Mitsubishi Triton Utility ML 2006 2007

Mitsubishi Motors has released its all-new Triton four-wheel utility onto the Australian market with the promise that it retains all the attributes that the brand has been known for over the last 27 years - toughness, reliability, and the ability to 'get the job done'.

The new utility is longer, wider, higher and built on a longer wheelbase with a stronger chassis than its predecessor, and has standout styling that sets it apart from the everyday ute. But, the underpinnings of the vehicle remain true to it origins - a reliable workhorse that keeps fulfilling the demands made of it by its owners.

The frontal appearance of the new Triton picks up Mitsubishi's global styling theme, while also taking some of its styling elements from the Dakar-winning Pajero Evolution. The result is a vehicle with striking, sporty and futuristic styling, the most spacious cabin in its class, car-like ride and handling with the best turning circle in the class, high quality fit and finish, and a host of desirable convenience and safety features as standard.

Powered by either a petrol or diesel engine, Triton 4WD is available in either Single Cab or Double Cab, and in three different price lines - GLX, GLX-R and GLS. The Single Cab is available with either a tray or pick-up bed, while the Double Cab comes standard with a stylish pick-up bed that follows the curved lines of the cabin (although it is possible to also get the Double Cab with a tray if desired) .

The big news for the new Triton, apart from its obvious style and features, is the newly developed 3.2 litre Common Rail diesel engine that produces 118kW of power at 4000rpm, and 347Nm of torque at a very low 2000rpm. This extremely flexible engine is ideal for rural or towing applications, has great fuel economy and is Euro 4 compliant.

The petrol engine is a 3.5 litre SOHC 24-valve electronically injected unit that delivers 135kW of power at 4750 rpm, and 309NM of torque at 3500rpm.

Power is put to the ground through either a five-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed automatic transmission is available on some models.

Triton comes with a part-time 'Easy Select' four-wheel drive system, which is ideally suited to a ute like Triton, and was adopted to enable changeover of 2WD/4WD without stopping the car even on varying road surfaces.

This changeover of driving mode is done by a manual transfer lever that is situated on the centre console, alongside the gearshifter, and is possible on the fly at speeds below 100km/h.

To cater for owners that require additional traction a Rear Diff Lock is optional across all 4WD models, and it is engaged with a button on the dash, to the right of the steering wheel.

However, the thing that most drivers will notice is how car-like the new Triton is to drive. This is due to the power-assisted rack and pinion steering (that gives class-leading 5.9 metres turning radius on 4WD models and 5.7 metres on 2WD variants), and the double wishbone with coil springs front suspension (instead of single wishbone and torsion bar). This set-up gives improved stability on un-even surfaces, stability under hard braking, rigidity, maintenance and a 12kg weight saving. The front stabiliser is a ball joint type. The new Triton has greater wheel articulation, which is achieved through the over-axle design. This improves the 4WD ability of the vehicle.

The rear axle with its live elliptic leaf suspension is surface mounted (instead of base mounted) to improve comfort and road clearance on rough terrain. A wider track and other specification changes lead to improved stability (due to increased roll resistance), better handling balance between loaded and un-loaded conditions, as well as better durability and lower driving noise.

ML Triton now boasts the best braking package in its class, due to larger front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes (the accepted, and in fact, preferred standard in commercial vehicle applications). Triton's ABS system features four channels and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which is superior to competitor offerings.

ML Triton GLX Single Cab comes with 16' X 6'steel rims fitted with 205/80R16C 8PR 110/108R tyres, while the Double Cab has the same 16' X 6' steel rims, but they are fitted with 205/80R16 104S RF tyres.

The more prestigious and sporty models - the GLS and GLX-R - come with 16' X 7' six-spoke alloy rims fitted with 245/70R1611S RF tyres. All spare tyres are full-size.

Ensuring that safety and security has not been forgotten, Triton's body construction features Mitsubishi's acclaimed RISE body structure that ensures the vehicle deforms as it should in the event of an accident while keeping the occupants safely cocooned in a rigid cell. Apart from the in-built inherent features Triton also includes driver and passenger air bags as standard, three-point seat belts - with pre-tensioners and force limiters for the driver and passenger belts, side impact bars, the front end (bonnet) designed to optimise pedestrian protection, pedal setback-inhibitive structure to reduce driverLs lower limb injury at the time of collision, dual-stage collapsible steering column and the fuel tank mounted ahead of the rear axle.

