New Triton ready to rock n' roll

Meet the new hotter looking Mitsubishi Triton due here early in the new year.

The latest iteration of Mitsu’s Dynamic Shield DNA gives the ute a more powerful presence and there’s an enhanced 4WD system that to go with it, that delivers improved off-road performance — as well as the latest in active safety and driver assist systems.

Mitsubishi says the new model features significant refinements to the durability and reliability required by the commercial user and to the comfort and ride sought by the private user.

Newly sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines, extended wheel flares and bright accents underline the new look grille.

Both petrol and turbo diesel engines carry over from the current model, the 2.4-litre petrol engine with 94kW and 194Nm (10.9L/100km) and the 2.4-litre turbo diesel, with figures of 133kW and 430Nm (7.0L/100km).

Five and six-speed manuals are retained while a new six-speed auto will be optional with the diesel.

4×4 models are fitted with either Super-Select or Easy-Select 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface.

Both systems feature a new off-road mode selector which has GRAVEL, MUD/SNOW, SAND and ROCK settings — but in low range only.

When engaged, Off-road Mode integrally controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip and thereby maximise all-terrain performance and self-extraction performance in mud or snow.

Changing to a 6-speed auto from the current 5-speed brings smoother, more powerful acceleration and improved refinement.

Braking performance and feel are improved with the use of larger front discs and caliper pistons.

The ride has also been improved with the use of larger rear dampers which contain more damping oil.

Inside a high quality feel is created with the use of soft touch materials and stitching on the floor console, armrests and parking brake.

In terms of safety the new model features the following systems but it is not clear whether they are standard:

Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), which can detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead;
Blind Spot Warning (BSW with LCA), which helps avoid sideswiping another vehicle when changing lanes by detecting vehicles behind or at the rear quarter and alerting the driver with an audible alert and flashing light in their door mirror;
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which, in the same way, helps avoid collisions when reversing;
Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) which reduces accidents resulting from improper use of the accelerator when moving off or reversing in car parks and other confined spaces.

Pricing will be released nearer to launch.