Tried and tested Triton
The writer was able to personally experience the all-new Mitsubishi Triton first-hand in a recent trip to Japan. During the five-day trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun,” our gracious hosts from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation first gave us the chance to visit the Japan Mobility Show (formerly Tokyo Motor Show) being held, that time, at the Tokyo Big Sight in Koto.
There, the all-new Triton pickup truck was on full display, together with the car maker’s centerpiece, the Delica concept car and other vehicles in the marque’s exceptional lineup.
After our one-day tour at the show, the next day, we found ourselves in a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, where Mitsubishi’s R&D center was located.
Here, together with other journalists from Malaysia and Singapore, we were able to take the pickup for a spin around Mitsubishi’s testing grounds.
At the onset, the brute’s exterior design is a far improvement compared to its predecessor as it’s more rugged, bulkier and more muscular than the former, exuding a more domineering energy on the road. Palpable is its more aggressive and robust front fascia underscored by its massive square-shaped front grille and cunning headlights, displaying its iconic Dynamic Shield Design. Plus, size-wise, it’s longer and wider, too. Its top-tier then sports 18-inch alloys.
The pickup’s tougher and bolder exteriors spill over inside with a more vibrant and spacious cabin, particularly for the newer Yamabuki Orange and Blade Silver colored higher variants. It feels more premium than its predecessor with plush leather and top-notch interior built quality and overall cabin feel. Highlighting its creature comforts is its nine-inch display audio system, giving occupants an elevated sense of comfort and entertainment.
While giving the pickup a little push around track inside the testing grounds, I instantly felt how the newly-developed 2.4-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine with ‘two-stage’ turbo, producing 203hp and 470N-m torque was more potent than the previous model. Response was on-point. Everything seemed seamless. And as we ran a steady 100 – 120 kph pace around the track which consisted of 30-40 degree angled slopes, acceleration and power delivery were a cinch.
While riding shotgun with trained Japanese drivers, we were given a glimpse of the off-road courses that tested the workhorse’s more solid all-new chassis and suspension. There were lessened “squeaks” that were more evident in the previous models, thanks to its improved suspension design with new shock-absorption system. Also, increased strength and reduced overall weight gave the vehicle more maneuverability, making it more agile in such harsh terrains.
Other than featuring the hill descent control, which included a reverse 45-degree ramp, the highlight of the actual test drive was the new terrain control of the Triton, which had several options to choose from depending on specific road conditions, from wet, sandy and rocky, just to name a few.
Despite the brief experience with the Triton, the vehicle, to say the least, left an indelible mark on this writer’s memory of the trip. Now, I have perhaps gained a more profound view on its potential in the local market. This brute–indeed–showed promise and we can’t wait for it to roll out early next year as it valiantly duels it out in the cutthroat pickup market. Time to bring out the popcorn, please.
