2009 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Fastback Review

By Matt Brogan | December 15th, 2008

2009 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Fastback Review & Road Test

A safe, well optioned and gutsy performer

Model Tested:

2009 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Fastback 3.2-litre, turbo-diesel, 4WD, automatic, dual-cab utility: $53,990 (RRP)

Options:

Metallic paint $350 (fitted: Gunmetal)

Capable engine and 4WD system; ample equipment list; unique styling

Noisy engine; reduced load area; long steering ratio; flat seating

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

Though Dakar may have swapped continents this year, the passion and heritage drawn from the great race cannot be denied, especially where Mitsubishi is concerned.

So to capture this sentiment in a marketable form, the triple diamond team have dressed up the Triton with a Dakar-esque body styling kit they call the Fastback.

OK, so calling a Triton fast might be stretching the truth a little, but that’s not to say the unique looks on offer don’t attract a lot of attention – especially from other Triton owners.

Based on the GLX-R model, the GLS Fastback comes with a packet of extra equipment including a lockable hard tonneau cover, semi-automatic climate control, electric tilt and slide sunroof, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and seats (featuring blue stitching) and a powered driver’s seat.

These options are in addition to the pre-existing extras list of 17-inch alloy wheels, rear and side steps, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows (including powered rear-centre window), electric mirrors, remote central locking, front fog lamps, and single CD/tuner premium audio package offered in the derivative model.

It really is quite a generous package all up, but one has to wonder if it is worth the extra $7500 on top of the GLX-R’s recommended retail price.

The cabin is rather generous proportionally and offers ample leg, head and shoulder room is both rows.

The back seat too is surprisingly comfortable thanks to the rounded design of the cabin’s rear but sadly the seats are very flat in all seating positions and do not offer a lot of lateral support, which is quite bothersome off-road.

Under the bonnet, a 3.2-litre, common-rail, turbo diesel, four-cylinder engine manages 118kW at 3800rpm and an even handed 343Nm of torque from 2000rpm. It’s a strong engine and pulls quite well, even when heavily loaded, though is remarkably noisy inside the cab, even when cruising.

The four-speed automatic gearbox does a decent job of swapping cogs and is adequate for the role despite the lack of ratios on offer.

Mitsubishi’s Super-Select multi-mode 4WD system is both versatile and capable, and when combined with 205mm of ground clearance and a lockable, viscous limited-slip, rear differential, makes even the more challenging of off-road exercises a breeze.

Unfortunately however the gearbox doesn’t afford Triton very good fuel economy, with my week returning 11.6 litres per 100km (combined), almost two litres over the published result of 9.9 litres.

Another issue for the Fastback is side-rearward visibility. Changing lanes to the left becomes a mirror based affair with considerable blind spots generated from the sails between the cab and the tray. Parallel parking too is almost a “by feel” exercise.

Braking too is a bit of a let down with the disc/drum combination feeling a little challenged under emergency situations. ABS is offered as standard fit and though it does feature EBD, it doesn’t feel as certain as it should, even under ideal (flat/dry/sealed) stopping situations.

The steering is needlessly long of ratio which makes parking and suburban driving annoying with far too many turns lock-to-lock (almost four) and a rather large turning circle at 11.8 metres. Feel and feedback too is a touch light.

I guess what this all adds up to is that despite being a good looking and well optioned uti;ity there is no escaping the fact it is still a commercial vehicle at heart and should you chose to combine the purpose on hand with your family motoring, you’ll find a payload of 870kg remains on offer – if you be able to fully utilise the compromised tray area that is.

Ride and handling are above average, but far from brilliant with body roll very evident on hard cornering. The stiffer ride although usual for such a vehicle is not as bad as some competitors though so as a multi-purpose vehicle, here the Fastback may hold a slight advantage.

On the safety side of things, the ABS and EBD are about as techy as this beast gets, though with dual front airbags (passenger side switchable) and three point inertia belts in all seating positions Triton scores an impressive four-star ANCAP rating.

Despite being safe, well optioned and a gutsy performer – especially off road – the Triton is a little way behind its competitors in most other areas and has been scored accordingly, and despite the unique looks, for the money you can do better elsewhere.

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 3200cc DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 118kW @ 3800rpm
Torque: 343Nm @ 2000rpm
Induction: Common rail & turbocharged
Transmission: Four speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Rear/All
Brakes: Disc (front) / Drum (rear)
Top Speed: 168km/h
0-100km/h: 11.3 seconds
0-400m: Not tested
CO2 Emissions: 261g/km
Fuel Consumption: 9.9 litres/100km (official ADR)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres
Fuel Type: Diesel
ANCAP Rating: Four stars
Airbags: Dual front
Safety: ABS & EBD
Spare Wheel: Full size alloy
Tow Capacity: 2500kg (braked)
Turning Circle: 11.8 metres
Warranty: Five Year/130,000km
Weight: 2070kg (Tare)/870kg (Payload)
Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

Road Test the Rivals:

Ford Ranger
Holden Colorado
Isuzu D-Max
Mahindra Pik-Up
Mazda BT-50
Nissan Navara
Toyota HiLux

Andrew

Although the Triton’s turning circle is big compared to the smaller turning circles we are used to in more driver and passenger friendly cars, it is at the head of it’s class.

