South Africa gets facelifted Triton as CBU from Thailand

Mitsubishi is changing its Triton one-tonners in South Africa by offering a facelifted model that is imported as a fully built-up unit and not assembled locally, as has been the case in the past.

The new pick-ups will take over from the Triton line that was introduced in 2007 - the year when it replaced the Colt that has been in SA since 1990.

The Colt helped to propel Mitsubishi's success with sales of over 20 000 units.

The latest Triton models are made at a plant in Thailand that exports to all major first world countries for Mitsubishi Motors. That same plant has already exported more than a million vehicles since 1988 when it became the first Thai motor vehicle exporter and has won several quality awards for the units produced there.

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa opted for an import route for the Triton because it offers greater flexibility in terms of product specification and better supply rates than when a product is locked into local production.

The new range has an updated grille, headlights and front bumper as well as a new-look step bumper at the rear and restyled alloy wheels on all models.

There are five models in the latest range – three Double Cabs and two Clubcabs – each with the option of two- or four-wheel drive. The single cab model is expected in the second quarter of 2012 and marks the re-entry of Mitsubishi into the market where the Colt was an enormous success.

Three four-cylinder engine types are offered in the Double Cabs: a 2.4-litre petrol producing 94kW at 5250rpm and 194Nm at 4000rpm, a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel producing 100kW at 4000rpm and a massive 314Nm at 2000rpm and a 3.2-litre turbo-diesel producing 118kW at 3800rpm and 343Nm at 2000rpm.

The two Clubcab variants are turbo-diesel only, with the smaller engine for the 4x2 and the 3.2-litre power unit for the 4x4. The petrol engine in the Double Cab 4x2 now complies with Euro IV emission regulations compared to the Euro II rating of the previous power unit.

These engines are not only powerful, but also fuel efficient, with the 3.2 diesel having recorded 9.19l/100km in a Triton crewed by photo journalist Chris Riley and the Road Freight Association‟s Catherine Larkin in the recent Total Economy Run.

The Mitsubishi Triton is very well specified in terms of safety innovations and was the first pick-up to gain four stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. One of these attributes is the fact that in the case of a rear impact the load box slides beneath the cab, while the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction forms a secure safety cell with energy absorbing front section.

There are also side impact bars and airbags for the driver and front passenger. The powerful braking system includes anti-skid (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). The doors lock automatically when the vehicle is in motion.

The Mitsubishi Triton range is aimed at both the business and lifestyle markets and for the latter application the 4x4 models are very well equipped to cater for rugged off-road driving. The EasySelect 4WD system allows the selection of all-wheel drive (4H) on-the-fly at speeds up to 100km/h. This means the driver can enjoy the fuel economy benefits of two-wheel drive at all times when four-wheel traction is not required.

When the going gets really tough in an off-road situation there are low range gear ratios available in the 4x4 models which reduces the final drive by a factor of 1.9:1, as well as a rear differential lock. The rear differential lock is electronically engaged through a switch on the dashboard and combined with the low range means that the Triton is a go-anywhere 4x4.

Also very impressive is the ground clearance of 205mm, the approach angle of 33.4 degrees and departure angle of 23.8.

The cab is spacious and allows adults to sit in the rear with comfort. The Triton models are luxury pick-ups and the specification level is very high. Convenience features include electrically-operated windows and electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors, a fully automatic, climate control air conditioning system, keyless entry and remote locking.

Instrumentation is very comprehensive and includes a restyled Recreational Vehicle (RV) meter which incorporates a compass, barometer, altimeter and outside temperature reading for the off-road adventurer. There is also a multi-function display that acts as a driving monitor.

There is an MP3 compatible audio system including an AM/FM radio and CD player with six speakers in the Double Cab.

"We are confident this face-lifted Triton range will make a significant impact on the local market," commented Mitsubishi Motors SA chief Jaco Oosthuizen. "The Mitsubishi brand has a long heritage in South Africa, going back to the 1970‟s, and over the years these products have built up a strong reputation for reliability and durability while enjoying the backing of a strong dealer network located in all the major centres."

Source: motoring.iafrica.com