Auto for 4x4 diesel Triton

ONE year after its new ML Triton light commercial vehicle range was first launched, Mitsubishi Australia has finally announced an automatic transmission option for 4x4 diesel versions of its new utility.

The four-speed automatic transmission costs an extra $2000 and deliveries commence next month.

When fitted with the auto, the 3.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail intercooled turbo-diesel engine still produces the same 118kW of power at 3800rpm and 343Nm of torque at 2000rpm as with the manual gearbox.

Towing capacity is unchanged and fuel consumption is rated at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.

With diesel autos developing into a big growth area in the sports utility segment, Mitsubishi expects the new auto to add around 200 sales a month to Triton’s average this year of 1160 units a month.

The ML Triton has been a sales winner for Mitsubishi. Sales of 4x4 models are up by 45 per cent over the first half of 2006 and 4x2 sales, although down 24.8 per cent overall for the year, are charging back since the launch three months ago of a new entry-level 2.4-litre petrol model priced from just $17,990.

This is a good result for Mitsubishi because, while the segment is up overall, Triton’s growth is outstanding. The Mazda BT-50 is performing ahead of the previous B-Series, but Ford Ranger sales are static compared with the previous Courier and Holden Rodeo sales are actually down on last year.

“The introduction of the automatic diesel variant will further support Triton sales and the model’s continued growth in the Australian market,” said Mitsubishi Australia president Rob McEniry.

Mr McEniry said that Mitsubishi had recognised a shift in the utility market towards the separation of two distinct segments – workhorse utes and sports utility vehicles – and had designed the Triton accordingly.



“In 1997, sports utilities accounted for around nine per cent of the 4x4 pick-up segment, but this has grown to 56 per cent in 2007,” said Mr McEniry.

“The majority of buyers entering the segment are coming from traditional passenger or four-wheel drive wagon vehicles and these buyers are looking for performance, economy and car-like driving comfort. With the addition of the new automatic diesel Triton line-up, Mitsubishi has all their needs covered.”Automatic diesel Triton 4x4 prices start from $35,690 for the GLX Cab Chassis and Pick-up models, $41,690 for the GLX Double Cab, $46,990 for the GLX-R Double Cab and $51,990 for the GLS Double Cab.

2007 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 diesel automatic range pricing:
GLX 4x4 3.2 TD cab-chass (a)	$35,690
GLX 4x4 3.2 TD dual-cab (a)	$41,690
GLX-R 4x4 3.2 TD dual-cab (a)	$46,990
GLS 4x4 3.2 TD dual-cab (a)	$51,990