In recent years Mitsubishi’s truck division was best remembered for selling a rebadged Dodge Dakota, but else where in the world it sold its own hugely popular pickup, known in various markets as the Triton or L200. The next generation, however, purports to be more car-like.
We’re not expecting a transition to a Honda Ridgeline unibody, but in an interview with Drive, Mitsubishi’s Australian marketing director Antonio Principe indicated it will have better driving dynamics and more standard amenities.
Mitsubishi has its sights set on the rest-of-the-world Ford Ranger and new Nissan Navara (which Nissan still denies will be the next Frontier, though we are skeptical). Both of those have seen recent updates whereas the Triton has been on the market since 2005. The triple-diamond brand also intends to achieve a 5-star NCAP rating (the current Triton only gets four).
The same range of body styles is expected, carrying over the current-gen’s choices of a single cab, extended cab, and four-door dual cab. Improved versions of the current 2.4L gasoline and 2.5L turbodiesel are expected, though Mitsubishi showed a diesel-electric hybrid concept at the Geneva Auto Show in 2013.
Styling has always been the Triton’s strong point, with rounded fenders and robot-faced grille that recalls a sci-fi moon buggy of some sort. The new truck is unlikely to have lines as futuristic as Geneva’s GR-HEV concept, but will take elements from that design.
Leave a Reply