Story by Sean Willmot Photo courtesy Mitsubishi

Still unmistakeably a Mitsubishi Triton, the MY 19 facelifted model has seen a significant range of enhancements to its transmission, suspension, brakes and 4WD systems as well as acquiring many safety features normally associated with the SUV and passenger car markets.

The stronger appearance of the Triton’s front end is carried through to the front guards of the ute, being square rather than flared. These also serve to increase the width by 30mm or so.

At the back, the tray has seen some revisions, with the tailgate integrating a reversing camera for the GLX-R and VRX models. The tail light cluster has also been redesigned.

Inside, there are changes to the centre panel, the dashboard display,  centre console, shift panel, door trim, armrests and cup holders.

By far the most obvious upgrade - to the VRX models - is the inclusion of a rear air circulator. This takes the cool air of the front cabin’s dual zone air conditioning and redirects it to the rear through louvered vents which rear occupants can direct as they wish.

Drivers, meanwhile will find the new 6-speed transmission a welcome upgrade from the previous 5-speed. Gear ratios are broader, which reduces engine rpm and noise.

As to the 4WD systems, these are largely carry-over from the previous model with the Easy Select system as found on GLX and GLX-R remaining unchanged. The Super Select II system, as found on the VRX, allows for 2WD, full-time 4WD and locked 4WD with on-the-fly shifts from 2H to 4H, as you take the Triton from paved to unpaved surfaces.

Upgrades to the system now include an all-terrain function for the off-road mode, allowing the best traction to be provided for gravel, sand, mud/snow and rock surfaces. This is further enhanced with the inclusion of hill descent control. 

Which takes us neatly into the other driver assistance features of the MY 19 Triton.

As with many SUVs and cars, the Triton ute is now equipped with forward collision mitigation which allows the vehicle to first alert the driver by audible and visual warning, then brakes in the event of a potential collision, should the driver not actually do so.

The FCM system uses a forward-facing camera to do its thing and this same camera serves to provide information to the lane departure warning system. The camera detects a lane marking crossover and alerts the driver to take corrective action.

Triton also comes with blind spot warning and as part of that, lane change assist which increases the range of the blind spot monitoring system when the indicator is used. Another integrated system is rear cross traffic alert when the vehicle is stationary or reversing.

A new feature is the ultrasonic miss-acceleration mitigation system. This detects potential collisions when the vehicle starts from a standstill.

Lastly, the Triton comes with the Multi Around View monitoring system. This operates at speeds up to 10km/h and generates a bird’s eye view with five display combinations controlled through a new button on the steering wheel which offer Bluetooth connectivity, audio control and voice command along with cruise control.

The MY19 Triton range offers GLX, GLX-R and VRX models in 2WD, single and double cab models. The bulk of the range is 4WD model variants with the lion’s share of those being GLX specification grade in cab chassis single, crew and double cab variants; GLX-R spec in two double cab wellside models and one VRX double cab wellside.

Pricing is generally a $3k premium over the outgoing model.

The entry level 2WD GLX single cab chassis kicks off the range at $38,790, with the double cabber manual at $47,120. 2WD VRX double cab auto is $54,990.

For 4WD models the prices start at $48,190 for the GLX single cab auto, $49,190 for the GLX Club cab chassis auto and $50,490 for the 4WD GLX Double cab chassis auto.  GLX-R double cabs are between $53,990 and $55,990 depending on transmission.

For the top end VRX grade double cab, Mitsubishi dealerships have access to a special launch price of $49,990.

To read the full story in the March 2019 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (February 18) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.