Heading for a number of markets, including South Africa in January next year, the Triton, as evident by the number of spy images stretching back to April, takes after the Pajero Sport, Eclipse Cross and Asian market Xpander aesthetically, with the incorporation of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield styling language that consists out of thinner headlights and new fog lights, a new bonnet, narrower chrome finished grille and a more pronounced bumper.
Unseen during the prototype stages by virtue of being masked by the extensive black-and-white masking, Mitsubishi has also revised the rear-end, in that the load-bin now boasts flatter side panels, while the bumper has now been integrated into the bodywork itself. Restyled taillights and new alloy wheel choices round off the updates.
Less dramatic is the interior, which receives upgraded materials, silver inserts, double stitching on the steering wheel, seats, gear lever and console lid, more sound deadening materials, a rear USB port, an updated instrument cluster and the most noteworthy, a brand-new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment with USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and on top-spec models, satellite navigation.
While the changes underneath its new exterior are limited to bigger brakes and updated rear dampers, the Triton’s list of safety and driver assistance systems has been given a more extensive workover, and now consists of Front Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, an optional surround view camera setup and a new system dubbed Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation that cuts power when accidental movement towards an object is detected.
As anticipated, Mitsubishi has kept the Triton unchanged up front where the 2.4 DI-D turbodiesel engine continues to produce 133kW/430Nm, albeit this time connected to the carryover six-speed manual gearbox, or the new optional six-speed automatic and not the Pajero Sport’s eight-speed self-shifter as originally speculated.
Retaining the brand’s familiar SuperSelect-II system, four-wheel drive model are now equipped as standard with Hill Descent Control, but now also with its SUV sibling’s four-mode Off-Road system (Gravel, Sand Mud/Snow and Rock) in addition to a centre diff-lock.
In Thailand, the Triton will be offered in a choice of eight colours; White, Red, Silver Metallic, Brown Metallic, Blue Metallic, Black Mica, Graphite Grey, White Diamond and Passion Orange, with pricing expected to start at around 750 000 baht (R323 412). A local launch date and final specification will only be announced next year.
