Triton powered up for MY10

Mitsubishi has debuted a new, more powerful turbodiesel powerplant to spearhead its updated Triton ute range. Strong demand for the light commercial, one of the brand's cornerstone models,  has seen stocks of the MY09 Triton range almost exhausted. Thus the powered-up MY10 Triton arrives early -- pre-released now and in dealers in September.

Subtle exterior changes differentiate the new MY10 Triton from its predecessor, including new front bumpers, grilles and indicator lenses. And as well as the main talking point of the new models -- a new 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine -- Triton's top-selling 4x4 dual-cab models get a longer and deeper tray.

Four-wheel drive variants of the new Triton will be offered with the high output oiler which Mitsubishi claims "delivers the highest output and performance in this segment". 

Displacing 2.5-litres, the new four-cylinder Mitsubishi turbodiesel develops 131kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm in the manual variants. Both power and torque levels have increased (11 and 17 per cent respectively) compared to the previous diesel -- a 3.2-litre mill.

In addition to the beefed-up output, the new 4x4 models return improved fuel economy. Coupled with five-speed manual transmission, the high-output equipped dual-cab Tritons register 8.3L/100km -- a significant improvement compared to the previous model's 9.1L/100km.

The new five-speed automatic transmission fitted to the top of the range GLX-R Triton delivers an improvement of 0.6L/100km. The new model's fuel consumption is 9.3L/100km, compared to the old Triton's 9.9L/100km.

Mitsubishi says that power and efficiency gains of the new smaller diesel engine were achieved via optimised injectors, the addition of a variable-geometry turbocharger (with increased boost pressure) and a modified combustion chamber shape.

Automatic turbodiesel Tritons don't quite have the full complement of Newton-metres, however. In deference to the automatic transmission, the new 2.5-litre high-output diesel has been wound back -- outputting 350Nm instead of 400Nm.

For MY10, the top of the range GLX-R 4x4 Triton turbodiesel features the Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel drive system and the option of a Diff Lock.

Drivers looking at 4x2 models can also get their hands on a turbodiesel in the form of the carry-over 2.5-litre 100kW/314Nm unit, which consumes 8.6 litres of diesel per 100km.

The sole petrol engine in the MY10 Mitsubishi Triton range is the 2.4-litre 100kW/194Nm powerplant, which has a fuel economy rating of 10.9L/100km when shifting through a five-speed manual gearbox.

In addition to the exterior changes outlined above, the Triton dual-cabs 4x4s get a 180mm longer and 55mm taller tray. Mitsubishi has also increased the Triton's towing capabilities. The 4x4 'long-bed' dual cab models are now rated at 2700kg, while all other 4x4s have increased their maximum braked towing weight from 2500 to 3000kg.

Combined with the new diesel powerplant and the exterior changes, the Triton also benefits from safety updates.

All 2010 model Tritons now come with twin airbags (driver and front passenger) as standard, ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, child restraint points, front seatbelt pretensioners plus impact bars integrated into front and rear doors, giving the vehicles a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

Stability control is now available as an option on all high-output diesel Tritons. Traction control is standard on a range of models, with the recreationally focussed GL-R (new for MY10) and GLX-R also offering side and curtain airbags.

Mitsubishi has also tweaked the interiors for MY10. As well, with the obligatory changes to seat fabrics and instrument clusters across the range, an upgraded stereo system comes as standard. Sports seats will be available as an option.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, Robert McEniry, unveiled the details on the new Triton last Friday.

"The new Triton answers all the questions our owners have asked of us. The result is that this car is in great demand -- so much so that June sales were the highest monthly sales ever recorded for Triton in this country... In light of this, we have decided to release details of the new 2010 Triton early, to let prospective buyers know just what a great vehicle we have in store for them," stated McEniry.

"Triton is one of the mainstays of the Mitsubishi range and has always proved popular as a practical and rugged work vehicle that can take all the hard knocks thrown at it. And, more recently, its recognised four-wheel drive capabilities and car-like comforts have seen it used for recreational activities as well," he added.

While Mitsubishi is yet to reveal the price for the upgraded 2010 Triton, company insiders say any increases will be small. Mitsubishi will announce official pricing closer to the MY10 Triton's arrival next month.

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