Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) has confirmed that the Japanese manufacturer’s next-generation Triton pick-up range will be available in Southern African markets from the middle of next year.
“We are delighted to confirm the introduction of the all-new Triton onto the local market. In countries where it’s already been launched, automotive journalists were extremely complimentary about the quiet, carlike drive it offers,” says MMSA COO Wynand Pretorius.
“The softer and quieter sports-utility-vehicle-type ride, complemented by the functionality of a traditional load bin, prompted Mitsubishi’s engineers to label it a sports utility truck.”
The new Triton is the fifth-generation Mitsubishi pick-up.
Sales of the current-generation Triton, launched in 2007, have been slipping gradually over the last number of years. The vehicle could never quite reach the level of popularity of its predecessor, the locally made Colt.
MMSA sold 12 Tritons in October this year, 61 units in the same month last year, 96 in October 2013 and 121 units in October 2012.
The new Triton boasts a bold grill framed by bi-xenon lights, accentuated flanks and a larger load bay.
“The new design harks back to the popular Colt, which was the top-selling pick-up in South Africa in the early 2000s,” says Pretorius.
This position has now been taken up by the Toyota Hilux, with the Ford Ranger in close pursuit, both selling between 2 000 and 3 000 units a month.