Mitsubishi is finally taking the fight to the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, with the introduction of the sixth version of the Triton midsize truck, which has received a complete makeover for the first time in nine years.
A bigger emphasis is placed on comfort and safety, and the tough bodywork is bigger than before. Also “newly developed” are the ladder frame chassis, suspension, and a more powerful turbo-diesel engine.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Triton has a boxier and more robust appearance while keeping several essential Mitsubishi characteristics, such as the split headlamps and a understated refined version of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield surround the wider grille at the front, which is the truck’s focal point.
The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton will be unveiled on July 26 in Thailand, and the Japanese automaker has released more information about it.
The prototype truck’s camouflage, which conceals some design elements, was modelled after lava rocks that are “packed with condensed energy.” Its sides are embellished with a logo of the 10-parallel-line Ralliart company, which has a rich history in motorsport.
According to Mitsubishi, in order to achieve safe, secure, and comfortable driving for all weather or road conditions, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will use a newly developed ladder frame, chassis, and clean diesel engines in the all-new Triton one-ton pickup truck.
The newly developed ladder frame, double wishbone front and rear suspensions with leaf spring rear suspension are said to deliver the ideal driving performance and high levels of ride comfort. The newly created clean diesel turbo engine has significantly reduced friction loss while increasing output, which has improved environmental performance.
As part of the leader-follower structure of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Mitsubishi is driving the development of the Triton, with the upcoming Nissan Navara planned to share platforms but feature different aesthetics.
The most recent Triton will be propelled by a freshly created clean turbo diesel engine, which is another powertrain-related detail that was made public. Executives have acknowledged that the technology is being studied for the Triton rather than being committed, despite the fact that plug-in hybrid power has been suggested for the new Mitsubishi pick-up. The manufacturer said it would follow the pure-electric pick-up it plans to debut after 2025 if it unveiled a Triton PHEV.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) finished off 2022 with a record high in sales, delivering 24,017 vehicles. Although the company’s range in Malaysia is limited to 2 models, they are so popular that, in 2022, the volume increased by 37.3% over the 2021 figure.
The record volume puts Mitsubishi Motors in third place among the non-national brands and with the Total Industry Volume expected to be over 700,000 units when the Malaysian Automotive Association releases the year’s data, the Mitsubishi Motors share is estimated to be 3.3%.
When Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was established in 2005, one of the models it offered was the Triton. It arrived at a time when pick-up trucks were growing in popularity as they could be registered for private use (earlier, they could only be registered as commercial vehicles). With its stylish design and Mitsubishi Motors’ heritage in the Dakar Rally, the Triton became one of the popular choices for Malaysians wanting a truck.
Recently, the company delivered its 100,000th Triton and commemorated the milestone by giving the customer, Muhammad Faerus, diesel for 100,000 kms which is worth RM27,000. Encik Muhammad Faerus, a solar panel installation contractor, purchased the Triton from EON Auto Mart, an authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Kuala Lumpur.
“Since the Triton was introduced in Malaysia, it has proven to be one of the favourite pick-up trucks in the market with its rugged look, versatility, and good handling. It is capable in the harshest of off-road conditions but also perfect as an everyday vehicle. Our customers come from all walks of life – business owners, off-road enthusiasts, and lifestyle users. Over the years, with improved technology and functionality, it has inspired owners to take on challenges and push the boundaries in creating an exciting life journey, while fulfilling their dreams and ambitions,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, at the presentation ceremony.
The three generations of the Triton introduced in Malaysia since 2005.
Last year, despite the pandemic and competition from rivals, the model maintained a solid market share of 22% with 9,268 units sold. Six variants are available, all imported from the Mitsubishi Motors factory in Thailand. Prices (without insurance) range from RM81,390 to RM146,600.
Contest for owners In conjunction with this achievement, MMM is running the ‘100,000 Triton Ambitions’ Contest which will commence on September 14, 2022. To participate, Triton owners need to fill up a contest survey form and submit a photo which features a Triton in it.
Their photo can be entered in one or all four of the following categories: a. The Stylo King – owner’s most memorable leisure activity with the Triton; b. Tough Champ – owner’s toughest experience with the Triton; c. Extreme Adventurer – owner’s most memorable long-distance journey with the Triton; and d. Mod Hero – owner’s coolest modified Triton
One winner from each of the four categories will win 25,000 kms of diesel (worth up to RM7,000) each. The contest form, photo submission, and detailed contest terms and conditions can be found at the MMM website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
The National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) recently received a Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). The donation by MMM, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, will help in providing NCSM’s services to rural communities around Malaysia.
NCSM, a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966, will use it to provide an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. With the Triton’s off-road capabilities, it will be able to travel further into the countryside to reach rural communities that have little or no access to cancer screening facilities.
With the Triton, NCSM personnel will be able to travel more easily in the countryside to reach rural communities to provide cancer screening servicesand support to people affected by cancer.(more…)
Ralliart is a name that motorsports enthusiasts, especially fans of off-road events, will know well. It was the competition division of Mitsubishi Motors and associated with the Dakar Rally as well as the World Rally Championship. Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations in 2010.
However, in 2021, the company indicated that it would revive the Ralliart brand although it did not give details of what could be expected. It showed some Ralliart-themed models in Bangkok but enthusiasts are hoping for some performance-oriented products.
