MITSUBISHI TRITON MEANS BUSINESS

Mitsubishi’s GLX 3.2 litre diesel double cab is a strong workhorse with a few creature comforts thrown in and with a surprisingly responsive engine. It doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is - a working ute, and it hasn’t been tricked up with fancy wheels or bull bars to add to the purchase price. Of course, you can add all those things if you want.
The ride takes a bit of getting used to, and over city style speed humps the Triton gives you the distinct feeling you’ve just entered the Tamworth rodeo, however its 3.2 litre auto diesel (rated at 118KW @ 3,800rpm) is surprisingly smooth and really gutsy off the line, generating 343NM of torque at a whole 2,000rpm. The Triton handles comfortably and the power steering feels fine but we fail to understand why it has so many turns lock to lock. In two wheel drive around town it’s not difficult to light up the rear tyres under acceleration. We suspect one would need to be judicious with the throttle in the wet.
The twin cab ute configuration gives the flexibility of plenty of space for up to 5 passengers and the ability to fit a large amount of gear in the back (maximum total payload is just a whisker under a tonne). Plus it can tow up to 2.3 tonne.
The Triton comes in so many variations it’s difficult to know where to start. There are 4x2 models and 4x4 models. Then in each of these categories you can choose a Single Cab (a 2 door, 2 or 3 seater) or a Double Cab (a 4 door, 5 seater). The 4x2 can be powered by a 2.4L 4 Cylinder or 3.5L V6 Petrol engine and, just released – a 2.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel. With the 4x4 you can choose the V6 Petrol or a 3.2L 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel. Still with us? The 4 Cylinder Petrol engine is only available with a 5 speed manual gearbox while the other two engines have the option of a 4 speed auto.
We didn’t have time to check the whole range but chose the Double Cab GLX Turbo Diesel with the 4 speed automatic transmission.
Our GLX was the entry level Triton but it still came equipped with air conditioning, power steering, tilt adjustable steering wheel, electric external mirrors, and an MP3 compatible AM/FM Radio and CD Player.
Front driver and passenger air bags are standard. Ventilated front discs and rear drums (with a load sensing proportioning valve) pull the Triton up very adequately, but unfortunately, ABS with EBD is still only an option in this model. The centre rear passenger only rates a lap belt.
The Triton has a 75 litre tank and averages 9.1litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. Service intervals are 15,000km or 6 months.
If you’re looking for a no nonsense work mate that won’t break the bank, then it’s certainly worth a look - and there’s a Triton for everyone, with prices starting under $20,000. Our automatic GLX Diesel test vehicle is keenly priced at $41,690 plus on roads. Mitsubishi offers a 5 year/130,000km warranty and a 10 year/160,000km powertrain warranty plus a 5 year/130,000km roadside assistance package.
A work horse it certainly is, but the Triton would also suit a family that goes bush. It’s a full four wheel drive ute and would take you and a lot of camping gear away for the weekend.

Tested May 2008
Vehicle provided by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd