Better Late Than Never

Mitsubishi recently launched its Triton locally – a few years after it was made available overseas. Jaco Kirsten drove it and tried to establish if it can compete with its peers.

- Jaco Kirsten

The launch of a new bakkie in South Africa usually goes hand in hand with the same kind of excitement and discussions that precede the appointment of a new Springbok rugby coach. It’s too short here and not long enough there and it doesn’t matter who it is, there will always be someone who knows better.

By this time it’s no secret that for the past year or two Mitsubishi South Africa felt that the rand/dollar exchange rate made it difficult to import the new Triton at a competitive price.

However, after the rand strengthened last year (while we’re holding our breath to see how the honourary minister Gigaba will fare), Mitsubishi could finally start importing the Triton.

The first question is: How good is the new Triton? The short answer: Very good, thank you. But you do have to qualify this statement with: These days there isn’t such a thing as a poor bakkie, regardless what the more-brawn-than-brains ’okes claim over a few brandies and Coke late at night in the Dorsbult bar.

The new Triton has clear similarities with its forerunner, especially the slanted line between the loading bin and the cabin.

Do you still remember how everyone choked in their coffee when the previous Triton came out with it? Now it doesn’t even look funny anymore, and the advantage of such a design is more space in the cabin without lengthening the wheelbase.

Pop the hood