Not satisfied with the top-spec Mitsubishi Triton Adventure X? Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM)now has something even more exciting – the Triton Knight. Announced today, this is a limited edition variant and only 120 people in Malaysia will get to own one.
It’s a special festive gift from MMM as you don’t have to pay extra for the additional items. The RM137,900 pricetag for the Triton Knight is the same as the Triton Adventure X and there’s also the best-in-class 5-year (or maximum of 200,000 kms) warranty.
The Triton Knight, powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine, is available only in White Diamond and stands out with its grey-coated front bumper garnish and bonnet protector. Besides side window deflectors, there are also Knight stickers to identify this exclusive version. A sports bar also added to the sportiness of the truck.
Additional accessories at no extra charge
Additional accessories are scuff plates and exclusive carpet mats with red stitching and Knight embroidery. The Triton Knight also comes with a 7-Inch Touchscreen Audio System which is Apple Carplay and Android Ready so the majority of drivers can have maximum connectivity.
Like the Triton Adventure X, the Triton Knight gets an All-Round Monitor (ARM), a feature that uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a bird’s-eye-view. This helps the driver during parking and manoeuvring, especially in tight spots.
For added peace-of-mind while motoring, the Triton Knight has a Driving Video Recorder (DVR). Many motorists now fit one in their car but being a standard accessory, it is properly and neatly installed in the cabin. With a DVR running, there is a recording of any incident that might occur and this can be used as evidence if there is a dispute.
Cash rebates for loyal customers
If you miss out on getting the Triton Knight and still want a Triton, and you already own a Mitsubishi vehicle, MMM would like to reward you for your loyalty by giving a cash rebate of up to RM3,000 cash rebates on top of ongoing promotions (selected Triton variants).
In addition, pick-up truck owners of other brands who make a purchase of selected Triton variants will also be entitled to RM2,000 cash rebates on top of current promotions.
If you’re in the Desa Tebrau area of Johor Bahru this weekend and want to experience something different, drop by at the Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 Adventure. At this event which is in the Linear Park and presented by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), members of the public can experience the capabilities of the latest Mitsubishi Triton pick-up.
Member of the public can test-drive the vehicle over a few obstacle courses. For example, the Devil’s Angle has a hill slope which will show how the Hill Descent Control functions on the new Triton.
Another course has muddy terrain, which is specially designed to show off the Super-Select 4WD II system and off-road mode. Last but not least is the Log and Roll course where the suspension and overall cabin comfort can be experienced.
Visitors to the Triton 4×4 Adventure event can also take part in the Mitsubishi Agility Challenge to test the vehicle’s handling. There are prizes to be won for those who can complete obstacle courses featuring slalom, sharp cornering, manoeuvring, and a parking challenge in a tight space within the shortest time. Points will be earned for every completion of challenge and winners can win up to RM700 of cash prizes daily.
Other activities with prizes and rewards are:
♦ Test drive and stand to win an iPhone 11;
♦ Test drive and stand to win Grand Prize of RM888 cash daily;
♦ The first 100 participants to test drive any Mitsubishi model at the event will receive a free Boba Tea drink from The Alley;
♦ Customers who put a booking fee of RM300 for any new Mitsubishi model will receive an exclusive Ralliart tumbler.
Customers who book and register a new Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium can choose to either enjoy an interest rate of up to 0.88% (with H-P financing from Maybank or Public Bank), OR cash rebates. These promotions are valid from now until December 31, 2019.
Pick-up trucks used to be just workhorses, vehicles that were bought for business purposes and therefore did not need much by way of features, comfort or performance. They were also priced cheaply because they didn’t have the luxuries of a passenger car. When the regulations in Malaysia changed in the late 1990s to allow private registration of such vehicles, their popularity rose but the new group of people who bought pick-ups wanted the comforts of their passenger cars. So the manufacturers began to add more and more car-like features and even safety systems comparable to passenger cars.
