Mitsubishi Triton Warrior 2014 Review

Talk about long-lived, Mitsubishi’s Triton ute has been around since Adam was a boy and is set to continue for a while yet. It’s common for carmakers to really string out their utes for up to twice as long as passenger cars. But increasing competition would be forcing Mitsubishi to sweeten the Triton deal to maintain its strong sales momentum. They’ve come up with the GLX-R Warrior limited edition model - a dual cab, 4x4, turbo diesel, along with some across the board minor upgrades to the strikingly styled workhorse. Year model 2015 Triton gets additional safety and convenience features but looks pretty much the same as before .

VALUE

The  GLX-R Warrior manual is $43,990 driveaway (five speed auto adds two grand) and has a range of extra technology and comfort features, including differential lock, Mitsubishi’s advanced Multi Communication System with USB input, voice recognition and

Bluetooth iPhone and iPod connectivity, eight  speaker audio system and power amplifier, black leather seat trim and six-way power adjustable driver’s seat. BUT NO REVERSING CAMERA!!

The premium audio is impressive and multiple connectivity options are provided. Comprehensive vehicle information is provided on the large centre screen.

DESIGN

And it’s a long beasty - one of the longest utes, if not the longest ute in the one tonner class.

That’s because Mitsu’ bolted a long tray onto the back a few years back in response to requests from owners.

Looks a bit how-ya-goin’ but you can’t deny the load capacity. In practical terms, the Triton offers plenty including that large load tray that can take a couple of trail bikes with the tailgate closed. It can tow up to 3000kg (braked) and plenty of room is provided inside for four or five passengers.

Warrior’s exterior look is enhanced with an alloy front nudge bar, flush fit vinyl tonneau cover and Warrior decal on the front doors.

Spec gains to the entire Triton range include upgraded audio with Bluetooth with voice recognition (irritating to use) and steering wheel-mounted audio controls on GL and GLX models.

Two ISOFIX child seat anchorage points are in models that can accommodate child seats.

We got hold of the auto Warrior and thought it was a good thing with some reservations as already outlined.

ENGINE

Performance from the 2.5-litre turbo diesel four cylinder engine is good as is fuel economy hovering around the 9.6-litres/100km mark. It takes a bit to get off the line though due to the weight of the vehicle.

The engine has a variable geometry turbo fitted for efficiency that helps produce 131kW/400Nm in the manual, 350Nm in the auto tested. Pity the auto doesn’t get the full 400…

DRIVING

Ride is comfortable even with a load on board and the Warrior is handy on the freeway, around town or off the beaten track. It will go virtually anywhere offroad - within reason.

A set of 17-inch alloys is fitted but we shake our head at the small disc brakes wondering how they cope with the job at hand.

As the top of the range Triton, the Warrior score Mitsubishi’s 4x4 system with four drive modes including a selectable crawler low range with locked differential for really tough going.

It also allows shifts from 2WD to 4WD at speeds up to 100kmh. Load capacity on the Warrior is just shy of a full tonne and the vinyl tonneau is easy to use and more practical than a hard top.