Mid-2018 4x4 Sales Report Card: #3 Mitsubishi Triton

MITSUBISHI’S Triton 4×4 is the big mover at the pointy end of the top 10, despite remaining in third place overall and still a long way behind the two runaway leaders in Hilux and Ranger.

That said, Triton sales are up nearly 20 per cent without Mitsubishi doing much more than a mild tweak of the line-up, which, among other changes, has seen the introduction of the Blackline dual-cab.

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The sales success has much to do with its sharp pricing and ongoing factory discounting, with driveaway prices on the popular dual-cab variants sitting well below other mainstream utes and bettered only by the Indian and Chinese offerings. Dual-cabs make up 11,570 of the 12,127 Triton 4x4s sold (more than 95 per cent) while autos make up 73 per cent of all 4×4 sales.

The Triton stands out among the current crop of 4×4 utes in a number of ways. One is the full-time 4×4 of GLS and Exceed models thanks to Mitsubishi’s Super Select system. Full-time 4×4 adds greatly to the Triton’s functionality, driveability and safety under most driving conditions and stands it apart from all of its competitors bar the Amarok.

Super Select also has a 2WD mode, so it’s different again from a conventional full-time system. Unfortunately, Super Select doesn’t make the Triton a gun off-road ute, but that’s all to do with its modest suspension travel and ground clearance and nothing to do with the system.

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The Triton is also a small ute by class standards in cabin size, payloads and towing capacity. The fact that most of the tray of the dual-cab overhangs the rear axle is also a negative for carrying or towing heavy loads; although, the 2.4-litre diesel holds up its end, even if the chassis layout isn’t ideal.

One positive here is that the Triton is more manoeuvrable than others in its class thanks to a relatively short wheelbase, and it also has a sporty feel to the way it steers and handles thanks in part to also being lighter than most competitors.

Mitsubishi Triton mid-2018 Year-on-Year sales

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2018 Mitsubishi Triton Specs Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel Power: 133kW at 3500rpm Torque: 430Nm at 2500rpm Gearbox: 5-speed auto 4X4 system: Dual-range full-time (+2WD) Kerb weight: 1950kg GVM: 2900kg Towing capacity: 3100kg Fuel tank size: 75 litres ADR fuel claim: 7.6L/100km

Triton 4×4 Report Card

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*Scored against class competitors. A = Excellent; B = Very Good; C = Good; D = Fair; E = Poor; F = Fail.

MORE: Mitsubishi Triton Range Review MORE: Mitsubishi Triton Specs, Range & Price