In 2005, the Mitsubishi Triton received a tepid reception when it replaced the much-loved Mitsubishi Colt. Now, after 12 long years, there’s a new Triton. Can it win back the hearts of the bakkie blokes?
Akinori Nakanishi, Mitsubishi’s chief designer, doesn’t conform to the Japanese stereotype. He sports a stylish goatee and plays guitar in a successful blues band. He’s also the man who designed the divisive 2005 Triton bakkie.
Although it was praised for its roomy interior and mechanical reliability, South Africans disliked the so-called J-line gap between the cabin and the load box. A common jab was that the Triton resembled a horse carriage with a bucket welded to the back. Ouch!
Elsewhere in the world, however, the 2005 Triton sold rather well, which just shows how fussy South Africans can be.
But this all happened over a decade ago. As soon as newer bakkies like the latest Hilux, Ranger and Amarok began surpassing the ageing Triton with regard to interior space and novelty, Mr Nakanishi presumably lay down his guitar, grabbed a pencil and designed a brand-new Triton.
The 2017 model embraces many design elements introduced by its predecessor, but the controversial bits have been dialled way back and all of the acclaimed features have been improved. After driving the new Triton, I firmly believe that it deserves a second chance. In fact, it’s one of the best bakkies out there, bar a few teensy issues…
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