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Mitsubishi Triton Exceed dual cab pick-up ute 2016 review

EXPERT RATING
7
Derek Ogden road tests and reviews the Mitsubishi Triton Exceed dual cab pick-up with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

In the terms of former federal treasurer Joe Hockey, the facelifted Mitsubishi Triton is a lifter not a leaner. The Mitsubishi workhorse has been loaded up with kit and commercial vehicle characteristics, all of which it carries off with aplomb; no dragging the feet here.

The fifth generation Triton comes in two-wheel or four-wheel drive variants in three specification levels, GLX, which is aimed at the traditional light commercial buyer looking for a versatile working vehicle; the mid-range GLS; and top-spec Exceed, which up the ante with technology, luxury and convenience features.

The GLX single cab chassis manual opens the pricing at $24,490, while the range is topped off with the Exceed 4x4 automatic Double Cab Pick-Up for $47,490. We scored the Exceed to test drive for a week.

Design

The 2016 Triton has dispensed with what some had called an inconsequential nose and replaced it with a gigantic front grille with the Mitsubishi logo looking very dominant.

The grille has a bright chrome finish, while there are high intensity discharge headlamps and LED daytime running lights on the GLS and Exceed.

Aerodynamic efficiency is achieved by smoothly trimming Triton's front bumper corners and roof trailing edge, tapering the cab and tub towards the rear and the shape of the A-pillars.

The cabin feels spacious when passengers are seated

Mitsubishi's signature J-Line between cab and tub is again a feature of Triton Double Cab models. The result is designed to minimise space between cabin and load space. From the side, Triton has a more simplified link between cabin and tray. 

Distinctive rear tail lights wrap around the sides of the tub and integrate the rear and foglamps. 

Triton's Double Cab interior length has increased by 20 mm, greater head and shoulder space in the front and more legroom in the back. Head clearance and shoulder room have increased compared to the previous generation Triton by repositioning the side glass, ensuring the cabin feels more spacious when passengers are seated.

Generally, there is a more upmarket feeling about the surroundings through use of tactile quality materials. A symmetrical and integrated design flowing from the centre of the instrument panel to the door trim and centre console create a unified working area.

Features

Mitsubishi Triton Exceed comes with reversing camera linked to a 7.0-inch touch screen, premium audio system with CD player, SD card and satellite navigation.

Bluetooth hands-free with voice control and audio streaming is available on all Triton models.

Engine

The 2016 Triton range is powered by a new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine putting out 133kW of power at 3500rpm and 430Nm peak torque at 2500rpm.

Five forward speeds are a rarity in autos these days

With an all-aluminium cylinder block and other lightweight materials, the Euro 5 compliant engine is more efficient, powerful and refined than its predecessor. Fuel consumption and emissions have been improved by lowering the compression ratio to 15.5:1 and fitting the diesel particulate filter as close to the engine as possible.

Triton comes with a new six-speed manual transmission or, as with the test vehicle, an optional five-speed automatic with Sport Mode, a new variant of the proven Aisin gearbox out of the Pajero. Five forward speeds are a rarity in autos these days.

Official braked towing capacity is 3100kg for both manual and automatic versions of 4x4 Double Cab models.

Safety

All 2016 Triton models have an official five-star ANCAP safety rating. Higher strength steels absorb impact from all directions and disperse it, while retaining cabin integrity in a crash.

Active stability and traction control is standard across the range, along with Mitsubishi's emergency stop signal function, which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking to alert vehicles behind.

All models are also fitted with a brake override system, which uses sensors to recognise when accelerator and brake pedals are being pressed at the same time and gives priority to the brake system to prevent accidental acceleration.

Passive safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver's knee airbag, while seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Driving

In terms of the powertrain, the latest Mitsubishi Triton is all about pulling power. Speed off the mark takes a back seat. The engine is tuned to deliver 25 per cent extra torque at 1500rpm, which reduces the need for downshifting to maintain speed.

Weight distribution is better under all loads

The powertrain generates a further lift in torque at 1750rpm, before reaching peak torque at 2500 revs, delivering greater overall driveability.

The taut 11.8 turning circle was welcome in some testing parking manoeuvres.

Triton's overall design is highly aerodynamic, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.42, contributing to vehicle stability at higher speeds and lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, put by the maker at 7.6L/100km and 201g/km, respectively on the combined urban/highway cycle.

With the wheelbase unchanged, the wheels have been moved further rearward producing weight distribution across all four wheels for improved dynamics and feedback. Weight distribution is also better under all loads.

Mitsubishi has designed extra reinforcement in the rear sub frame to enable the tub to increase overall torsional strength and provide a solid base to attach the rear suspension. This allowed engineers to tune Triton's rear suspension for maximum ride comfort. It makes for car-like ride and handling.

Exceed models are fitted with Mitsubishi's latest Super Select 4WD II system, which offers four driving modes – 2H, 4H and 4L, plus locked 4WD mode.

Key benefits include lower fuel consumption and quietness in 2WD and 40/60 front/rear torque distribution in full-time 4WD mode for superior cornering stability.

The Exceed has an electronic rear diff lock as standard.

Verdict

The 2016 Triton has taken on a more commanding appearance without losing aerodynamic efficiency as befits a truck of today. Combine this with good performance, occupant comfort, cargo carrying capacity, and a high level of safety and it's an attractive package for work and play.

How do you think the Triton Exceed measures up to the HiLux SR5 and the Ranger Wildtrak? Let us know in the comments below.

Click here to see more 2016 Mitsubishi Triton Exceed pricing and spec info.

Pricing guides

$25,837
Based on 439 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$12,984
Highest Price
$37,999

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
GLX 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $17,380 – 22,000 2016 Mitsubishi Triton 2016 GLX Pricing and Specs
GLX (4X4) 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $21,340 – 26,950 2016 Mitsubishi Triton 2016 GLX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
GLX (4X4) 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $22,770 – 28,050 2016 Mitsubishi Triton 2016 GLX (4X4) Pricing and Specs
GLX 2.4L, Diesel, 5 SP AUTO $28,710 – 34,650 2016 Mitsubishi Triton 2016 GLX Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Derek Ogden
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$12,984

Lowest price, based on 437 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.