 kW, together with an impressive 430 Nm of torque, has resulted in a (claimed) fuel consumption figure of 7.6-litres/100 km. With most of our driving under urban conditions, the best we could manage was 8.7-litres/100 km – still excellent when considering that the new Triton is by no means a lightweight – tipping the scales at fractionally less than two tonnes.
SAFETY AND LUXURY
In order to compete in a market where rivalry is fierce, and with established brands such as the Hilux and the Ranger running the show, Mitsubishi designers have had to try hard in order to be competitive.
These goodies include a touchscreen infotainment centre (which was fairly easy to figure out), Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a fully adjustable steering wheel and a superb turning circle. An efficient rear parking camera, cruise control, and what must be regarded as the most comfortable rear seating of any double cab currently available in our country, enables the new Triton to compete on level terms with the market leaders.
LAST WORD
No longer controversially styled (code for ugly) the new Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-D 4×4 DC A/T is a rugged and refined newcomer which may yet prove to be a great success for Mitsubishi SA. Having already overtaken the Mazda BT-50 in the February sales figures, the Triton now has its sights firmly set on GM’s Isuzu, while Nissan’s recently launched Navara could also face some stiff opposition from the Triton. It combines rugged reliability with sophistication and comfort – must-haves in today’s competitive environment.
Report by BERNARD HELLBERG SR | Images by MITSUBISHI