Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has bolstered its local Triton bakkie range with the addition of a new special-edition double-cab dubbed the “Triton Athlete”.
And, rather refreshingly, at R559 995, this new (temporary) flagship is priced the same as the 4×4 automatic model on which it is based. Interestingly, Mitsubishi says the limited-edition model is “fully imported” and assembled at its Thailand factory, rather than pieced together here in South Africa.
The new model boasts increased safety and specification levels, including seven airbags (the standard Triton features just two), as well as a claimed 3 100 kg towing capacity (up from the standard 1 500 kg … although it’s not clear how the brand achieved this).
Then, of course, there’s the bold styling kit, complete with orange-and-black highlights. Body paint colour options are limited to just two: white and grey. Look closely and you’ll notice the new front bumper garnish, new black grille (with honeycomb insert), fresh front and rear black bumpers and new wheel arches.
Black powder-coated diamond-cut 17-inch alloys are also included, along with a sports bar and an integrated tailgate spoiler. Dark-grey and orange decals with black highlights have furthermore been applied to the side-steps, side-mirror caps, door handles, rear bumper and tailgate.
Inside, you’ll find black leather seats with orange inserts (and “Athlete” embroidery), as well as orange stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever, door panels and centre console. Standard equipment includes bi-Xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights, a multifunction steering wheel, shift paddles, an upgraded instrument display, a smart-key system and automatic dual-zone air-conditioning.
It’s standard fare under the bonnet, where the 2,4-litre turbodiesel still produces 133 kW and 430 N.m, directed to all four corners via a five-speed automatic transmission.
As with the standard model, the Triton Athlete is covered by a three-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).
