Paddle shifters in a pickup truck? We ain’t kidding you, as the range-topping Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure features a pair of paddle shifter! The all-new Mitsubishi Triton has been developed to combine the comforts of a regular sedan with the added functionality of a pickup truck. We had two days with the Mitsubishi Triton VGT, from Saujana Resort all the way to Penang. Let’s take a closer look at Mitsubishi’s latest pickup truck. Read on.
But before we jump into the review, allow me to brief you on the technical aspects and highlights of the new Mitsubishi Triton.
On paper, the all-new Triton is amongst the most powerful pickup truck in its segment, with a total of 400 Nm of torque readily available from just 2,000 rpm. We certainly do not doubt the figures, as the Triton has more than enough get-up-and-go than some of its rivals. Other highlights of the new Triton includes an impressive 5.9 meters turning radius, Auto Xenon HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, part-time 4WD with Hybrid Limited Slip Differential (LSD), dual zone automatic climate control and a 4WD selector.
While the engine remains identical to its predecessor, torque figures have been enhanced, thanks to the revised gearbox. Previously, the Mitsubishi Triton was capable of pushing out 350 Nm of torque from its 2.5-litre inline-four commonrail turbodiesel engine, and the number has since increased to 400 Nm. What does this translate into? In short, the new Triton takes less effort overtaking highway traffic and hauling stuff would be easier. The range-topping Triton VGT Adventure we tested here can only be ordered with a five-speed automatic.
Like other modern pickup trucks, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton has a very car-like interior. The dashboard, despite the use of hard plastics, looks upmarket enough to pass off as a sedan. In the Adventure trim, the Triton has dual zone automatic climate control, a feature not seen in other pickup trucks in this segment. Apart from that, the top-of-the-line Triton also gets paddle shifters, another first in its segment! Other creature comfort includes a touchscreen infotainment system with a reverse camera, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, six speakers, multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and voice controls, push start button, passive cruise control and leather seats.
Behind the wheel, drivers will appreciate the extra visibility the Triton provides, thanks to its 1,780 mm height and optimum seating position. Despite the height, getting in and out of the Triton does not take much effort. Interior materials is of excellent quality, and will no doubt last the test of time. Hard plastics are present, purely because the Triton is positioned as a workhorse.
While I was being passenger, I also had the chance to try out the integrated touchscreen infotainment system. Screen size was a tad bit diminutive, but words can easily be read from a distance. Thankfully the Triton’s infotainment system does not suffer from sunlight glare. Sound quality from the Triton isn’t much to write home about though.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides optimum road feedback, and weighs a bit on the heavy side. Point the truck at your desired spot, and just go for it. With a minimum ground clearance of 205 mm, the Triton is up to climbing cubs (and more!). Cruising on the highway is effortless, although engine noise does get rather intrusive when the revs build up. Turning up the audio volume remedies this small matter, however. Road noise, surprisingly, isn’t as intrusive as the engine noise.
The generous 400 Nm of torque does make itself available from a lowly 2,000 rpm, so gentle accelerating is needed when behind the wheel. Gearshifts are smooth with the five-speed automatic, and if the need arises, drivers can utilize the paddle shifters positioned behind the steering wheel for a more engaging drive.
Ride comfort can be described as above average, as the Triton does get rather rough on uneven surfaces. But with good roads, the Triton remains surefooted even at higher speeds. Try not to speed through bumps or potholes though, as that will almost definitely shatter your backbone. But there’s a reason for that, as the Triton performs admirably during the off-road excursion that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia arranged.
Changing into 4L (four low) is a simple process of shifting into N while idle, and moving the 4WD selector into 4L. While I’m not much a fan of off-road stuff, I am still mighty impressed by the Triton’s off-road capabilities. Every time the Triton was driven over a bad patch of terrain, I had the impression that something could have fallen off, but at the end of the day, I was glad to be proven wrong. Almost tough as nails, this Triton.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia definitely has a winner on hand with the all-new Triton VGT Adventure. The Triton packs exceptional value-for-money in a handsomely designed exterior which will no doubt stand out in a crowd (or traffic jam). In my humble opinion, the Triton VGT Adventure looks best in Earth Green, the truck’s hero colour.
Specifications: Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure
Price: RM111,600 (OTR with insurance & GST)
Engine: 2.5-litre inline-4 VGT turbodiesel
Horsepower: 178 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 5 speed automatic with Sport mode
Mitsubishi Triton VGT photo gallery
