The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is the latest edition in the brand’s 4×4 bakkie stable, offering more than just state-of-the-art off-road capabilities but also unique safety features.
Andre van der Merwe from the local Mitsubishi dealer in Windhoek is a staunch brand ambassador and shares his knowledge with Top Revs.
One of the very first things Van der Merwe emphasises is the Triton Athlete’s off-road capabilities and the unique 4WD system.
Coming with the almost indestructible MIVEC DOHC 2.4L intercooled turbo diesel engine, the vehicle is renowned for its endurance, having conquered several Dakar Rallies.
The 6-speed auto transmission, with its intelligent shift control, delivers the optimum balance of engine power and fuel economy.
But it is not only the 2.4L engine that makes the car outstanding. The Super Select II (SSII) 4WD system assists the driver to overcome almost any terrain with ease, offering four different drive modes for improved driver control and passenger safety.
The 4H drive mode distributes torque in a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear wheels for safer off-road driving.
The various 4WD settings were designed by Mitsubishi to handle different road conditions like sand and snow, as well as wet and slippery conditions. The driver has the option to engage in the various modes (unique to the Super Select II 4WD system), for peace of mind while on gravel travel mode.
“Mitsubishi perfected the entire SSII system, that you now have different driving modes on the central differential lock,” says Van der Merwe.
To add to the car’s off-road ability, it also has traction control.
The manufacturers went even further in assisting the driver by means of an Electronic Off-Road Assistance system. To further enhance the off-road experience, Hill Decent Control (HDC) has been added for additional safety when driving on dangerous terrain. This assists the driver to control more on road holding, while the vehicle’s braking system adapts automatically to the terrain, allowing the driver to focus on the road.
It is not only the SSII system that makes the car safer when off-roading, the entire vehicle shouts safety with the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution concept, making the entire cabin safer in case of a crash.
To assist in terms of safety measures, the vehicle is fitted with seven airbags, side-impact protection bars, Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist System (BAS), among others.
To answer some of the most frequently asked questions of those in the market for a bakkie with regards to load and towing capacity and fuel consumption, the Triton Athlete’s power and performance can handle up to 3100kg towing mass with ease. A factory fuel specification of 8,3L/100km (combined cycle) and a 75 litre tank capacity, means less stops at the fuel station.
The vehicle’s off-roading capabilities of 31 and 29 degree approach and departure angles, respectively, makes the Athlete the ideal vehicle for travelling over almost any terrain.
The ground clearance of 220mm also complements the off-road capabilities.
There are many other features that make the car stand out in its segment, but it is the distinctive three diamonds of the Mitsubishi logo that assure the quality, ability and reliability that make the vehicle stand out. This includes rear-step bumper, front and rear leather seats with red stitching and the four-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with black and red stitching.
The word Mitsubishi is a combination of Japanese words ‘mitsu’ and ‘hishi’, meaning three, hence the diamond logo of the brand.
The vehicle comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years/100 000km, a service plan of five years/90 000km, and service intervals of 10 000km.
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