All-new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton officially launched in Malaysia
The all-new fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton has officially arrived in Malaysia, being officially launched today offering a range of five variants starting from a low-riding 4×2 entry model to a fully-equipped flagship boasting an uprated engine and many first-in-class features.
Building on its predecessor’s success, the all-new Triton carries over many of the previous model’s defining features, such as the ‘J-line’ between its cabin and rear deck, which not only gives the Triton a distinctive side profile compared to its rivals, but also gives Mitsubishi the packaging freedom of a relatively long cabin within the confines of a shorter wheelbase.
Speaking at the launch event today, Mr Tetsuro Aikawa, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said, “The Triton is one of our most important products and contributed the most to our revitalization efforts in 2014. Just as the previous Triton, the all-new Triton will continue to be our core product, contributing to improving our corporate value and sustainable growth in the future.”
Only double cab bodies are on offer at launch and all are powered by turbodiesel engines built on the same 2,477cc 4D56 four-cylinder block carried over from the predecessor. All versions, be it manual or automatic, have 5-speed transmissions; 4×4 models are equipped with Mitsubishi’s Easy Select part-time 4WD system with automatic versions additionally getting electronic rotary knob operation.
Base model of the range is the low-riding 4×2 manual-only Triton Quest which is catered for business customers and sends a conservative 109hp and 200Nm to its rear wheels. Above it comes the high-riding 4×4 standard variant which is also manual-only but has access to a more potent 134hp and 324Nm.
Powering the three highest variants is an uprated version of the outgoing model’s variable geometry turbo (VGT) engine that yields the same amount of power (176hp) but an additional 50Nm of torque (400Nm). This significant increase in torque, it was clarified, is due to improved robustness of the new automatic transmission allowing for reduced restriction of the engine’s performance.
All variants sport relatively on par levels of active and passive safety systems. With the exception reverse sensors that are restricted to the VGT models, all variants have anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, ISOFIX anchors, and dual frontal airbags. Electronic stability control is not available across the range.
On the amenities front, the basic Quest model is relatively bare-bones with power windows, driver seat height adjustment, and a 1-DIN CD player with USB, Aux-In and MP3 playback being the only facilities of note. The standard 4×4 version adds tilt & telescopic steering, but the list of goodies lengthens considerably with the VGT models with keyless entry, front fog lamps, auto climate control, central touchscreen, and steering-mounted controls coming into play.
Finally, the range-topping VGT Adventure model completes the line-up with xenon headlamps, daytime running lights, auto wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, voice command, paddle shifters, and auto cruise.
In his launch speech, Mr. Won-Chul Yang, Chief Executive Officer of MMM said, “The Triton is the best-selling model for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia. Since launch in 2006, over 56,000 units have been sold nationwide. Today, we are excited with the official launch of the all-new Triton, the fifth generation of the Mitsubishi Motors pick-up line produced. Since 1978, over 4 million units have been sold worldwide.”
Mr. Yang further added that the sales target set by MMM for the all-new Triton is 900 units a month, which will translate into a 20% market share of the pick-up truck segment in Malaysia.