However, at the entry-level end, businesses still wanted a workhorse, something tough and capable in rough conditions to do hard work. And they naturally wanted a low price since they would buy many units. This led to companies offering variants that were fairly simple with basic specifications and even the drivetrain was 4×2 (rear wheel drive only), saving cost and weight and also having lower consumption.
To cater to this end of the market, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) imported the Mitsubishi Triton Lite from Thailand in 2008, in the process introducing the low-rider version to Malaysia. The low-rider pick-up truck is lower and that makes loading more convenient. As mentioned earlier, being intended for the entry-level end, the Triton Lite was priced low and also equipped minimally (though not as spartan as the earlier pick-up trucks).
The Triton Lite found its own niche in the market and as generations changed, MMM maintained the variant in the Triton range. Today, the company presented an updated version – now called the Triton Quest – to the media which has freshened looks with the distinctive Dynamic Shield front end. Though this variant has been around since the new generation was launched, the new looks now make it a workhorse that also looks good enough for use as personal transport. Those who want to enhance the looks can obviously install accessories (especially since they have saved money by choosing the cheapest Triton variant).
Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre commonrail turbodiesel with an output of 110 ps/200 Nm, with power delivery going only to the rear wheels (4×2) through a 5-speed manual gearbox. While 4×4 is desirable, if the vehicle is mainly used on hard surfaces, 4×2 is not that disadvantageous.
MMM highlights the massive 970 kgs of load capacity of the Triton Quest and the cargo deck floor area as being the largest in the low-rider category. In spite of the large area, the cabin is still spacious, thanks to the J-Line profile which allows for good rear room. There’s also additional storage space in a compartment that cannot be seen as it is under the rear seats.
Features-wise, the latest Triton Quest can be said to be generously equipped for the asking price. Safety features and systems such as dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are present and occupant protection is assured by the strong RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure.
Priced at RM79,890 (without insurance), the latest Triton Quest comes with a 5-year (or maximum of 100,000 kms) warranty. It is available only in white but a Pearl White finish. This is unusual as entry-level variants usually come with a basic white colour to minimize production costs.
Only recently launched in Malaysia, the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9 with the BluePower turbodiesel engine is going to face a very tough test – the Borneo Safari, one of Asia’s most extreme off-road events. This is not the first time for the D-MAX as models with the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre engines have been conquering the Borneo Safari for a decade. But this is the first time that the new BluePower engine with a 1.9-litre displacement is being used.
“This year, we bring the challenge to the new 1.9-litre engine to prove just how capable it is over the unforgiving terrain despite its small engine displacement,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.
Isuzu’s revolutionary new 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (RZ4E-TC) is the smallest engine in its class. With new technology, the amazing thing is that ‘less equals more’ where output is concerned. A comparison between the BluePower engine and the 2.5-litre engine will show that the smaller engine produces 150 ps/350 Nm, whereas the bigger one generates with 136 ps/320 Nm.
With its innovative design and engineering, the new model is expected to perform better in the difficult off-road conditions as it has in on-road situations where it has impressed thus far. Apart from the extreme mud terrain tyres, uprated suspension to accommodate the larger wheels, heavy- duty body protection, a winch and an air snorkel, the ‘Blue Monster’ – as the D-MAX taking part is nicknamed – remains virtually stock standard and resembles models available to customers from Isuzu showrooms.
The Blue Monster was handed over to the organizing team of the Borneo Safari in Kota Kinabalu as part of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment as the event’s Diamond Sponsor to provide media vehicles for the event.
Isuzu Malaysia has been a major supporter of the Borneo Safari for 13 years.
This year’s Borneo Safari is the 29th edition in its history and the 13th year that it has received support from Isuzu Malaysia. The event is scheduled to begin in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 27 and will take a more southerly loop, skirting Beaufort, Tenom, Keningau and Tambunan before heading back to the city on November 3.
Visit www.isuzu.net.my to know more about the latest Isuzu D-MAX.
