Mitsubishi Triton GLX Club Cab Chassis 4WD has been reviewed by Carsales. Below is what they had to say…

Road Test


The light commercial utility market is in for a big year. The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton will join the brand new Nissan Navara, updated Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50, all-new Toyota HiLux and refreshed Holden Colorado before the year’s out, all of which will face solid competition from Volkswagen’s Amarok and the trade-tough Isuzu
D-MAX. But it’s the Triton that’s the focus of this test and, as we found this week, even the base model GLX cab-chassis has a heck of a lot to offer. The Mitsubishi Triton range kicks off from $24,490 (plus on-road costs).

Mitsubishi Triton

Australians love their utes. We have an annual festival to bask in its resplendent pragmatism and buy shed loads of them each year, often whether we have cause to or not. But for the humble cab-chassis – without its exhaust stacks, R M Williams mudflaps and VB dash runners – the focus is more straightforward. It’s the workhorse of the range, built to do a job, and often treated as little more than an unloved tool of the trade.

It’s quite surprising, then, how well-endowed the base-model ute has become. For a bit of kit designed primarily to cart its master and his tools from one job to the next, utes like the Mitsubishi Triton GLX have become very nearly as composed as their SUV lookalikes, while at the same time retaining every last ounce of the carrying capacity and towing ability at the heart of their existence.

For the new MQ-series Triton, those numbers see a payload of 1125kg and a braked tow figure of 3100kg. Mitsubishi is aware that the latter falls short of the 3500kg offered by some rivals, but says its higher GCM (5785kg) means the Triton will tow the full figure quoted with up to 680kg of load in the tray – something many rivals are unable to (legally) do. [Ed: figures quoted are specific to the Club Cab GLX tested and are not typical to the range. Please visit the manufacturer’s website for more information].

And from the point of view of the occupants, it’s impressive to note that the ride remains composed and quiet in spite of the beefed-up double wishbone (front) / leaf (rear) suspension the Triton obviously requires. Considering the vehicle is designed to travel off-road, carry a load, tow and also run around empty, the suspension compromise is remarkably good. You of course notice the firmer rear-end, but it’s not what you’d call uncomfortable and manages to smooth-out surface imperfections nicely, even when the tray is unladen.

It’s an experience complemented by the Triton’s sensible ergonomics and a cabin in which it’s easy to spend a few hours. The outward vision is pretty good for a vehicle of its height, the grab handles welcome and the slightly larger cabin’s seating comfortable with excellent support (and yes, I’m talking about the front pews and not the temporary jobbies in the back). The dash layout too is straightforward with simple instrumentation and a no-nonsense HVAC and infotainment array, though we might add that the look has changed little from the Triton’s predecessor, and in view of its contemporaries is a little conservative.

Not unusually, the tray-bodied model on test did have issues with the rearward vision from its wing mirrors, though not for the reason you’d expect. Mitsubishi has built a clever spacer to give the wing mirrors the clearance required to see around the tray (which sits proud of the body). However, the draft created between the cabin and the tray seems to create an unusual eddy current which sucks road mist from the front wheel back on to the mirror glass, rendering the mirrors effectively useless in wet weather. It’s an unusual oversight, and one that’s made all the more annoying by the omission of heated mirrors on the base grade.

Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel is an effective unit with next to no turbo lag and a broader torque band than its numbers would suggest. It’s claimed that the full whack of 430Nm is on offer at 2500rpm, though we found most of that twist was accessible from idle, giving the Triton a smooth run from a standstill. On the open road there’s enough pep for overtaking, most of it available without the need to shift gear. The direct-injected engine develops peak power of 133kW at 3500rpm, meaning most overtaking manoeuvres and hill climbs are readily managed in top (sixth) gear.

The gearshift itself is clean and the throw suitable for the Triton’s workhorse application. It’s actually a tidier shift than the Ranger and BT-50, and I’d say better than the Colorado’s too [Ed: wait for our upcoming comparison for more on this]. Add this to a progressive pedal stroke from the clutch and well-metered brakes and it’s obvious Mitsubishi has done a great deal to make the new Triton appealing to trade and recreational buyers alike.

On the downside, however, we found the Triton’s fuel consumption to be well below the claimed mark. Mitsubishi’s ADR Combined figure quotes 7.2L/100km, though on test – and in spite of the majority of our driving spent on the highway without a load up back – we managed 10.2. Perhaps the gearing isn’t quite set for cruising at 110km/h or the aerodynamics of the open tray is creating drag. Either way, the figure was substantially higher than our around town figure of 8.1L/100km. Quite peculiar, we must say.

When it comes to parking the Triton was fairly easy to manoeuvre and see around, though reversing sensors would have been nice in tight parallel parks. The carry-over 3000mm wheelbase and 11.8m turning circle (and 3.8 turns lock to lock) make it easy to get in and out of even the tightest city parking buildings, and on fire trails made squeezing around fallen trees a breeze. The steering itself is well assisted with adequate feel both on and off-road. It really is an impressive set-up.

