The new Mitsubishi (L200) Triton pickup truck which was launched in 2015 has more power now. There is a new 2.4liter aluminium block 4 cylinder MIVEC variable geometry turbo (VGT) engine powering it. It makes 181ps and a whopping 430Nm torque from the engine and you get to drive it with a 6 speed automatic transmission as well as a manual. Quite marvellous tech has gone into the engine. Which is why I am writing about it. Usually I am not so bothered about a variant launch instead of a totally new car launch.
The 4N1 engine family which is the engine used by the Triton is the world's first to feature a variable valve timing (on the intake side) system applied to passenger car diesel engines (previously only petrol engines had this feature). All engines developed within this family have aluminum cylinder block, double overhead camshaft layouts, four valves per cylinder, a common rail injection system with a variable geometry turbocharger and MIVEC variable valve timing.
This 4N15 version also features a maintenance free timing chain. It is also up to 30kg lighter than the previous 2.5liter 4D56 VGT engine that was used in the Triton previously. That engine made 178ps and 400Nm in manual transmission and only 350Nm with the automatic transmission (in earlier specs). Mitsubishi has now ensured that the automatic makes as much torque as the manual variant.
Now do note that the Triton with its VGT engine isn't the king of the under 2.5liter pickups still. I believe the 2.5liter Nissan Navara makes 450Nm from its 2.5liter engine. It still is ahead of the Ford Ranger 2.2XLT which has to make do with 375Nm or so. Of course, Nissan has a 3.0liter Navara and Ford also has a 3.2liter Wildtrak if you want to get feisty. I suppose the Triton can counter all of that with its newness and slightly futuristic styling. The Navara is all boxy and traditional looking. As is the Ford Ranger. This looks like a Transformer robot with its shield-like chrome finished nose.
Mitsubishi in recent years have faced stiff competition and have chosen to focus on their SUV/pickup, city/supermini sized cars and electric car market. They have foregone their traditional compact to full sized car segment these days. They also have been hard hit with the recent fuel mileage reporting fiasco (much like Volkswagen's dieselgate emissions test cheat) and Nissan have a controlling interest in the company. At least they are still innovative when it comes to building engines. And do note that since this Triton was launched last year, expect it to be on sale for at least a good nine to ten years. The previous Triton was launched in 2005 and was produced till 2015.
There are four VGT specced Tritons to choose from. Entry level VGT costs RM102,619 to RM125,005 (without insurance but with GST). All are fully imported from Mitsubishi's factory in Thailand (which seems to be the hub for all L200/Triton global exports).
The new Triton comes with 2 Years of Free Maintenance and a 3 years/ 100,000 km factory warranty, whichever comes first.
NEW MITSUBISHI TRITON WITH MIVEC TURBO DIESEL ENGINE
FIRST PICK-UP TRUCK TO OFFER AN ALUMINIUM DIESEL ENGINE
Kuala Lumpur, 5 September 2016- Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is set set to make a revolutionary introduction of the new Mitsubishi Triton with MIVEC Turbo Diesel engine and is the first pick-up to offer an aluminium diesel engine.Powered by a new aluminum alloy block 2.4-litre MIVEC Turbo Diesel Engine with VGT Intercooler, the new Triton is now more powerful and more fuel efficient. The new Triton is also the first with diesel engine in the segment to use MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic control system) variable valve timing technology.
Speaking at the launch of the new Mitsubishi Triton, Mr. Yang Won-Chul, Chief Executive Officer of MMM said, “About 15 years ago, the Mitsubishi L200 was the first pick-up truck in Malaysia to be offered with an automatic transmission. In 2008, the Mitsubishi Triton raised the bar by being the first to offer a 3.2-litre engine, and in 2012 the Triton VGT became the first truck in Malaysia to use Variable Geometry Turbo.”
He added, “In 2015, Triton was the first pick-up truck in Malaysia to be offered with a wide array of passenger car-like features including Push Start Button, Keyless Operation, Automatic Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights, Tilt and Telescopic Steering and Paddle Shifters for manual control of the automatic transmission. The vast improvements made for the new Triton marks yet another milestone for Mitsubishi Motors in Malaysia. The brand has a long heritage of providing Malaysian customers with the best pick-up truck to suit their everyday needs, be it for work or for play, or both.”
More on MIVEC with Turbo Diesel Engine
Previously only available on Mitsubishi’s petrol engines, MIVEC allows for finer control of the valves.
Thanks to improvements in common rail diesel technology, diesel fuels can now combust at much lower pressure, leading to reduced noise and emissions. However precise control of the valves is necessary to maintain cold-start performance.
With MIVEC finely controlling the valves, improvements in all areas of performance can now be realised. The lower pressure in the combustion chamber also means that it is possible to use lightweight aluminum alloy material for the engine block.
By using lightweight aluminum instead of a traditional cast iron material, the new engine is about 30kg lighter than before, while at the same time retaining the same level of reliability and robustness that all Mitsubishi 4x4s are known for.
Engine performance has also been improved, with output now rising to 181 PS of power and 430 Nm of torque, while consuming up to 15 percent less fuel (Actual fuel consumption results may vary according to driving style, vehicle conditions and other factors). With reduced kerb weight and increased power output, overall acceleration and driving performance has also been improved.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has also been improved making the new Triton a quieter and comfortable drive.
The use of timing chain also means reduced maintenance cost, and longer service lifespan.
About New Triton
The new Triton now comes in six variants, allowing it to meet the needs of a wide range of customers.
The new Triton VGT Adventure X variant is now flagship of the Triton range. It comes standard with rugged looking accessories like a Shield Extender for the front bumper, new Sports Bar with Fullbox, and Dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.The existing Triton VGT AT & VGT MT has also been upgraded. On top of the new engine, Automatic Bi-Xenon HID Headlamps with integrated LED Daytime Running Lights and rear fog lamps are now available as standard. The VGT MT model has also been upgraded with a new 6-speed manual transmission.
All 4×4 models are equipped with Mitsubishi’s signature Easy Select 4WD system that optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear axles. By simply turning the 4WD Selector , drivers can select between 2WD-Hi and 4WD-Hi while driving at speeds of up to 100km/h, or to 4WD-Lo for the most challenging off-road conditions. The Easy Select 4WD system has been continuously improved for over two decades. It is a robust drivetrain that is able to handle high torque levels.
The new Triton retains its predecessors of best-in-class feature of 5.9 meters turning radius.
As before, all new Triton models are imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicle from Mitsubishi Motors’ global production hub in Thailand.
Prices and colour options for all six variants are as listed in the table below:
Variant (RM) OTR Price Available Colours
without insurance but w/GST
1 Triton VGT Adventure X 4×4 AT 125,005 Impulse Blue, Titanium Grey
2 Triton VGT Adventure 4×4 AT 118,198 Earth Green, Red Solid, Pearl White, Shadow Black
3 Triton VGT 4×4 AT 109,446 Sterling Silver, Pearl White, Shadow Black
4 Triton VGT 4×4 MT 102,619
5 Triton 4×4 MT 88,997 Sterling Silver, White Solid
6 Triton Quest 4×2 MT 73,438
The new Triton comes with 2 Years of Free Maintenance and a 3 years/ 100,000 km factory warranty, whichever comes first.
Currently, the Triton sales are close to 400 units per month with a 15% market share in the pick-up truck segment (January – July 2016). With the launch of the new Triton, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia aims to sell 500 units of the Triton per month.
Since launching the all-new Triton in May last year, MMM has more than 7,000 units to date contributing 50% of MMM total sales.
The new Triton VGT Adventure X will only be in showrooms from 23 September onwards.
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