MITSUBISHI TRITON

Two-in-one vehicle


Mitsubishi Triton Lite’s good looks ARE converting many car owners into truck drivers

by Y S Khong

THE idea of owning a truck is catching on, and the advent of the Mitsubishi Triton series is helping to convert many car owners into truck owners due to its handsome looks.

The thought of driving around in a truck seemed unappealing, but the Triton’s many car-like features, coupled with its not-so-industrial shape, helped to tip the scales.

However, even though the light truck in itself is a bargain to purchase on account of it being free of import duty, the price of between RM80K to RM90+K per unit is still a daunting proposition.

Built on the same platform as the Triton, the Triton Lite is a lower-cost version that sits lower, and comes without the 4WD option but a five-speed manual transmission.

Sold at a little below RM60K, it offers a viable alternative for someone who would otherwise have to settle for a national car or a Korean sub-compact.

Now, for someone living in the countryside, and perhaps has to traverse the not-so-good roads or need to carry some produce to market every once in a while, the Triton Lite can serve as both a family vehicle and a workhorse.

The interior fittings, although a grade or so lower than that of the Triton 4x4, is still decent enough, while the dual cabin seats five adults quite comfortably.

Interior space is generous, and headroom is as good as in a Triton 4x4. At the rear end, a low loading height makes for easy loading and unloading.

Built much tougher than a sedan, and with high ground clearance, the kampung folk can enjoy its benefits for a much longer time, because the Triton Lite is able to withstand much tougher treatment than an ordinary car can.

In the urban areas, small- and medium-size business people can use the Triton Lite as a utility vehicle, as the rear deck is big and can carry up to a ton in payload.

There are also people who buy trucks and never ever venture off the tarmac for the entire duration of ownership.

For these people, the Triton Lite would be ideal. The Triton Lite is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre diesel engine; in fact, a little bird told me that this is the very well-proven and durable engine from the Mitsubishi Pajero, which many of us are familiar with.

Maximum power is 75PS at 4,200rpm, and maximum torque is 149Nm at 2,500rpm. This is not as high as the 136 horses that one can get from the Triton 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine but the saving grace is lower maintenance cost and excellent fuel economy.

The front suspension is made up of a double-wishbone arrangement and coil springs, while the rear is a leaf spring. Brakes are large ventilated discs in the front, while the rear is fitted with drums. Steering is rack and pinion, a set-up that provides excellent driving feel.

On the road, the Triton Lite drives quite decently. It is not as fast as a regular turbo-charged light truck, but it will get you there.

Acceleration is not as brisk, but once you get up to speed, it feels decent enough, and although it will not hit as high a speed as its turbo-charged sibling, it will travel at the highway regulation speed of 110kph and beyond if you wish it to.

Handling is decent and the suspension, although a little stiffer than the turbo-charged Triton, is decent enough for family usage, while being robust enough for heavy duty usage.

In the final analysis, the Triton Lite serves a purpose; it is available for those who require a truck but don’t really need the turbo-charged power.

It also offers a viable package for the buyer who is looking for a dual-purpose vehicle that is no nonsense and functional.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com