Remember when off-road motorsport was a cornerstone for the Mitsubishi brand? It forged a credible reputation in gruelling dirt-based racing formulas, the Dakar and World Rally Championship.
Models like the Lancer Evolution were among pioneers of the high-performance, four-wheel drive genre. Today, Mitsubishi is a different brand. There is evidence that it fell victim to indifferent management, losing the momentum it once had. Just look at local flops like the Mirage hatchback.
Or consider that the carmaker still relies on the ASX for volume, a product that has hardly changed since its release in 2011. You would say Mitsubishi might have taken steps to reinvent the iconic Pajero, much like Land Rover did with the Defender.
Still, while these offerings are dated, there remains a sense of engineering integrity to them. That also applies to the Triton pickup, a hugely underrated vehicle that falls into the periphery of the usual set: Ranger, Hilux, Navara, Amarok and D-Max.
We recently had a go in the middle-range 2.4 GL 4x2 manual double-cab coming in at a competitive R479,995. What you get is a sweet spot between workhorse and capable family hauler. This version of the Triton was first launched in April 2019, introducing a leaner, meaner aesthetic. Initially, it was only offered in high-grade specification. The GL omits the garnishes, packing the essentials. Outside, buyers will find plain but attractive 16-inch wheels. Its interior is a festival of black plastics, which are a more than acceptable standard.
A basic touchscreen infotainment system serves the purpose, in addition to air-conditioning. Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and Isofix mounting points are included. You might, however, miss items such as a reverse camera and steering-mounted audio controls.
Turn the key and the Mitsubishi sparks into life with an agricultural clatter that is notable from the outside, but well suppressed to occupants. The six-speed manual shifter vibrates on start-up. It feels labour-intensive by passenger car standards, but the lever operates in a direct fashion, while the clutch has a defined uptake point. Its steering is weighty, despite power assistance.
This is not a leisure-orientated bakkie for those who want the trappings of a soft life. It is a sturdy, practical double-cab for a demographic planning to roll up their sleeves during the week. Ride quality has always been a positive point for the Triton and that remains unchanged in the GL. Double wishbones with coils serve at the front and though leaf springs are employed at the rear, the vehicle manages to avoid being overly jittery. A one-ton capacity and integrated cargo hooks ensure suitability to various loads.
The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged-diesel motor pulls well, with an output of 100kW and 324Nm. It felt more sprightlier than what the figures suggested, particularly in highway conditions.
If substance is more of a priority than style, the keenly priced and tough-feeling Triton GL is worth a look. The price includes a three-year/100,000km warranty as standard and a five-year/90,000km service plan.