Perhaps they are still formulating plans on what they want to do with the brand, which is still strong in people’s minds. Soon, we’ll see Team Mitsubishi Ralliart in action again when it competes in the Asia Cross-Country Rally (AXCR) 2022. Prior to the event, the team conducted endurance tests with a Triton on an off-road course in Thailand on June 27 and 28.
The endurance tests subjected the car to high loads comparable to those expected in the rally and focused mainly on the reliability and durability of the chassis and engine. To test the performance of the truck in an environment similar to that of the actual course, the team used a 10-kms course that combines a high-speed range, rough gravel road and a narrow, winding forest course.
“Since the Triton has a robust chassis frame and an excellent handling performance, we decided to reduce the vehicle weight at a minimum for the rally modification while leveraging its original strength as much as possible,” said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. “Having covered more than 800 kms in two days, the vehicle showed its great performance throughout the tough endurance tests as we expected, and now we are confident that our preparation is on the right track.”
Hiroshi Masuoka is a very experienced off-road driver, having participated in the Dakar Rally since 1987 and winning it in 2002 and 2003 – with the Mitsubishi Ralliart team, of course. He has also visited Malaysia to assist Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia in introducing models such as the Triton and Pajero Sport.
AXCR is a gruelling, week-long, 2,000-km cross-country rally that races through the natural terrain of Southeast Asia. Normally held in August of each year, the rally was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the dates for the rally were pushed back to November 21 to 26, and the course will be about 1,700 kms long. It will start in Buriram in the northeast of Thailand (where there is a racetrack) before crossing into Cambodia and ending at the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Triton
The Triton is classified by the FIA as a Group T1 rally car (prototype cross-country vehicle). Based on the Thailand-specification double-cab model, the car’s bonnet, front and rear doors, interior and other parts have been lightened, while the body has been strengthened with a roll-cage and under guards.
The dedicated suspension provides superb handling characteristics, while the front and rear limited-slip differential, large-diameter off-road tyres and lightweight alloy wheels greatly improve handling on rough road surfaces. Tuning of the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine has focused on reducing friction loss and weight, and improving responsiveness in the mid-speed ranges frequently used in rallies.
Some AXCR stages include river crossings, so water-proofing modifications have also been added, such as stronger sealing and an air-intake snorkel.
Non-profit organisations (NGOs) carry out a lot of work which involves travelling to and in areas where the roads may be poor, or may not exist. Typically, they will bring various forms of aid, especially food for those who are victims of poverty or natural disasters. INSAF Malaysia is one such NGO which runs several programs to transport food items.
To help them with their mission, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently contributed a Triton 4×4 pick-up truck to INSAF Malaysia. The pick-up truck, a popular model in the market, will be useful for the distribution of food bank, lunch box and rice bags to orphanages and welfare homes, as well as ‘Meals on Wheels’ where food is distributed to old folks who have been abandoned or live alone. The NGO also builds shelter homes for those hit by natural disasters and urgently need a roof above their heads.
Promoting sustainable economy, society and environment
“Our CSR vision for this year is ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’. While our missions are to implement CSR activities that provides aid to support underprivileged children, and to collaborate with NGOs in promoting a sustainable economy, society and environment. So when we found out that INSAF Malaysia’s humanitarian efforts is constantly striving for voluntarily action, we want to support their work by contributing a Triton pick-up truck in hopes that the NGO can go beyond the distance and to help more underprivileged families,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
After receiving the Triton on behalf of INSAF Malaysia, its President and Founder, Ishak Bin Abdul Kadir, said: “We have been witnessing a dangerous trend from the number of people suffering from malnutrition and food insecurity, especially during this pandemic. Hunger is on the rise in Malaysia as we’ve seen lot of breadwinners lose their source of income which leads to the inability to put food on the table. We are doing all that we can to make sure children or families don’t go to bed hungry hence we are so glad to have companies like Mitsubishi Motors reach out to us to offer help. The contribution of the Triton pick-up truck is timely, practical and very much appreciated.”
Popular pick-up truck
The Triton provided is one of the six variants available, all imported from Thailand in CBU (completely built-up form). The model has been among the popular pick-up trucks in the Malaysian market for many years. Early last month, the Athlete version was introduced which takes over from the Adventure X as the flagship of the range. In Peninsular Malaysia, prices start from RM100,200 for the variants with 4×4 and RM79,890 with 4×2.
From today until the end of 2019, special hire-purchase (H-P) loan interest rates as low as 0.88% per annum are available for those who want to buy a new Mitsubishi Triton. Alternatively, instead of the low interest rates, customers can opt for cash rebates of up to RM10,000 (depending on the variant).
This promotion is in conjunction with the upcoming year-end festivities and is available only for H-P loans taken from Maybank or Public Bank (terms and conditions apply). The chart below shows the special offers for the different variants.
Besides the offers for the Triton, there are also special offers for the Outlander SUV which is available with 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre petrol engines. Cash rebates of up to RM4,000 are offered plus 2-Years of Free Scheduled Maintenance and RM2,000, and 2-Years of Free Scheduled Maintenance, respectively.
For those who want something smaller, there’s the ASX. Though in the market for some time now, it is still good value for money with prices starting from RM118,866. 4WD and 2WD versions are available and if you buy one during the promotion period, you can get a cash rebate of up to RM12,000.