With big plans to expand its modern Triton offering, how does Mitsubishi’s perennially underrated double-cab fare in mid-range GLS guise?
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Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab GLS 4×4 auto Fast Facts
- Price: R759 900
- 0 to 100 km/h: 10.25 seconds
- Top speed: 179 km/h
- Power: 135 kW
- Torque: 430 N.m
- CAR Fuel index: 10.00 L/100km
- CO₂: 220 g/km
The long-awaited introduction of the sixth-generation Triton marks an important year for Mitsubishi South Africa as this proud Japanese brand looks to refresh both its broad product portfolio and standing within the local market. Including a larger, more resolved stance compared with the outgoing package, the mandate of the new Triton is surely to build on the many positives of the underrated fifth-generation bakkie while trying to unlock the kind of favour its Colt forebear once enjoyed in this market.
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A ground-up new product, the modern Triton is longer and wider (up to 50 mm) than the model it replaces, including a 130 mm stretch in wheelbase. With track widths adjusted accordingly, the benefits of this larger footprint include an altogether more spacious cabin and superior levels of poise in all driving conditions compared with the previous model – key aspects when trying to establish a stronger foothold in the now significant, leisure-focused, double-cab segment.
Also available as a single-cab workhorse, the modern Triton double-cab range spans entry-level GL specification before expanding to the likely sweet spot GLS designation tested here. Three special edition models, namely Xtreme, Athlete and Edition 46, focus on accessories and off-road-focused modifications.
Including a generous helping of chrome on the new grille, rear bumper, door (and tailgate) handles and side mirrors, GLS specification adds 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps to the package. Options fitted to our Blade Silver metallic test unit include a branded sports bar, electrically operated roller shutter and digital tyre-pressure adjustment setup. Interestingly, while the modern Triton boasts a 3.5-ton braked tow rating, the range is not sold with a tow hitch fitted.
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Other obvious omissions (by modern standards) in GLS specification include an auxiliary power outlet and dedicated light for the load bay. A load bed that’s marginally larger and 45 mm lower than before is accessed via an easy-lift system fitted to the tailgate.
More spacious than before, the ambiance of the GLS-spec Triton’s cabin is lifted via leather upholstery, a considered selection of soft-touch surfaces and a climate control set-up that introduces roof-mounted vents for rear occupants. Electric adjustment on the impressively comfortable driver’s seats caters to a height setting, and, carried over from the outgoing Triton, the ability to adjust the steering column for both rake and reach is welcome. Similarly welcome are levels of on-the-move refinement and perceived quality that sit towards the top of the local double-cab pile.
Some will argue the Mitsubishi’s interior – including a modest 8.0-inch infotainment display with analogue instrumentation and switchgear – is a touch dated compared with what the likes of Ford offers in the modern Ranger. Yet, there’s a lot to be said for keeping it simple, in this segment, specifically. Certainly, all the controls and switches fall nicely to hand and are easy to navigate, while conveniences such as several USB ports, a wireless charging dock and smartphone mirroring technology add to the appeal.
One such switch in the 4×4 derivatives operates the brand’s proven Super Select II drivetrain setup. This allows for the one-touch/twist engagement of up to seven driving modes, including an on-the-fly (up to 100 km/h) transition between 2H and 4H.
Until Mitsubishi South Africa is given the green light to introduce its 150 kW/470 N.m bi-turbocharged (4N16) diesel engine to our market, the Triton range is fitted exclusively with an upgraded version of the longstanding single-turbo, 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit. Paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, it is impressively refined and relatively efficient (with a fuel route figure of 9.0 L/100 km). One tester commented on how well the fluid, workmanlike performance of this proven powertrain complemented the welcome familiarity and “back-to-basics” simplicity of the rest of the modern Triton GLS package.
A welcome carry-over from the outgoing Triton double cab is a near-best-in-class default ride quality. Here, a reworked front suspension with a 20 mm longer rebound stroke for more progressive damping complements a stronger yet lighter rear leaf spring arrangement to offer impressive compliance – with 18-inch wheels fitted – on both smooth and rutted surfaces. As confirmed by our scales, another benefit of this evolved setup – though no doubt affected by the fitment of this test unit’s solid tonneau cover – is improved weight distribution; the new car offering a 53:47 split, front to rear, compared with 56:44 measured in a test of the previous model.
While the forthcoming more powerful Triton offerings introduce electrically assisted power steering, the “old school” hydraulic setup in these early units delivers an impressive sense of connection to the front wheels with well-weighted, positive feedback via the steering wheel; traits welcomed in an off-road driving environment.
A 26 mm increase in the size of the ventilated brake discs fitted to the front of the Triton double cab helped the new car record an average emergency braking time of 3.05 seconds, compared with 3.21 seconds recorded with the previous model. The modern Triton GLS package is fitted with seven airbags with Isofix anchorage points in the rear bench. A full bouquet of modern advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be introduced with future derivatives.
It’s pertinent that while Toyota South Africa buys time ahead of the arrival of its all-new Hilux with a new Legend 55 derivative, those with a keen eye will note one of the special-edition Triton derivates available carries Edition 46 badging, celebrating Mitsubishi’s own impressive bakkie-building legacy. More recently, this includes one of the most impressively low warranty claim rates in the automotive industry.
While the sixth-generation Triton in this single-turbo application doesn’t necessarily shift the goalposts in this segment, its long-awaited arrival hands one of the most underrated double-cab packages on the market a suitably impressive new lease on life and a well-earned seat towards the head of the table – and there’s more to come…
Find the full feature in the March 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
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