The Eighth Man

It’s a whole lot more than the Fullback sibling, and might even help turn that bakkie scrum…

- Andrew Middleton

Unbeknownst to most, the Mitsubishi Triton can trace its roots as far back as 1978 when the brand’s first pick-up, the ‘Forte’, was launched in Japan. South Africa got the second-gen Colt, also known as the L200, from the mid-eighties, and then there was the Rodeo… Now in its fifth generation, the Mitsubishi one-tonner remains a fringe product in SA’s bakkie segment, but majors on a great reputation for reliability, good value and a unique 4x4 system to entice customers. The Triton is available in four double-cab flavours including manual and auto options, with two- or four-wheel drive.

Interior

All new bakkies are moving upmarket at a steady rate, with all sorts of luxury bells and whistles as standard. The Triton has most of these, but without too much shouting – it achieves an appropriate compromise between workhorse and luxury frills. A fine leather wrapped steering wheel and some of the most effective air-con this side of an arctic gale is certainly refreshing, and general occupant-comfort is high. Rear legroom has been improved by almost 20mm from the previous generation double cab and the seats are superbly comfortable – at least on par with the rivals.

On a weekend of 4x4ing and Cederberg exploration, there was never a single squeak or rattle, and the dash remained planted over corrugations. Unfortunately, it’s not all rosy, as the infotainment system is extremely frustrating to use, not to mention completely illegible in direct sunlight, which makes the reversing camera near useless when it’s sunny.