Mitsubishi’s Triton has lengthy performed a task as a extra funds pleasant ute choice, having fun with success and admiration alongside the way in which. It proves that maybe inexpensive doesn’t imply unhealthy too, significantly within the hotly contested twin cab market.
That’s why we had been excited to get our arms on the just lately revamped and range-topping GSR. And whereas that moniker used to usually denote one thing additional within the mumbo division, it hasn’t for a while.
What it does provide you with is blackouts throughout the wheels, door handles and roof rails, which when set in opposition to the commensurately darkish Graphite Gray paintwork, garners a sinister aesthetic.
Whereas there’s no denying it appears new and completely different, on this author’s eyes, it has misplaced the edginess that we appreciated in regards to the final mannequin. There’s familiarity within the stacked LED lights up entrance although, nevertheless it feels extra spherical in total design.
That lengthy rear overhang makes a repeat look, in a bundle that’s greater in virtually each side over the older mannequin. “Transformer” fashion flares sadly intensify what’s an 18-inch wheel and tyre mixture that has too constructive an offset.
Climbing into the inside reveals a much more fashionable format. The general theme is darkish, seemingly in continuation of the outside blackouts. Leather-based appointed seating is normal within the GSR and complemented by orange stitching.
A black headliner makes for a pleasingly moody house. The entrance row seats are heated, comfy and provide electrical adjustability, together with lumbar. Connectivity duties are dealt with by each USB-A and C ports up entrance, together with a wi-fi charging pad.
Storage is nicely sorted, with a centre bin, glove field and door pockets. Car interfacing is dealt with predominantly by way of a 7.0-inch central display as anticipated, however fortunately there’s a spread of buttons for HVAC and the Tremendous Choose 4WD II system.
There are numerous drive modes, nevertheless it’s exhausting to tell apart after they’re on because the notification is in a tiny font on the underside proper of the in-binnacle display. The difficulty is exacerbated by the dimensions of the motive force monitoring digicam that sits atop the steering column.
It’s not solely an obstacle to the display, however the system itself is overzealous, triggering in an virtually steady style. It may be turned off, however that’s not the purpose. Rear seating is spacious and comfy with, an assortment of charging and air-con vents.
Apparently, the rear vents had been on the roof, one thing this author hasn’t seen since getting round in a GU patrol. Tub house within the tray is sweet, as is accessibility, the latter owing to a decrease 812mm peak.
There’s no resistance to opening nor closing of what’s a heavy tailgate, which is a irritating inconvenience. We’re glad that since our time within the Triton, Mitsubishi has famous they are going to make adjustments to the design to help with this.
There’s a few tie-down factors and a plastic liner in there, however nothing a lot else. We’d have preferred to see an influence outlet for a top-spec mannequin. Beneath the hood is a brand new 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Firing it up ends in the pleasant clatter we all know nicely.
Outputs from the now sequential-turbo setup are 150kW energy and 470Nm of torque, which is a close to 10 per cent enchancment on the model it replaces. It stays backed by a newly developed 6-speed automated, which has a wider ratio unfold.
It does a great job of selecting the correct gear, leading to a powerful 8.4-litres/100km in actual world testing – in opposition to a claimed 7.4-litres. Driving it’s easy and it by no means feels missing, aside from a titanic turning circle and manufacturing unit rubber that’s difficult within the moist.
Even the lightest throttle relevant on any gradient ends in wheelspin, enjoyable whenever you’re 19, not when the household is on board. The place it thrives although is on the open street. On a 200km spherical journey to the Central Coast, we uncover a quiet cabin.
A softer suspension tune means all you could do is choose the precise observe by way of the 6-speaker stereo and set the adaptive cruise management. Off street testing began with some rutty path work, the place we had been largely impressed, other than some clearance points.
As cautious as we had been with the rear overhang, there have been cases the place we couldn’t assist however kiss mom Earth with it or a sidestep. The problematic tyres on street turned an asset in these situations, and we had been capable of get by way of what we class as a fundamental loop.
A day on Stockton Seashore was subsequent up, with tray again snags for lunch and a few waterplay for the youngsters. Whereas we did attempt sand mode right here, even with out it, getting on and off what could be a very deep and tender floor was a non-issue. An excellent day was had by all.
It’s value noting that the brand new Triton will get 3.5-tonne braked towing capability, lastly bringing it in keeping with the competitors. Backed by a 5-star ANCAP score, the Mitsubishi ute comes with a bunch of security tech, together with airbags and lane departure prevention.
That setup contains emergency lane help, whereas rear cross visitors alert and ahead collision mitigation additionally function. A part of us would love a few issues ironed out, given the $63,840 plus on-roads price ticket too.
Whereas it nonetheless trails the mainstays, the hole is far smaller than it has been earlier than. With a 10-year guarantee and capped pricing servicing, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is a worthwhile addition to the adventurous however funds acutely aware household’s purchasing checklist.
You could find out extra on the Mitsubishi Australia web site, or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low fee finance quote, speak to Australia’s finest reviewed automotive finance dealer; Credit score One. To see an amazing vary of automobiles on the market, take a look at OnlyCars.com.au.
Our check car was equipped by Mitsubishi Australia for unbiased evaluate functions.
