Beyond limits: Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) proved that the Triton can help one “go beyond limits” by putting the pickup truck through its paces in a two-day trip with a mix of both on- and off-road driving.

Here’s what Zigwheels Philippines found out after spending some time with the Mitsubishi Strada successor.

Viable daily driver

The Mitsubishi Triton showcased its daily driving capabilities when it tackled the road from Manila to Bataan.

Maneuvering and weaving through traffic was not a problem as it stood high above the ground, providing the driver with a commanding view of the road ahead. Despite its large build, it was nimble enough to slide in and out of heavy traffic and the populated areas that led to our destination.

To note, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete — which was our assigned vehicle — measures 5,360 millimeters (mm) long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,815 mm tall. It clears the ground by 222 mm and has a wheelbase of 3,130 mm.

Traveling under the scorching sun was not a problem as it has a decent air conditioning system. Moreover, those sitting at the back will appreciate the dedicated vents positioned on the headliner instead of the typical under-the-center-armrest-louvers. The pull-down armrest on its second-row seats also has cup holders to store some refreshments. And while we’re on the topic of beverages, the Mitsubishi Tritron’s center armrest has a console box that can accommodate up to four 600-milliliter water bottles.

Also noteworthy is its seven-inch colored LCD instrument panel — which displayed relevant driving information — and its nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Driving through the long straightaways of North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway was no problem as audio from the Mitsubishi Triton’s six-speaker sound system — and the very diverse playlist we were listening to — kept occupants engaged.

Further, the decently bolstered seats helped keep us comfortable despite the abundance of curves and bends on the road that took us to Bagac, Bataan.

Overall, driving and riding the Mitsubishi Triton on national highways and expressways was an experience I enjoyed. While it may be packed with off-road-ready appointments, I still believe that these pickup trucks will see more asphalt and concrete than they would trenches and mud. But when the need arises…

Capable off-roader

The folks from MMPC took participants of the two-day drive to a light off-road course in Cabog-Cabog. The trail offered a mix of uphill climbs and easy descents as well as light bends and slightly rocky paths.

After a few rounds, the group went out and passed through a rutted route made more challenging by a sudden shower of rain — which made the road slippery, vision a tad blurry, and the possibility of a landslide a bit more scary.

Despite the road that lay ahead, the Mitsubishi Triton braved the terrain thanks to a suite of features that make it a capable off-the-shelf off-roader.

Under the hood of the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is a 2.4-liter direct-injection diesel engine with a two-stage turbo setup. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with the carmaker’s Super Select 4WD II technology.

Accompanying the powertrain system are seven drive modes that can help drivers adapt to a wide variety of conditions, just like ours.

The 201-horsepower diesel mill made easy work of the soft, muddy, and rocky trail. With some 470 Newton-meters of torque, it showed that getting in and out of sticky situations won’t be a problem.

Deceleration and stopping power are facilitated by ventilated disc brakes at the front while leading and trailing drum brakes take care of the rear. It meant that slowing down or keeping one’s footing on unpredictable dirt roads can somehow be made easy. Suspension-wise, the pickup truck is supported by an independent wishbone setup (with coil springs) at the front and rigid leaf springs at the back.

Overall, the Mitsubishi Triton proved that it had what it takes to get one from point A to point B, even on challenging journeys. Even without the help of aftermarket upgrades, the pickup truck can take its would-be owners to go beyond.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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