The result of this safety focus gives a 4-star rating, according to internal testing.

Security is assured because of Mitsubishi's proven remote keyless central locking and engine immobiliser.

However, Triton is not only a safe and reliable work ute, as it has many comfort and convenience items as standard features.

Although the dashboard features a modern 'wave' design, its hard-wearing and easy-to-clean materials remain faithful with the pick-up spirit, and very much have the driver in mind.

The instrument cluster features chrome-ringed overlapping blue-faced easy-to-read dials, while the ring circling the gear & transfer case levers or the funky air conditioning controls add a touch of class to the cabin. At night the gauges, interior control knobs and switches are illuminated with striking blue LED lamps that also help to create a sophisticated interior ambience.

As suggested by its exterior design, the new Triton moves away from the bargain-basement features which have normally been found in pick-ups, while keeping its no-nonsense work capacity. In that regard it has the largest, most roomy cabin in its class, a fact that will be appreciated by people using it as their work office.

ML Triton has the best-in-class interior total leg space (1,725 mm), within a 5.0 metre exterior length, while the 810mm rear leg space, and the design, padding and rake angle of the rear seat does makes a considerable difference to rear seat passengers. They will appreciate the proper and comfortable 25 degree backrest angle, as well as the rear foldable armrest with integrated cup holders.

There are numerous convenience items which have been included in Triton, such as power windows front and rear (GLX, GLX-R, GLS), central locking with keyless entry (all models), map lamps (GLX-R, GLS) and the useful ignition key reminder. Eight-way adjustable leather power front seats are standard on GLS model

Another innovative feature is the rear retractable power window on GLX-R and GLS models (a first in the segment) that is operated by a one-touch switch on the centre console. The switch can activate 3 different positions:

• Closed
• Ventilation mode (partly opened)
• Opened

As with other power windows fitted to ML Triton, it includes an anti-trapping function.

The audio system fitted to the Triton models is an electronic tune AM/FM unit with a CD player that has MP3 capability. The system plays through four speakers on the GLX, and six in GLX-R and GLS for best sound quality and performance.

Air conditioning is standard fitment, and its performance improved for the new ML Triton. It is manually operated on the GLX and GLX-R models, while the GLS model features automatic air conditioning as standard, and this is a key differentiator for this premium model.

A high tech multi function display (MFD) unit is available in the GLX-R and GLS models. It covers audio information (radio, CD, MP3), air conditioning and heater functions as well as trip computer functions and environmental conditions. The MFD includes the following features:

• Average speed
• Average fuel consumption
• Total fuel used
• Range to empty
• Total distance travelled
• Outside temperature
• Digital Clock including date
• Radio, MP3 and CD player display
• Barometer
• Compass
• Altimeter

Hands free mobile phone system with Bluetooth connectivity will be available across the entire Triton range. Fitted as standard equipment on GLX-R and GLS models and as a dealer fitted accessory on GLX models, this feature allows hands-free operation of mobile phones, and is ideal for the tradesperson on the move. There are a host of other options and accessories available that allow owners to personalise the vehicle to their taste.

Consumers can choose from a range of seven attractive colours - White, Cool Silver (M), Cyber Blue (P), Platoon (P), Red Planet (M), Gunmetal (M) and Black Mica (P). Three of these colours are new to the Mitsubishi range.

The new ML Triton 4WD range will be available from Mitsubishi dealers this month, while the high-ride 3.5 litre petrol 2WD range will be available from October. The four-cylinder 2WD range becomes available early next year.

When the style, specification, towing ability, and all-round ruggedness and reliability of Triton is added to Mitsubishi's industry-leading 5 year /100,000 kms bumper-to-bumper warranty (and 10 year / 160,000 non-transferable drive-train warranty) it can be seen that Triton represents unbeatable value for money. But, Mitsubishi has also added 5 year's Roadside Assistance as standard across all models, with the GLS getting the Premium Roadside Assistance package. This makes Triton an even more compelling proposition for somebody who needs to know their ute will get the job done.