On the whole we found the Triton to be vastly improved – to be expected, given it’s been 10 years since we last had a new one. It’s a roomier, more composed and more competent light commercial and one that has narrowed the gap on its competitors considerably. Whether that’s enough to see it topple its rivals, or steal the stage at Deniliquin, remains to be seen. Though our tip is it’ll come really close – on both counts!

2015 Mitsubishi Triton GLX Club Cab Chassis 4WD pricing and specifications:
Price:
$35,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 133kW / 430Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 191g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked: Not so much:
>> Composed, quiet ride >> Fuel consumption
>> Gutsy turbo-diesel >> Wing mirror vision
>> Sorted ergonomics >> Conservative interior

The original article was posted here: http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2015/mitsubishi/triton/mitsubishi-triton-2015-review-52586?csn_tn=true

Outlander PHEV is here – delivering economy, comfort and performance. With super low emissions, remarkable fuel efficiency and genuine on and off-road performance, the Outlander PHEV is a drive like no other. Powered by an electric motor and a traditional combustion engine, this hybrid offers the convenience of an electric vehicle; without compromising the range of an SUV.
The internal combustion engine (1) provides power and range and the electric motors (2), efficiency. Separately mounted at the front and rear axles, they deliver responsive 4WD performance, while the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) ensures excellent stability and handling.
Providing power in most driving conditions, the drive battery (3) is located under the floor to maximize interior space and lower the centre of gravity for improved safety and handling. Simply charged at any 15 amp power point, the battery can also be recharged while you drive. The regenerative braking system (4) uses braking energy created by the vehicle to recharge the battery, allowing longer drives on less fuel.

Smartphone remote control
Control and comfort are at your fingertips with PHEV smartphone capabilities. For that touch of comfort, you can pre-heat and pre-cool your PHEV at any time using the app. Leave the air-con running in the baking hot car park and return to a perfectly chilled interior. The cooling function is driven straight off the battery with no emissions or noise. You can also remotely control the charging timer, schedule charge during off peak periods and monitor the remaining charge time with the smartphone app.


Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Enquire now to johna@cbmg.com.au or (07) 3377 3700.

Best City Car

Mitsubishi’s budget-focused Mirage has emerged victorious over Drive’s long-time Car of the Year city car champion, the Volkswagen Polo.
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Against the judging criteria Mitsubishi’s Mirage was unanimously found to tick all the boxes – and for a considerably smaller sum than that of the German five-door.

The Mirage is priced from just $12,990 plus on-road costs, though the Japanese brand is currently doing deals from only $11,990 drive-away. That’s pretty hard to argue with, given the comfort, practicality and equipment offered in the pint-sized Mirage.

Judges praised the Mirage for its ride comfort, its light, city-friendly steering and small turning circle, the fact it’s fitted with the full complement of safety equipment (six airbags, stability control), its Bluetooth-equipped stereo system, and the thrifty and perky three-cylinder engine. The ES model we tested was fitted with the CVT automatic transmission (priced from $14,490, plus on-road costs), and judges praised the pairing as being “ideal for running around the ‘burbs”.

“The Mirage meets all the requirements for not a lot of money,” one judge stated.

It wasn’t all roses for the Mirage – its interior presentation was criticised for being drab and lacking attention to detail, and the amount of engine noise was questioned by some of our experts.

“It looks a bit cheap inside, and you can tell it has been built to a price,” one judge said.

But in the end it was found to offer a convincing package that has strong ownership credentials on its side, including four years of fixed price servicing (at just $250 per 15,000km/12 month visit), and a five-year, 130,000km warranty.

There’s no doubting the carryover champion, Volkswagen’s Polo 77TSI, is a polished and impressive car. But at $21,490 plus on-road costs it’s heading into territory occupied by bigger – and, frankly, better – vehicles. VW Australia is currently running a $21,490 drive-away deal for the dual-clutch automatic version we tested.

Our judges were again impressed by the refined nature of the VW, from its smooth 1.2-litre turbo four-cylinder engine to its comfortable ride and trusty steering. It may be small but it feels like a bigger, more mature car to drive.

The engine does require premium unleaded fuel, though, and the dual-clutch automatic isn’t without its quirks – and question marks. The impressively low fuel economy largely covers that off, although the Mirage is lower again.

Matt Campbell
Motoring Writer

Combined with 2 other Concepts Mitsubishi had launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, the new Mitsubishi XR-PHEV concept oozes futuristic charm with a whole new level of technology that vehicles in this day and age are yet to see included let alone thought possible for a car! The XR-PHEV is the concept in which the new 2015 ASX will base itself on and from the feedback at the motor show we can wait until it arrives here in the 2nd quarter of 2015.

Mitsubishi have for the last 40 years been the leader in technology for vehicles. The new concept GC-PHEV continues that legacy. The Concept GC-PHEV is the vehicle which the all new Pajero for 2015 will base itself from. The long awaited 2015 Pajero will be the first new car for 15 years for Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV.

Here is one our customers having a great time in their Triton GLX-R on North Stradbroke Island.