Comparing apples with apples (or in this case dual cab, 4×4 range topping models), Triton’s 11.6m is class leading compared to the HiLux at 12.4m, the Colorado and BT-50 tied at 12.6m (it’s my guess that the D-MAX and Ranger share these figures), leaving the D40 Navara at a not-insignificant 13.3m

I suppose at the end of the day, people buy these trucks for a reason. They’re either looking for more comfort in a vehicle that can still work as hard as their old model, or they’re willing to put up with some of the compromises to get the image of grunt, capability and adventure.
Spitfire

Rear drum brakes and a boat anchor for an engine. No thanks.
Mitch

I think the rear drums are common on utes, the hilux has drums
Martin

I have to disagree with the styling as a plus, in terms of looks, this has to be the ugliest out of the pickup style utes.
Pablo

Wow, $54K. That’s a lot of $$$.
sevastopol

triton ini mantep banget rek. top abis. terutama yg bagian belakang alias bak yg bisa ditutup itu. inovatif banget. dan secara keseluruhan bodinya gagah. off road banget.
JEKYL & HYDE

FUGLY B.O.S.
http://www.lhuda.com/vb lhuda.net

thank’s a loooot
mark

***********PROBLEMS TRITON*****************

father in-law has a 08 triton glx-r model and s many problems and the car has clocked 40,000 km on it

1. accelerator sensor stuffed up = new sensor + wiring
2. knock in motor = replaced motor
3. oil leak X3 gearbox = new gaskets
4. oil leak gearbox 4th time = new gearbox after making sounds over 80km/h
5. very little ground clearance 205mm therefor drive shaft some how bent = replaced
6.turbo shut off motor wont start =still in mitsubishi service

i will not get a triton iam getting a Isuzu D-MAX LS-M for $38,000 have a look for your self its worth it just type dmax in google

curtis

mark one of my uncles has a triton and has never had a problem with it same with a friend of mine mitsuishi makes a great car on the other hand my other uncle owns a holden rodeo (a rebadged isuzu d-max) which he has had alot of problems with and according to a holden engenire are common

wigglecar10

i think MARK the problems you encounter with your triton is caused by the manner you use it, we owned MT 3.2 and so far we dont have problems. Here in Philippines, triton sells well, compare to other pick up. toyota has a d4d woes and navarra has problem with aircon, rear differential and smoke belching.

GO TRITON GO!
chris

IT ALWAYS A MATE OF A MATE, THE FATHER IN LAW OR THE BLOKE NEXT DOOR THAT HAS BOUGHT THE LEMON. EVER NOTICED THAT?
My GLX/R 07 triton is sweet by the way.
Michael

chris, that’s because smart people do their research first and unfortunately have friends/family memebers/neighbours who dont
mark

well it was my farther in law btw and what you buy a 4×4 to drive in city and never go 4wheel driving well $52000AUD i expect it to be better well its has failed maybe its a 1 off but i know it has been treated very well by him never speeding or over rev etc and wash after a day at the beach well i know ill never buy 1

and my scoreboard of repairs is updated he just riped of the transfer case lever which transfer from high to low anyway its mounded very low and their is no protection in place so a branch will smash it btw its pricey and not coverd by warranty $500buks

http://caradvice.com.au matthew

Well mark you sound like a toss. My family has owned 6 tritons between us over the past years. Mine is the oldest at 15 years and will show any other make you can pick, what reliabilty really is! 15 years and 240,000km’s of being pushed to the limit every day of its life, and the only item i replaced unnecessially was the clutch due to the fact i tow a tool trailer for work during the week and kane it on the weekends!So i have just brought the new 2010 model glxr, which is even better, with the superselect 4wd and diff lockers that isnt avaliable on other makes!! plus it is $11,000 cheaper than the hilux which is plain if you ask me. It also now has a much better motor than any other! If you brought the D-Max mate, can i suggest that you be prepared to replace your motor! I know of 10 motors being replaced in the colarado’s and dmax’s around my town. They didnt even try to fix them, what does that say?

http://caradvice.com.au matthew

OH by the way MARK, I think your fathew in law should either buy a tank to do whatever and however he is driving, or got get some comon driving lessons! My old man always seems to be pulling other vechiles out of the bog where we go fishing, and has never had to replace anything on his trion either!
Darren

My brother bought a 2009 triton & after 40,000km did a clutch & was told that it was due to the way it has been driven. Today, after another 40,000km he’s just done his second clutch. $2000 a pop. Now you might say it’s the way he drives it or what he is towing. Towing wise it’s a 8×4 trailer with standard builders tools. When it cones to driving, I can’t comment but his previous work vehicle was a Toyota Grinner & he’d done 220,000km before passing it onto our little bro & after 300,000kms it still hasn’t had it’s clutch replaced. I’m no expert & nor are my brothers but there must be an issue with the clutch in these cars. As described the driver & his work & style of driving haven’t changed just the car.
Has anyone else experienced this issue?

Shirlena

Hi Darren I have a 2009 GLX-R duel cab and it has 52,00okms on it and Im waiting on hearing about if the issue with the clutch is warranty or owner pay and I too am wondering it this model does have clutch faults. I dont tow that offen and my Truck has never seen offroad and Im not harsh on the clutch my old man taught me to drive and if I rode the clutch I got slap in the back of the head. Did your brother research on this issue and if yes what was the outcome. its bullshit that your vehicle is only 2yrs old has low kms and does a god dame clutch and as you said at $2000 a pop i cant afford that sort of money considering all the extras I had done to it the truck cost me $55,000 so nothing to laugh at in regards to this truck has been voted Ute of the year 2yrs running.

Paul

After 40,000km clutch fails on my triton pretty poor performance
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