Why Is The Mitsubishi Triton A Vehicle With Dual Personality

March 30, 2022

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This Mitsubishi Triton is more than just a pickup truck.

Some of you might think that Mitsubishi might be a relative newcomer to the pickup truck segment. Well, let us share a little history. Some 42 years ago Mitsubishi Motors introduced its first ever pickup truck. Then in 2001 the very first 4×4 pickup truck from Mitsubishi arrived in Malaysia and since then there have been nothing but praises for this pickup truck for its reliability and adaptability to customer needs and wants.

The current model Triton you see in all Mitsubishi Malaysia showrooms had its world premier in November 2018 and it continues to be a best seller for the company in West and East Malaysia.

Last year alone, some 8,022 units found happy Malaysian owners (this is a 32 percent sales jump from the year before) and the sales surge continues as we run into the final first quarter of 2022.

Not Just ASEAN

This version of the latest Triton is sold in 150 countries around the globe and continues to be popular for a particular reason. It has a dual personality. Yes, this pickup truck can be a workhorse for the durian farmer, pasar malam fresh fish trader and hilltop vegetable farmer. It can also be a family vehicle for a school teacher, bank officer and computer programmer.

Yes, we have seen people from all walks of life using this new Triton and also the previous more streamlined version that re-wrote pickup truck design.

4×4 Like No Other

Now, as a workhorse, the Triton takes top honors as it has the best off road engineering for the segment. Why? Well, well known fact that Mitsubishi Motors Japan has been a leading provider of the best 4×4 systems in the sports car, sports sedans and also 4×4 vans.

The Triton has also been a repeat winner at the most grueling off-road rally event in South East Asia which is the Borneo Safari.

High Safety Assured

From the factory, this version of the Triton comes with anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, active stability control, traction control, rest reminder, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer stability assist, seatbelt reminder for the driver, ISOFIX points, child lock protection, reverse camera and sensors to aid the driver in tight parking spaces, plus two airbags.

City Commuting

This is where many Triton owners can be seen, the handling and steering feel is impressive for such a ‘tall’ vehicle. It defies the pickup issue of wallowing and the ‘ship on high seas’ effect is negligible as you push this Triton around fast bends and make quick ‘U’ turns.

Plus, with its best in class turning radius of just 5.9 meters, it makes for easy driving along the older Petaling Jaya roads and when visiting small towns.

The suspension system surprises us as it is theoretically sharing the same system found in the very popular Pajero Sport SUV, however there have been some changes made for the added load it might be carrying on its rear deck since this is after all a vehicle that can be used as a workhorse as well.

Powering the Triton is a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel working with a variable geometry turbocharger that delivers 181PS and a high 430Nm of torque. This 4B12 all aluminum engine was engineered to have better fuel efficiency than ever before.

To do this, a number of things were redesigned from scratch. MIVEC technology was used in this engine on both the intake and exhaust valves. Along with advanced common-rail direct fuel injection that creates an ultra-fine microdroplet spray, the engine is able to squeeze out an incredible amount of energy from diesel.

Other parts of the engine design have been optimized for better overall efficiency too. The water pump now has a high-efficiency plastic impeller that uses less energy and does more work than before.

But a tough pick-up truck that is no fun is ……. well, no fun. This is why Mitsubishi Motors made it a point to give Triton’s 2.4-litre engine a little more pep than you might expect. Its 181PS arrives from 3,500 rpm and the impressive 430Nm of torque can be felt from a low 2,500rpm which is a lot more than other engines of this size.

Off road driving is easily done with its 4×4 Easy Select system. You can choose between Gravel, Sand, Muddy and Rock to get the best traction off the tarmac. Then when there is a steep downward incline, you can use the Hill Descent Control system to ensure the Triton brakes progressively and safely.

Rear passengers will be comfortable in the wide well sculptured seats and the rear air-conditioning vents make long distance travel easy. Mitsubishi have wrapped all seats with high quality synthetic leather for easy cleaning against fabric that will stain easily.

The Triton is also equipped with a well placed driving DVR unit to record any unwanted moments on the road. The 9-inch touch screen infotainment unit is easy to use and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for Spotify music streaming. This also allows the Triton driver to access Google Maps and Waze for easy navigation.

Mitsubishi will provide a 200,00 km or 5-year warranty which is a big peace of mind for buyers in the commercial market and a welcome for city slickers who want a stylish truck.