Normally two door cab chassis utes are a two wheel drive version and most will come in manual.
So when the opportunity came up to test a Mitsubishi Triton GLX Cab Chassis in 4wd automatic configuration we jumped at the chance and had the vehicle for a couple of weeks.
Exterior
The Mitsubishi Triton GLX Cab Chassis(CC) looks just like its 4 door dual cab siblings. The front grill is sleek and falls onto the more stylish offerings.
The GLX has body coloured bumpers, Halogen headlamps, but no fog lights.
It runs on 16 x 7.0J steel rims with 245/70R16 111S all terrain tyres. The spare is a full size tyre.
The particular vehicle we had was fitted with a Mitsubishi approved alloy tray and as such ran the ever important reversing camera.
Interior
Jump inside and you are greeted with the familiar Triton cab. The fabric seats are reasonably comfortable. There isn’t much leg room for taller drivers, but if you are 185cm or less then the cab will be comfortable.
I could fit my large 190cm frame in there but leg room was crowded. Head room wasn’t an issue.
To assist with finding the comfortable driving position the thickish steering wheel is both reach and height adjustable, unlike a lot of the competitors.
On the steering wheel is the cruise control, audio controls and blue tooth for the phone. The twin dial dash, with centre MFD is both clear and uncluttered.
All around visibility is excellent, save for the thick sloping ‘A’ pillar that in all modern cars can obscure vehicles at roundabouts and corners.
Storage is adequate, with door pockets and bottle holders, central cup holders, a centre console storage with padded top and reasonable glove box.
It’s interesting that the more basic model vehicles often have the older dial controls for the A/C, yet in reality that is all that is needed. With plenty of vents you won’t get hot or cold in the Triton CC.
The interior is functional with rubber floor mats, lots of plastic trim and fabric seats as mentioned.
One thing I did notice, that was both annoying and disappointing, was the fact that when I switched from low beam headlights to high beam, in most cars they keep the low beam lights on, not in the Triton CC. So high beam lighting is weak.
This was particularly noticeable one evening coming back from the farm across the mountains. It was misty and with no fog lights, and weak high beams the trip was hazardous. It is really noticeable.
Features
Well there is more than you would expect but not a lot as well.
There is keyless entry, electric external rear view mirrors, electric windows, automatic locking doors.
Mitsubishi Tritons run an AM/FM radio/CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth phone connectivity & audio streaming with voice control.
This is visibly through the display Audio with 6.1″ full colour touch screen.
Additional features include 2 speakers, USB Input and iPod control.
Engine/Drivetrain
The Triton is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine.
It achieves 133kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430Nm peak torque at 2500 rpm. Importantly though is that the majority of that torque comes in at around 1500 rpm and another hit at 1750rpm and the delivery makes for relaxed and economical driving.
The engine is now much quieter however still allows the comforting diesel sound to alert the senses.
The Triton delivers this power and torque to the wheels through an ASIN 5 speed automatic transmission.
Although this may seem one gear too few, the transmission is matched beautifully with the engine for smooth acceleration and control and maximises the availability of low torque delivery.
4WD Ability
It is unusual to have a 2 door cab chassis automatic 4WD Ute. Having said that the Triton performs off road as well as the dual cab versions.
Single Cab-Cab Chassis 4×4 models have Easy-Select 4WD which allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the move at speeds under 100km/h with the touch of a dial.
Unfortunately the CC misses out on the rear diff lock of the dual cab versions. This is particularly disappointing as in a number of situations this would be really handy, especially on the farm or wet, muddy work sites.
Single Cab-Cab Chassis models feature heavy-duty suspension matched with all-terrain tyres on 4×4 models for greater grip off-road.
What is it like to drive?
Although all CC Utes are a little harsh riding when empty, the Triton manages to feel more composed on road than others.
It isn’t a bone jarring experience and when loaded seems to simply sit and power along with a relatively comfortable ride.
The low delivery of torque allows responsive driving and on the freeway it will easily sit on cruise control with a full load without bother. You never felt wanting for more acceleration or power.
Fuel economy wasn’t great, as none of these type of vehicles are.
It was OK at about 8.5L/100Km on the freeway and 10.5L/100K around town.
With a tight turning circle the Triton is more manoeuvrable than you might expect and parking in shopping centres, with the reverse camera, is easy.
The thing to remember with all CC Utes is not to buy a heap of groceries with two people on board. It gets crowded if you can’t put them in the tray.
I used the Triton almost daily for about 4 weeks, and never did I feel that I was reluctant to jump in and go somewhere.
Over that time I drove the Triton full, empty, around town, on the freeway, on the beach, on the farm and just about everywhere.
Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4WD Cab Chassis Dimensions
- Overall length of 5075mm
- Wheelbase of 3000mm
- Width of 1815mm
- Height of 1770mm
- Turning circle is 11.8m
- GVM of 2900kg, GCM 5785kg (AT)
- Payload 1235kg
- Unladen ground clearance is 205mm
- Approach angle is 30 degrees, rampover is 25 and departure angle is TBC dependent on tray
- Wading depth is 700mm
- Towing capacity is 3000kg and tow ball rating is up to 10%
Safety
With a 5 star ANCAP safety rating the Triton has:
- Six airbag safety including Driver & front passenger SRS airbags, Driver & front passenger side SRS airbags, Curtain SRS airbags, Driver knee airbag
- Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body
- Side door impact beams
- Front seatbelt pretensioners & force limiters
- Seatbelt warning lamp – driver & front passenger
- 1 x Child restraint anchorage point
- Reverse Camera
Active safety features include:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist System (EBA)
- Smart Brake
- Emergency Stop Signal Function (ESS)
- Active Stability Control (ASC)
- Active Traction Control (ATC)
- Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Conclusion
Mitsubishi occupies the value end of the segment. It offers quality and features at affordable prices.
The reliability and quality of the Triton hasn’t been questioned and the CC version offers a comfortable reliable workhorse Ute.
Add to that the 4WD capability and automatic transmission and you have something a little different in the CC segment.
Something that is worthwhile paying for as the extra benefits and practicality are worth it.
Good Bits
- 4WD capability in a CC
- Payload capacity
- Ride and Handling for a CC
Not So Good Bits
- No Sat-nav
- Misses out on rear diff lock
- High Beam/Low Beam headlights
Facts and Figures: 2017 MY Mitsubishi Triton GLX Single Cab
- Engine: 2.4 litre four-cylinder diesel turbo 133kW/430Nm
- Transmission: Five-speed auto 4WD
- Safety: Five stars
- Warranty: 5yrs/100,000km
- Origin: Thailand
- Price: from $35,000MLP
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