Looks like Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) aka Ford Malaysia has seen a positive growth in their Ford Ranger sales figures as they celebrate an increase of 12% in Q3 compared to the previous quarter between April and June 2019. (more…)
The Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA) in Las Vegas is all about personalization. It’s an event that even carmakers attend to showcase what extremes their models can be taken to when it comes to adding accessories. Ford sees the automotive aftermarket space (in the USA) continuing to grow at a tremendous pace from powerful street machines to the latest trends in overlanding and off-road. This means a lot of personalization opportunities for its Ranger in countless ways to give owners the flexibility to make their vehicle unique.
Ford Performance Parts Ranger at SEMA
Ford Performance Parts has lots of accessories developed for the Ranger, including a Ford Performance-tuned Fox off-road suspension leveling kit providing 2-inch front lift, Ford Performance Ranger Raptor wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, Ford Performance Ranger bonnet-hinge light kit with Rigid DSS-Series lights,
Other components include a Warn 9.5 XP winch mounted on a winch-capable front bumper, Ford Performance by Warn Industries heavy-duty recovery kit and red tow hooks, Tepui HyBox rooftop tent, Decked truck bed storage system, RSI Smart Cap, ARB Elements refrigerator/freezer and ActionTrax recovery boards.
And here are customized Rangers from other aftermarket companies to give you ideas for your truck…
2019 Ford Ranger Tjin Edition – The Ranger Tjin Edition is the creation of a father and son design team. The Tjins were looking to create their unique take on Ranger, going the opposite direction of a lifted Ranger, which is one of the most common modifications made to Ford’s popular truck. The Tjin Edition is among the first new-generation Ford Rangers slammed to the ground via an air suspension, lowered 203 mm in the front and 230 mm in the rear.Yakima Ford Ranger – Ford Accessories partner Yakima has created an all-sports, overlanding special upgraded with Ford Performance Parts components. A truck bed rack, JayLow kayak mount and HangOver vertical 4-bike carrier with BackSwing mount showcase Yakima utility products.Advanced Accessory Concepts Ranger XLT – Advanced Accessory Concepts hastransformed the Ranger into the must-have accessory for exploration. The truck, boasting AFN bumpers, skid plate, rock sliders and Ford Performance rear differential cover, is a showcase of strength and protection. It features a conversion at the rear to an AFN aluminium tray bed with canopy.Hellwig Ranger – This Hellwig 2019 Ranger targets the ultimate adventure vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts who value sustainability. The truck is designed to get to remote locations with such features as a 3.5-inch Icon suspension, 17-inch Icon Compression wheels and Falken tyres. Where this off-roader finds its own path is with the addition of Goal Zero solar power, allowing users to reduce their carbon footprint while out in the most remote locations.RTR Rambler Ranger – This Ranger is meant to be ‘the ultimate overlanding and support vehicle for owners seeking to enjoy the great outdoors – taking adventure to the next level and beyond’. The truck joins the line-up of RTR Mustang and RTR F-150, with the Ranger created to deliver a balance of street-ability, overlanding and trail capability.
To know more about the Ford Ranger Raptor which you can buy in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my
It used to be that pick-up trucks would have a model cycle of at least 10 years – double that of passenger cars. And during that considerable length of time in the market, distributors would have to sustain interest by having limited editions periodically to refresh the looks, besides adding extra features. Today, though, competition is tough and 10 years is a bit long so Isuzu Motors has come out with an all-new generation of its popular D-MAX truck after 8 years.
To go on sale from October 19, the new D-MAX has received extensive change guided by the development concept of ‘Efficient and Robust’. This development concept was formulated to offer a vehicle that delivers higher fuel efficiency and safety while responding to various usage conditions and purposes in over 100 countries where the 1-ton truck is sold.
Versatility has made it very popular
The D-MAX has been especially popular in Thailand, where Isuzu has its global production hub (which supplies CKD kits to its subsidiary plant in Pekan, Malaysia, for local assembly). The popularity has been due to not only being suitable for personal use but also for business use. The durability of the powertrain has also been a strong factor in making Isuzu a top brand in Thailand.
