The Mitsubishi Triton has been with us a while now, and during that time it’s grown, not just in stature and ability, but in the wide breadth of its comfort features. John Oxley reports.

The Mitsubishi Triton has a long and illustrious history, dating back as far as 1978 (though not called Triton then) and through to the current fourth generation, introduced in 2004.

Known in some markets as the Mitsubishi L200, it’s got a record as a strong and sturdy truck; in its latest iteration it’s also the longest on the market, being 26mm longer than the massive Ford Ranger/Mazda BT-50 pairing.

The top-of-the-range, as tested here, is the GLS automatic, and it’s got one of the best 4WD drivetrains on the ute market, being fitted with the five-speed automatic Super Select, which offers a locked centre diff. mode for off-roading.

However, most of the time New Zealand 4WDs are used on tarmac, especially at this one’s trim level, so it’s what it’s got in the specification department that often counts the most among buyers.

And here the Triton scores in spades. First up, on the safety front it’s got a full 4-star rating, thanks to front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with ASC stability programme, traction control, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Open the doors, and the appeal of real leather upholstery is apparent, with leather trim also on the steering wheel and gear knob.

There’s also cruise control and Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, with a large display screen as well as voice activation and satellite controls on the steering wheel. A USB port is provided in the glove box to allow you to recharge your phone or play music direct from your iPod or even a memory stick.

Full auto climate control air conditioning is fitted, and there are electric windows and mirrors. There’s a locking glove box, as well as a large console box between the seats with its own charging socket.

There’s key fob entry, and a big plus point is the electrically-operated rear window, which can either partially or fully open to allow extra airflow, or easy access into the canopy if you’ve got one fitted on the wellside. It carries

Talking of which, the wellside has six inner fastening hooks, and is one of the longest on the market, at 1.5mm, with enough room between the wheel arches to load a Euro pallet, at 1,085mm. Carrying capacity is just over a ton, while gross combination weight is 5,700kg and brakes towing 3,000kg.

It’s quite a climb up into the spacious cab, but the standard fit side steps, front and rear, do help.

Once settled it’s easy to get comfy, with tilt and height adjustment of the driver’s seat, plus tult steering adjustment.

The 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is a lusty unit – albeit a bit loud at times – offering great cruising even when fully laden, and economy is as you’d expect from a big and tall 4WD, with claimed average of 9.6L/100km. We never managed this, but did see just over 10L/100km at times, which is perfectly acceptable.

On the road the Triton reacts just as one would expect. It’s height leads to some body roll, but that’s OK, reminds you to slow down a smidgin on tight corners. Oh, and the stability control DOES work – we felt it kick in on a tight and slippery corner in the rain. Most re-assuring!

So, not the newest kid on the block, but a tried and tested unit that comes with the extra assurance of a 10 year warranty on the drivetrain, and a five-year.130,000km new vehicle warranty, plus a fat basket of comfort goodies, and a reputation for toughness and reliability.

Specifications:

Body type                       Four-door double cab ute    
Drive                               Rear/four wheels
Engine type                    Inline four-cyl. turbo-diesel              
Engine capacity              2,477cc
Max power                      133/4,000rpm
Max torque                      356Nm/2,000rpm
Fuel consumption           9.6L/100km
C02 emissions                250g/km
Front suspension            Wish bones, coil springs
Rear suspension             Sports leaf spring
Roof rack                         N/A
ABS brakes                     Yes
Air bags                           Six
Stability programme       Yes
Air conditioning               Climate        
Lap/diagonal belts          Five
Satellite navigation         No
Electric seats                  No
Burglar alarm                  Yes  
Boot release                   N/A
Wheel type                     Alloy
Spare tyre                       Full size
ANCAP rating                 Four stars
Price                               $59,490