Popular wisdom says extended-cab bakkies are ideal for workhorse applications where the driver needs a safe place to keep tools and equipment - but Mitsubishi has discovered that most of its Triton Club Cab sales are to private 'lifestyle' buyers.
So it has taken the opportunity afforded by a midlife update to move the cab-and-a-half models smartly upmarket while at the same time refreshing the whole range with styling revisions inside and out, lots of new features and, for the range-topping 4x4 Double Cab, a more efficient, 'down-sized' turbodiesel.
The previous 3.2-litre turbodiesel has made way for an uprated 2.5-litre intercooled version - but power is up nine percent from 120kW to 131kW and torque increases 17 percent from 343 to 400Nm. Towing capacity is also increased to 1500kg with a braked trailer.
NEW LOOKS
The 2014 Tritons are distinguished by a new grille and front bumper, colour-coded wheel-arch trims, indicator repeaters in the side-mirror housings and smart new alloy rims - 17” on the double-cab 4x4, 16” on the rest of the double cab and club cab range.
The four-wheel drive system has also been upgraded, combining a new lockable centre differential with the shift-on-the-fly system and allowing the driver to shift from rear-wheel drive to 4H at up to 100km/h.
Then, when the going gets really tough, there's low range and a lockable rear diff as well.
Inside, the five-seater Triton now has leather seats, auto aircon, cruise control, a three-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel with multi-function switches for the audio system and Bluetooth connectivity with a voice control function.
CLUB CLASS
Extended-cab Tritons now have nearly all the features of the double cab (except that the seats ere trimmed in fabric) including Bluetooth connectivity with voice control and a multi-function steering wheel with satellite controls for sound and telephony.
Also available for the first time is a new Club Cab layout with optional rear seats.
PRICES
2.5 Di-DC Club Cab - R284 900
2.5 Di-DC Double Cab - R344 900
2.5 Di-DC 4x4 Double Cab - R419 900