Mitsubishi Triton 2005 review

But we needed a big car for a big job – an outback adventure to Leigh Creek and beyond.

We had to have something with grunt (at least thought we did) to tackle the outback roads; a car that could make the distance and keep us in relative comfort but one that could go the extra mile if the going got tough.

And what a champion the Triton was – like going in to battle with a gladiator by your side. It's a big, beefy beast with a three-litre V6 engine under the bonnet.

(An intercooled turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel is also available and mention of this to the bush blokes had them all grunting approval.)

As it was, the few dirt roads we tackled weren't so bad but the Triton made mincemeat of the odd corrugation and danced over floodway dips. We didn't even need the 4WD option.

And it makes you feel safe – the chunky design, big bull-bar and sitting up high with a good view of the road. The Triton is built to carry loads – a week-day workhorse perfect for tradesmen. But in our case it was loaded with luggage instead of a commercial cargo.

On or off the road, the Triton handles well, although without a heavy load in the back, the ride is pretty bumpy.

But bounce is not all bad. It just made for a few laughs along the way.

Inside the Triton is just as butch as the gun-metal grey exterior.

The black sporty colour scheme looks great and there are just enough compartments to get by. But would you believe they were filled with bits for all the blokes on board.

On the comfort side, the Triton is not bad. Front seats are firm but comfortable and adjustable. The back seats are a different story with just one position – upright – so you need a few pillows to get you through a day's driving.

One major complaint: the Triton, a titan on the road, has two of the wussiest cup holders I've ever seen and they are in the worst spot.

Pull out a thin panel on the dash and out they pop. But if you actually use them, all those important things you need on a long trip like airconditioning controls, the radio and CD, even the clock, are blocked.

Go over a bump or put the brakes on hard and you could end up with goo all over the instrument panel.

Where's a bloke supposed to put his iced coffee?

Love it leave it

Triton GLX-R, three-litre V6 petrol, five-speed manual

Love it

TRUSTY steed. The bouncy ride was better than taking a roller coaster at Dreamworld.

Leave it

MISSED cruise control.

No cup holders in back.

Soaked up petrol like a sponge.

Tackling dirt roads means dust gets into everything in the back.