2017’s most popular 4x4s: Mitsubishi Triton report card

MITSUBISHI’S Triton ute is holding steady at number three on the 4x4 sales charts.

So steady, in fact, 2017 sales almost mirror 2016, the first full year of sales for this latest, fifth-generation Triton.

However, if things stay this way, the Triton is in danger of being knocked out of the third place it has held for a few years now by the quickly rising Holden Colorado.

Sales of this latest Triton are also well behind those of the last-generation Triton when it was in run-out mode back in 2015, but with the Pajero Sport joining Triton in the top-ten best sellers, it’s unlikely Mitsubishi, or its dealers, are complaining too much.

The Triton stands out among the current crop of 4x4 utes in a number of ways. One reason is the full-time 4x4 of GLS and Exceed models, thanks to Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select’ system.

Full-time 4x4 adds greatly to the Triton’s functionality, driveability and safety under most driving conditions, and it stands the Triton apart from all of its competitors bar the Volkswagen Amarok. Super Select also has a 2WD mode, so it’s different again from a conventional full-time system.

Unfortunately, Super Select doesn’t make the Triton a gun off-road ute, but that’s all to do with its modest suspension travel and ground clearance and nothing to do with the Super Select system.

The Triton is also a small ute by class standards in cabin size, payloads and towing capacity. The fact that most of the tray of the dual-cab models overhangs the rear axle is also a negative when it comes to carrying or towing heavy loads; although, the 2.4-litre diesel holds up its end even if the chassis layout isn’t ideal.

One positive here is that the Triton is more manoeuvrable than the others in its class, thanks to its relatively short wheelbase. It also has sporty feel to the way it steers and handles, thanks in part to being lighter than most competitors.

SALES
2017(to June): 7661
2016 (to June): 7571
Change: + 1.2%

REPORT CARD*
Powertrain: C
On-Road: B
Off-Road: D
Cabin & Equipment: C
Towing & Practicality: D
Final word: Value package, but not as big or as capable as others.

*Scored against class competitors. A= Excellent. B= Very Good. C= Good. D= Fair. E= Poor. F= Fail.

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