The Mitsubishi Triton ute has been around for a while, but has now had some changes, the most important of which is the new 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine. Mitsubishi says the engine produces 11 percent more power and 15 percent more torque than the previous 3.2 litre diesel engine. Mistubishi also claims class-leading power and torque of 133kW (178hp) and 407Nm (300 lb ft) respectively with the manual versions of the 4WD Triton, but the NZ$54,990 five-speed automatic GLS tested here has a lower torque level of 356Nm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km (25.29mpg). The GLS double cab ute has Mitsubishi’s Super Select four wheel drive system, which allows drivers to engage 4WD at speeds up to 100km/h. These features, combined with multi-mode EBD and active stability and traction control, combine to produce Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology (MATT), a four wheel drive system similar to that of the Pajero. The Triton also gains active stability control and side and curtain airbags. Along with new bumpers and wheels, the Triton’s new wellside tray has a squarer finish to the vehicle’s profile. The wellside has been extended by 180mm and deepened by 55mm. The changes have not overtly modified the shape of the Mitsubishi Triton, which is considered by many to be controversial in its styling. Despite looking as if there would be little room in the rear seats due to the cab rear wall that slopes forwards as it drops only eats into space under the rear seats, so the interior space is comparable with other utes in the class. The Super Select 4WD system is easy to use, but the lever has a notchy action and can too easily be pushed too far forwards, locking the centre differential, which is not recomended on tarmac. The main difference between this four wheel drive system and those in many other utes in the market is that while they have to remain two wheel drive while on the road due to automatically locking centre differentials, Mitsubishi’s system can be activated for wet or sliperry conditions. The steering is quite direct for a ute, and the vehicle handles quite well on the road, although the ride quality is a little ‘floaty’, the vehicle bouncing over undulations in the road. The engine produces masses of power, but there is one downside. Throttle response from rest is very slack, and it takes some time for the power to arrive, which makes it hard to drive when pulling out from intersections. It is a boon off road though, because that same lag means that the risk of wheel spinning under too much sudden power is virtually eliminated. Apart from the new engine, Mitsubishi has made slight improvements to the vehicle. It is still not the best ute on the market, but it is reasonably easy to live with. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society
