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FIRST LOOKS Mitsubishi Triton 3.2 & Triton LiteJune 12, 2008 11:47 PM Author: Chips |
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A year ago, the Triton was doing very well and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was already looking at follow-ups to broaden the line-up of their best-selling model which was No. 2 to the Toyota Hilux. The Isuzu D-MAX 3.0, the largest-engined model in the local pick-up segment, was doing relatively well (mostly in East Malaysia where the roadtax is much less ridiculous) so there was clearly some demand for a larger-engined Triton too. As Mitsubishi also had a 3.2-litre turbodiesel variant, it would be easy to add this to the line-up and give some competition to the D-MAX. Furthermore, because all Tritons are imported as CBU (completely-built-up) units from the Thai factory, it is easier to get them when needed, as compared to a local assembly situation where additional plans for localization of parts is also necessary. There is no meaningful tax penalty on CBU trucks originating from other ASEAN countries so it was also easy to import.
So while today’s launch of a big 3.2-litre Triton may seem crazy when fuel prices have just gone up, it is not a show of ‘boldness’ by MMM. Everything was planned a year ago and you can bet that if you ask the MMM people whether such a decision [to introduce this variant] would be made today for 2009, they would tell you ‘no way!’. However, MMM CEO Keizo Ono is not necessarily upset over the situation and expressed some optimism. Though sales in general may be affected for a few months, they should recover before long when people get used to the new prices and then the market will continue, he said during a press conference.
“I have looked at past instances when fuel prices went up in Malaysia and it appears to me that there is only a short dip in sales following such changes and then the market picks up again,” he told MTM. “I certainly hope this will be the case again this time!” Mr Ono feels that there is a niche for the bigger Triton among those who require extra power for heavier loads and also ‘hardcore’ off-road enthusiasts. Nevertheless, today’s launch was not without a more appropriate response to the increases in fuel prices and besides the Triton 3.2, MMM also introduced the Triton Lite. Apart from having a simpler package which takes its price down as low as RM59,900 (Peninsula Malaysia price with insurance), the Triton Lite, which has a 2.5-litre diesel engine, has a 4x2 drivetrain. This means it takes over from the popular L200 4x2 and its very attractive price should win buyers. Having 4x2 does make a difference to fuel economy because a 4x4 drivetrain adds weight and also drag. However, the Triton Lite’s engine is not as sophisticated as the one in the Triton 2.5 4x4 and is instead the SOHC 8-valve 4D56 unit which produces 75 ps at 4200 rpm and 149 Nm at 2500 rpm. Only a 5-speed manual transmission is available. Most of the platform specs are the same as the other Tritons but the Lite variant rides on 15x6JJ wheels with 195/15 tyres. The brake are claimed to be the largest in its class and it can turn in a tight 5.7 metres. Visually, the Triton Lite (which comes only as a double cab) can be recognized by its unpainted black bumpers and different grille. There is a choice of four body colours – 3 metallics (silver, red or black) and white. Included in the price is a rear bodyguard frame, chrome steel bumper, cargo bedliner and an advanced security system (ETACS).
Returning to the Triton 3.2, the highlight of this variant is of course its 3.2-litre 4M41 turbodiesel DOHC 16-valve engine with commonrail direct fuel injection. Along with an intercooler, the torque peaks at 343 Nm at 2000 rpm with maximum power of 160 ps at 3500 rpm. Externally, the Triton 3.2 stands out from the other variants with its wiremesh grille and rugged bumper protector with integrated skidplate. There are also plastic door visors which are original Mitsubishi accessories imported from Thailand with the vehicle. The 16x7JJ alloy wheels are of a different design from the Triton 2.5 and shod with 265/70 tyres. We understand that MMM also gives 5 alloy wheels with this variant whereas the Triton 2.5 gets a spare with a steel wheel. Colour choices are metallic black or silver and white. The well-proven 4x4 drivetrain with DNA from the Dakar Rally-winning Mitsubishi vehicles has a transfer case with high and low ranges, giving the driver up to 8 gear ratios to cover a very wide range of driving conditions. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available.
The cabin is one of the most car-like among pick-ups and if you sit inside, it would be hard to imagine you are not in a passenger car! The fabric upholstery on the generously-sized seats is of a high quality and use of metallic trim in many areas gives a classy ambience.
At RM99,800 (Peninsula Malaysia price with insurance), the Triton 3.2 may be somewhat more expensive than the D-MAX 3.0 (RM96,458) but there is no denying that one of the appealing aspects of the Triton has been itsaggressive looks (inspired by the Dakar Rally machines) which make it stand out from the typical pick-up.. So even though it may be questionable to most people why anyone would buy a big-engined truck at a time like this, there will still be some buyers to whom it is not an issue and MMM would be aiming to grab some of them from Isuzu.
Read about the Triton 2.5 4x4 here Talk about the new Triton 3.2 and Lite in the exclusive Triton Owners Section in the MTM Forum Visit the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia website to know more about the other Triton variants and where to test one Keen to get a Triton but need to sell off your current vehicle? Advertise in Motor Trader for faster results!
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