It’s hard for a truck to look significantly different but Isuzu’s designers have given the new model a more distinctive look with a larger grille that is orientated more vertically. Aiming to present the new D-MAX as ‘Bold, Emotional and Smart’, the designers have given the chunky exterior profile with a wedge body shape a more powerful, swishing silhouette than ever before. A neatly integrated step bumper is mounted on the rear, giving an all-new, sophisticated look.
In the headlamps, bi-led projectors combined with stylish signature lamps are installed giving an eager, intense look. At the rear, the lamps have dual LED edge lights. Together, these new light designs contribute to a unique, stylish appearance front and rear.
Lean, rational assembly structure and extensive use of high-tensile steel plates have moderated the overall vehicle weight but the bodywork is still tough and rigidity is 20% greater. Taking note of the need to resist corrosion as the vehicle is used in wet conditions in markets like Thailand, anti-corrosion ability is said to be greatly improved. The new D-MAX can cross a river that is 800 mm deep as well. Moreover, it’s designed in such a way that its electrical architecture flexibly accommodates evolution in security and connected technologies.
Front and rear suspension
Interior with ‘first-class appearance’
The revised dashboard has a 9-inch display mounted in the centre of a horizontally-flowing form with sharp and rich surface textures. The interior has a ‘first-class appearance’ with the introduction of a floor console which is now taller and wider. Also, it is designed to enfold the driver and passenger as if they were in a cockpit of an airplane. Low-rebound MDI polyurethane is used for front seat cushions to reduce fatigue that long-distance drivers have to endure.
The design of a rear seat in the crew cab is optimized to improve ride comfort. To allow for easy getting in/out, an opening of the B-pillar is shifted forward and assist grip is added.
Detailed attention is paid to its interior components having embossed and texturized surfaces to achieve a high-end, sporty look. For the workhorse applications, there’s a simple and practically designed instrument panel and durable door trim.
Low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Isuzu has specialised in diesel engines for decades and for the new D-MAX, there’s a newly developed 4JJ3 engine (based on the reliable 3-litre 4JJ1 diesel engine). The combined effects of 250 MPa high injection pressure, electronically-controlled VSG turbocharger, heat-insulating coating on the piston, double-scissors gear, etc. has yielded the engine featuring high power, low fuel consumption and low noise. The 1.9-litre RZ4E engine (recently introduced in Malaysia) has received some enhancements.
A pull-ring shift lever is used for the manual transmission to make it easier for the driver to reverse the vehicle, and drive feel is better and more engaging. As for the automatic transmission developed for RZ4E engine, a downsized torque converter and lock-up clutch integrated with a wide-angle damper provide improvements in fuel consumption and response.
A single propeller shaft made of aluminium is now installed, giving a significant weight reduction. There’s also an electromagnetic rear differential lock to use in difficult conditions. With an enhanced transfer of power to the wheels, Isuzu says it now takes shorter time to switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive as well as between High and Low ranges.
The new D-MAX’s front hub bearing is now maintenance-free as it is part of unit bearing. Maintenance schedules for other items are extended, and the maintenance frequency and costs are greatly reduced (depending on the market).
Better protection for occupants with up to 6 airbags, and active safety systems like Blind Spot Monitoring (below).
EE Architecture for new CASE era
The EE architecture is configured using the central gateway in order to pave the way to the new CASE era. Technologies designed to optimize convenience and comfort are extensively employed such as keyless entry, infotainment, lights, wipers, etc.
The new generation of the D-MAX will most likely be available in Malaysia some time next year. Because Isuzu assembles the model locally, some time is needed to prepare for assembly and also to coordinate with local parts suppliers.
