Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive Double-Cab GLX-R Triton ute, powered by the 3.2-litre CDi diesel is ideal for families who enjoy weekend sports and recreation.
It’s roomy and well-appointed inside, so you can just load the family in front, your camping/sports equipment in the back and hit the road – the Triton will take you just about anywhere.
What You Get
Car Showroom tested the Triton GLX-R with the four-speed automatic transmission although serious off-roaders might prefer the five-speed manual.
Boasting the stylish good looks shared by all Double Cab Tritons, the range-topping GLX-R comes very highly equipped. A limited-slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and rear step bar are standard.
Inside there’s air-conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry, sports pedals, leather steering whee and shift levers, sports seats, MP3 compatible CD sound and Bluetooth.
Under the Hood
Mitsubishi’s common rail 3.2-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel is a beauty – in fact it must be said motoring journalists generally don’t give the company the credit it deserves for its diesels which are a match for rival Japanese brands.
The 3.2-litre delivers 118kW at 3,800 rpm and 343Nm at 2,000 rpm – that’s almost on par with Nissan’s highly praised 2.5-litre diesel in the Navara which is good for 106kW and 356Nm.
Around town the GLX-R proved its diesel engine was well-matched to the four-speed auto with plenty of acceleration constantly available for darting around the CBD and inner city. A weekend trip with all the family from Melbourne to Bendigo was tackled in comfort.
According to Mitsubishi, the combined cycle fuel economy for the 3.2-litre diesel auto is 9.9l/100kms.
The Interior
There were no complaints from the Car Showroom juniors about backseat accommodation during our country road trip – and that’s a good sign. Up front the sports seats fitted to the GLX-R model were excellent.
Mitsubishi’s multi-function display with various trip computer functions has been one of our favourites – lots of info, well-displayed with clear, readable graphics.
Exterior & Styling
Sharp lines, nice detail, large glass areas and dynamic curves combine to deliver Triton as one of the best-looking utes on the market (at least in Double cab models).
On The Road
We’ve driven a number of Tritons and continue to be impressed by the compliant ride offered by the front double wishbone coil suspension with rear leaf springs. Even when unladen, the Triton delivers a comfortable ride. The enhanced sports suspension included in the GLX-R package sharpens things up with just a bit more poise and precision noticeable on turn-in and mid-corner balance.
When working hard through the gears, the 3.2-litre diesel is probably not the quietest diesel around but it’s still acceptable even at freeway speeds. At speed, wind noise is impressively low even in the Double Cab.
Braking is good and the GLX-R gains ABS anti-lock with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Off-road the Triton GLX-R has Mitsubishi’s excellent 4WD credentials. The approach angle is 33 degrees and departure angle 29 degrees. Underneath, a transfer case protection panel is part of the GLX-R package.
The Triton is a full-size ute so reverse parking is not without its challenges – but again visibility is on par with similar vehicles from rival manufacturers.
Challenges
Triton’s load area is a bit narrower than the Nissan Navara (1470mm v 1560mm) but is lower (405mm v 450mm) for easier loading. The towing capacity (2500kgs for the GLX-R Double cab) is also just a little bit lighter than the Navara. As part of your research, consider your needs and bring a tape measure when comparing utes.
Verdict
As a recreational vehicle, we liked the Triton GLX-R. That 3.2-litre diesel is a winner, the extra features of the GLX-R add considerable appeal to the package and the contemporary interior and exterior styling certainly add ‘cred’ on the street.
Clearly the sports suspension adds to the driving dynamics.
We can easily imagine loading up and heading out of town for a weekend dirt bike or jet-ski adventure, then unloading just in time to jump back into the Triton to tackle the working week traffic crawl in comfort.
The Competition
The Aussie ute market is ultra-competitive so take your time and research thoroughly.
For starters the locally-manufactured Commodore and Falcon utes are strong, powerful and feature-packed.
For Triton, direct competition comes very highly-specified and priced in the form of Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50 and Toyota Hi-Lux.
Shop around, measure-up and take into consideration your total lifestyle needs.
Thumbs-up:
Contemporary styling; nice turbo-diesel; roomy interior; lots of kit
Thumbs-down:
Doesn’t match segment leaders for cargo or towing capacity
