New Mitsubishi Triton auto diesels

Mitsubishi, buoyed by increased sales in its ML Triton 4WDs, has announced the arrival in Australia of new automatic diesel models to the range.
The new four-speed automatic transmission is mated to Mitsubishi’s 3.2lt common rail turbo diesel engine and this configuration, says the manufacturer, is expected to be a high volume selling variant in the Triton range.

The automatic diesel Triton will be available in 4WD models only, in both single and double cab body styles, and in three specification levels:

Robert McEniry, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd, expects this new variant to increase Triton’s share in the Australian market even further.

“During 2006, 4x4 Triton sales increased by 24 per cent. (And) 2007 has seen this trend continue with the rugged utility showing an impressive 46 per cent increase year-to-date,” said McEniry.

“The introduction of the automatic diesel variant will further support Triton sales and the model’s continued growth in the Australian market,” he said.

Standard appointments for automatic-diesel GLX models include air-conditioning, power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, 16in steel wheels and AM/FM Radio/CD tuner with MP3 compatibility.

GLX-R models add a rear sports bar, nudge bar, side steps, privacy glass, 16in alloy wheels, carpet floor and mats with GLX-R logo, Titanium-look and chrome interior accents, and Bluetooth hands free phone operation.

The range-topping GLS model includes all these features (except nudge bar and logo carpet mats) plus external side protection moulding, automatic air conditioning, power driver’s seat and full leather seat trim.

Mitsubishi said sales figures for the Triton have proven remarkable since its release.

The company said the result posted by the 4x4 Triton in June, 2007, was the best ever monthly result for Triton in Australia and a significant 35 per cent up on the previous “best ever sales month” of June, 2006. Although the segment itself has increased since July, 2006, Triton’s popularity and reputation has seen the vehicle’s growth stay well in front of the market average, said Mitsubishi.

In designing the Triton range, Mitsubishi said it recognised a shift in the utility market towards the separation of two distinct segments – customers requiring a workhorse with the basic functions of a pick-up for commercial applications, and those after a more stylish utility for recreational activities.

According to McEniry, the Sports Utilities market has seen phenomenal growth in the last 10 years.

“In 1997, sports utilities accounted for around 9 per cent of the 4x4 pick-up segment,” said McEniry.

“This has grown to 56 per cent in 2007 – and the majority of the buyers entering the segment are coming from traditional passenger or four-wheel drive wagon vehicles.

“These buyers are looking for performance, economy and car-like driving comfort, and, with the addition of the new automatic diesel Triton line-up, Mitsubishi has all their needs covered.” McEniry said.

Manufacturer’s warranty for the Tritons are a five-year/130,000km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by a 10-year/160,000km power train warranty and a five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

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