According to the latest report posted by the Sun Daily, a gang of thieves broke into a Ford showroom in Sungai Jelok, Kajang and drove off with three brand new units of one of the most popular pickup truck models here in Malaysia, the Ford Ranger Raptor. This happened earlier this morning at around 4am. (more…)
So you bought a Ford Ranger Raptor and you enjoy the feeling of ‘invincibility’ as you drive around. But are you completely familiar with the vehicle and its considerable capabilities? For those who are keen to gain more in-depth knowledge of the pick-up truck, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is offering a Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshop free-of-charge. The initiative is to provide to new and existing customers on the Ranger Raptor’s functionality and capability.
Leearn more about cutting-edge tech features
Conducted by experienced motoring experts, attendees will learn how to maximise the usage of the multitude of high-tech features and functions that come with the truck. This includes when and how to use the Terrain Management System (TMS), a cutting-edge system that offers 6 pre-set driving modes to conquer any terrain at a turn of a dial. Having the system is like having an invisible co-driver who is an off-road professional choosing the best settings!
Attendees will also understand the engineering aspects of the first and only performance pick-up in the market, and how that is translated to the overall driving dynamics – wider track, lifted height, flared fenders, race-bred FOX Racing Shox suspensions, bigger and wider tyres and a huge underbody protection bash plate.
“The workshops are aimed at offering new and existing customers an experience that creates immediate value. The topics covered by experienced motoring experts will also allow attendees to appreciate and understand in depth the first and only high-speed off-road performance truck in the market,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri bin Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Small groups for more effective workshop
To ensure an effective workshop, the size of the group will be not more than 10 participants. However, owners are encouraged to invite friends to attend the workshop to benefit from the ‘refer-a-friend’ promotion. With this, there will be a reward with a petrol card worth RM500 if the friend purchases either a Ranger WildTrak or a Ranger Raptor. Customers with children need not worry, as a children’s corner will be made available so parents can focus on the workshop discussions and activities.
Dates and locations of the nine Ranger Raptor Deep Dive Workshops are as follow:
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) doesn’t let a year go by without making the Merdeka/Malaysia Day celebrations special for its customers. This year, the company’s sales promotion focusses on its Ranger model line with extras for those who buy and register a new vehicle during the promotion period.
The extras for 2019
From August 1 to September 30 2019, customers who purchase either the Ranger WildTrak or Ranger Raptor will enjoy free scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary PETRONAS Gift Card pre-loaded with RM1,000 for purchases at PETRONAS stations nationwide.
Ford Ranger Raptor
Customers who prefer the Ranger WildTrak and become owners during this promotional period will receive a rebate of RM3,000, reducing the H-P loan they take and therefore lowering the monthly instalments.
“We are constantly looking for meaningful ways to appreciate our customers. This new deal offers customers more peace of mind and value-add with free maintenance and attractive rewards in conjunction with the upcoming celebrations,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of SDAC.
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
SDAC’s Motor Insurance Package
With their vehicle purchase, they can also opt for the Sime Darby Auto Connexion Motor Insurance Package which offers additional benefits and privileges for greater peace of mind.
For example, besides 24-hour emergency towing and roadside repair, approval for estimation on repair works below RM20,000 can be obtained within 24 hours (terms and conditions apply). You have the option either to get full compensation for theft or total loss based on agreed value for the first 10 years (T&C apply).
Both variants, as with the rest of the Ranger line-up, come with a full manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or maximum of 100,000 kms.
Since its introduction in the 1990s, the Ranger has been a benchmark for pick-up trucks, especially with its ‘Built Ford Tough’ reputation.
A benchmark for pick-up models
Since being introduced in the ASEAN region first – and then globally – in the 1990s, the Ranger has proven in many ways to be the industry benchmark in the pick-up truck segment. Various generations have received awards in Malaysia and other markets for product excellence.
The popularity of the Ranger continues in 2018 as SDAC reported that its sales performance gained 1.7 percentage points from the same period last year to 17.2% in the pick-up segment.
“The ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger continues to earn the favour of customers across the country and build on its growing success in the market,” said Truong Kim Phong, MD, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.
Visit www.sdac-ford.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia where you can view, test or purchase a Ranger.