‘Good times with my Mitsubishi Triton’

Pajero’s great features.

https://toowongmitsubishi.com.au/new-cars/mitsubishi-pajero_info.php

Tokyo, January 20, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced “Jump 2013”, its new mid-term business plan for fiscal years 2011 through 2013 (ending March 31, 2014). The new plan reflects the immense change in automobile industry demand structure caused by worldwide economic turmoil. By focusing business resources on increasingly important areas such as fast-growing, emerging markets and on environmental initiatives, and by reforming cost structure, Jump 2013 aims for “growth and a leap forward”.

Product-wise, MMC will be launching 8 new electric-powered vehicles*1 by FY2015 as part of its efforts to reduce environmental impact. This includes introduction of hybrid vehicles in FY2013 to improve fuel efficiency over conventional combustion-engine vehicles. In parallel, MMC will keep its business resources focused on globally strategic models such as compact cars and SUVs, for which high demand is expected, especially in emerging markets. Both development process and product range will be streamlined by discontinuing region-specific model production.

In emerging markets where demand is growing, MMC plans to expand its lineup by introducing vehicles with high market demand, such as SUVs and a compact, fuel-efficient and affordable global strategic car (“Global Small”). This increases FY2013 retail sales volume by 280,000 units over the FY2010 forecast. In mature markets where a gentle recovery is expected, FY2013 sales volume is set with a 90,000-unit increase over the FY2010 forecast, by including compact cars and eco-cars. This brings total FY2013 target sales volume to 1,370,000 units (FY2010 forecast: 1,000,000 units*2).

MMC will strengthen its production capacity in emerging markets to respond to the range of growing demands in those regions. In Thailand, MMC will build a third factory, making it the second-largest exportation hub after only Japan; in China, MMC will strengthen production capacity by reinforcing a joint venture with a local partner; and in Russia, MMC will start production of a new SUV. At the same time, production capacity at Japanese, US and European production hubs will be adjusted to target sales volumes. The US hub will introduce a new model for both domestic and export sale. As for its European hub, MMC has decided not to introduce a successor to the region-specific Colt model. Finally, in Japan, MMC will proceed with a minicar joint venture with Nissan to increase domestic production volume and streamline plant operations.

While the business environment is undergoing such substantial changes, MMC will make fundamental reforms in cost structure via a Cost Reduction Implementation Committee under the direction of the president. By measures such as counteraction of yen appreciation by expansion of overseas procurement, MMC targets a 90 billion yen decrease in FY2013 material costs over the FY2010 forecast. Together with global production expansion, MMC will also enhance efforts to sustain worldwide Mitsubishi brand quality level.

Alongside the ongoing business alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroën, MMC has expanded its business cooperation with Nissan. MMC will act decisively to form alliances with potential business partners in individual project areas with foreseeable merits, to increase opportunities and strengthen profitability.

Through these efforts, FY2013 target sales are set at 2.5 trillion yen (FY2010 forecast: 1.9 trillion yen); operating income at 90 billion yen (FY2010 forecast: 45 billion yen); and net income at 45 billion yen (FY2010 forecast:15 billion yen). Resumption of dividends is targeted by improvements in financial structure and bolstering of profit levels within the planned period.

*1: This includes both electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

*2: MMC has previously included in its sales figures models sold under non-MMC brands which earned royalty revenue. From FY2011, MMC will use a new counting method and only count sales of models sold under the Mitsubishi brand. The 1,000,000-unit figure mentioned is calculated using the new counting system.

Tokyo, January 18, 2011 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will unveil the Mitsubishi Concept Global Small (show model) at a global premiere during the 81stGeneva International Motor Show. The Concept Global Small is a concept car based on the ideas “compact”, “affordability”, and “high fuel efficiency.”

MMC will display a total of 12 vehicles (six during press days), including vehicles already on sale in Europe, at the Geneva International Motor Show, March 1st to March 13th at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 3rd). The vehicles on display will be in addition to the 100 per cent electric i-MiEV, of which approximately 2,500units*1 have been shipped to Europe in the three months since start of production and shipment in October 2010.

*1: This number includes Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO.

The Mitsubishi Concept Global Small is the concept model of the compact passenger vehicle that is planned for production from March 2012 at MMC’s new, third factory in Thailand.

The Mitsubishi Concept Global Smallfeatures qualities inherent in a compact car such as good maneuverability and easy operation. This is accomplished in a highly efficient package that can comfortably seat five adults. In addition, the MitsubishiConcept Global Smallachieves top-of-class fuel efficiency, with CO2emissions in the mid-90g/km range due to:

Display Vehicle List

Model Name No. of Vehicles Notes
Press

Days

Public

Days

MITSUBISHI Concept Global Small 1 1 Concept car, show model
i-MiEV 3 3 European-spec model
ASX 2 2 European-spec model,RVR in Japan, Outlander Sport in the United States
Outlander 1
Pajero 1 Monteroor Shogun in some markets
L200 1 Built in Thailand
Lancer Sportback 1 Galant Fortis Sportbackin Japan
Lancer Evolution 1 Lancer Evolution Xin Japan
Colt 1 Built in Europe
Total 6 12