By: Denis Droppa
Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has delayed the introduction of the new-generation Triton bakkie, most probably to January 2017.
It was initially to have been launched here by the middle of this year, but the plummeting rand has forced a delay until the currency hopefully recovers. In the last 12 months the rand has devalued 30% against both the Yen and the US dollar.
The bakkie was also to have been made available with the old-generation 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, but Mitsubishi Motors SA ruled this out in favour of a smoother and more powerful new-generation 2.4 turbodiesel.
Mitsubishi’s new all-aluminium 2.4-litre 4N15 four-cylinder turbodiesel has outputs of 133kW (up 2kW) and 430Nm (up 30Nm) thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger that offers better response from lower in the rev range.
The modern new engine’s also more expensive, which is another reason why the new Triton is currently unable to be priced competitively against market giants like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Mitsubishi imports its vehicles to SA and doesn’t earn the cost-saving government rebates that Toyota and Ford receive for assembling their bakkies locally.
The all-new Triton follows the trend toward more refined and SUV-like bakkies.
It’s roomier and quieter than the current Triton, with higher quality cabin finishes and a full colour multimedia display.
Range topping 4x4 doublecab models adopt the Super Select II four-wheel-drive system from latest Mitsubishi Pajero and Pajero Sport. Safety is covered by up to seven airbags, Isofix mountings for baby seats, stability control, and a new TSC (Trailer Sway Control) system.
The Triton-based Fiat Fullback bakkie was launched in South Africa last week. Read our driving impressions HERE.
Star Motoring