We video test the 2017 Mitsubishi Triton GLX – “A remarkably capable workhorse to tackle the real tough stuff with effortless ruggedness”.
The Mitsubishi Triton has been a big part of the Mitsubishi line up since 1978 (when it was badged L200 locally) and has been a consistent seller in the ute segment for all that time.
While recent advances in the ute market have seen competitors match the Triton’s previously class-leading ride and handling, the Mitsubishi still more than manages to keep up with the strong competition in this regard, while still managing to come in significantly less in terms of price.
Often we motoring journalists get the top spec utes to review, after all, they are the big sellers at the meant, but there is still an exceptionally strong demand for workhorses - something rugged and no-nonsense, but still with the modern niceties we now expect in a new ute.
And that is where the Mitsubishi Triton GLX comes in.
The model you see here is a double cab 4WD GLX and, as with all Tritons, it comes with Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre all-alloy direct-injection diesel 4-cylinder engine that puts out 135kW of power and 437Nm of torque. This particular Triton features a six-speed manual transmission, but it is also available with a five-speed automatic.
While the Triton’s engine is slightly down on power and torque when compared to some of the others, its lighter weight (1,940kg) puts it back at the top of the charts again in terms of power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios.
It also boasts impressively low fuel consumption figures, with a segment-leading 7.2L/100km for the manual GLX.
On the road, the Triton’s ride is very reminiscent of the Ford Ranger (i.e; excellent), but the Triton feels noticeably smaller and nimbler than the big Ford, making it far more satisfying to chuck around, while also making it far easier to manoeuvre around a building site or parking lot.
While the engine is slightly gruff and noticeably vocal as it goes about its business, it feels massively strong and torquey, with a solid, linear delivery of power, particularly in the mid-range which helps make the manual a relatively effortless thing to drive both around town and at open road speeds.
Dropping the Triton into 4WD is a ridiculously simple operation - just a twist on the dial on the centre console drops it into 4WD high, while a downward push and another twist sees 4WD low engaged.
Like it has always been, the Triton is particularly impressive in low ratio off the beaten track, with beautifully space gear ratios that make the included hill descent control virtually redundant. Still, it is nice to still have it.
The GLX also comes standard with a rear diff lock for when the going gets really toughened also comes fitted with A/T tyres.
While the glory is currently going to the high-spec glamour utes, it is reassuring to know that there are still some remarkably capable workhorses out there to tackle the real tough stuff with effortless ruggedness. And the Triton GLX is certainly one of the tough ones.
For more information go to www.mmnz.co.nz/triton
