Triton 3.2 – Most Powerful; Triton Lite – Most Affordable and Economical
Kuala Lumpur, 12 June 2008 – Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia officially launched two new variants of the popular Triton today. This latest offering by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia complements the current existing 2.5 litre common-rail diesel pick-up truck by offering a more powerful, 160 bhp, 3.2 litre common-rail diesel turbo engine with a more muscular body, and a most attractively priced and economical to run 2.5 litre naturally aspirated, 75 horsepower diesel engine in a robust, no-nonsense body.
Both the new models feature a double-cab design, and are meant for different segments of the market.
The 3.2 litre Triton comes with large over-fenders for a more muscular look, complete with a stainless steel mesh front grille, wide, 265/70 R16 tyres fitted on alloy rims to appeal to those who want a better-looking and more powerful 4 by 4 pick-up truck. According to Mr. K Ono, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the 3.2 Triton is targeted at those who want the extra power.
The Triton Lite is the model name for the base line 2.5 litre naturally aspirated engine model. According to Mr. Ono, this model is a timely introduction in view of the recent fuel price increase as it is extremely economical to operate. Besides that, the Triton Lite comes with only rear-wheel drive, and is mooted to be the lowest priced double cab pick-up truck available in the market today. Mr. Ono also said that the company seeks to promote the Triton Lite as a utility vehicle for business use. He stated that it is also the company’s objective to actively promote a new lifestyle with the Triton Lite as he believes that the selling price of between Rm57k and RM58k, depending on whether it is a private registration or a company registration makes it very affordable.
Looking at the Triton 3.2, it is a stunner compared to the standard Triton, and the overall package price appears very attractive at between RM95k and RM97k, depending on specifications. This is not very much higher than the 2.5 litre Triton 4 by 4, so it is good value for money. Perhaps for West Malaysians, the road tax of RM2, 264 per annum may be a little daunting, but the additional power would make it worthwhile. For the record, company commercially registered units only have to pay RM609 for the road tax a year. Over in Sabah and Sarawak, where diesels are subject to very low road tax, the Triton 3.2 would be sure to find its fans.
The Triton Lite is built on the same platform, but minus many of the frills, including the 4-wheel-drive system; the move is deliberate, as this model is deemed to be the entry level model; besides, a high percentage of the people who buy 4 by 4 pick-ups don’t really require the 4-wheel drive system at all.
The Triton Lite may be lower in engine specifications, but it comes with the benefit of fuel economy, and the relatively simpler design also means less maintenance costs. On the inside, much effort has been taken to make the Triton Lite as ‘passenger car-like’ as possible. It seats five comfortably, and will carry a ton of load as well.
I think that many of you will be quite interested to know some fuel consumption figures for the Triton Lite, and how it performs on the road. Well, the good news is that early next week, I will be going on a media test drive with both these new models, and I will make it a point to do a fuel consumption test and let you know.
