Auto option for Mitsubishi Triton diesel

The new four-speed automatic transmission will be mated to Mitsubishi's powerful and economical 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel engine and this configuration is expected to be a high volume selling variant in the Triton range.

Originally launched in July, 2006, the ML Triton two and four-wheel drive lineup now offers the Australian market a full and wide ranging choice of rugged, yet stylish and comfortable sports utility vehicles and workhorses, including two and four-wheel drives, dual cab or cab chassis models and the choice of 2.4-litre 4 cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines or an economical 3.2-litre inter cooled diesel engine.

Sales figures for the Triton have proven remarkable since its release, with record after record broken on a regular basis. In fact, the result posted by the 4x4 Triton in June, 2007 was the best ever monthly result for Triton in Australia and a significant 35% up on the previous "best ever sales month" of June, 2006.

Although the segment itself has increased since July, 2006, Triton's popularity and reputation has seen the vehicle's growth rate stay well in front of the market average. Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL, expects to see this new variant increase Triton's share in the Australian market even further.

"During 2006, 4x4 Triton sales increased by 24%. 2007 has seen this trend continue with the rugged utility showing an impressive 46% increase year-to-date," Mr McEniry said. "The introduction of the automatic diesel variant will further support Triton sales and the model's continued growth in the Australian market."

The new automatic diesel Triton range has all the features of its ML Triton predecessors - striking exterior styling, spacious interior, car-like performance, ride and handling, excellent economy and a comprehensive list of safety features - while still retaining Triton's trademark attributes of strength, reliability and toughness.

In designing the Triton range, Mitsubishi recognised a shift in the utility market towards the separation of two distinct segments - customers requiring a workhorse with the basic functions of a pick- up for commercial applications, and those requiring a more stylish utility for recreational activities. Triton was designed to fulfil these different requirements, and delivers the goods in a reliable and comfortable package.

With these diverse customer needs in mind - as well as the fact that utility drivers traditionally spend more time in their vehicles and cover more kilometres in pursuit of their business or leisure activities - Mitsubishi recognised the need for advanced safety features in the Triton range.

Automatic diesel Triton models receive all the standard benefits from the ML Triton line-up, including Realized Impact Safety Evolution body structure (RISE), driver and front passenger SRS airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS with EBD (optional on GLX models). Triton owners can also be reassured that their vehicle has a five year/130,000 wtTen year/160,000 km power train warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

The automatic diesel Triton is available in four-wheel drive models only, in both single and double cab body styles, and in three specification levels: _ Triton 4x4 GLX Cab Chassis or Pick Up _ Triton 4x4 GLX Double Cab _ Triton 4x4 GLX-R Double Cab _ Triton 4x4 GLS Double Cab Standard appointments for automatic-diesel GLX models include air conditioning, power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, 16-inch steel wheels and AM/FM radio/CD tuner with MP3 compatibility. GLX-R models add a rear sports bar, nudge bar, side steps, privacy glass, 16- inch alloy wheels, carpet floor covering and mats with GLX-R logo, Titanium-look and chrome interior accents and Bluetooth hands free phone operation.

The range topping GLS model Triton includes all these features (except nudge bar and logo carpet mats) and also boasts external side protection moulding, automatic air conditioning, power driver's seat and full leather seat trim. Pricing for the automatic diesel four-wheel drive Triton line-up ranges from $35,690 for the GLX Cab Chassis or Pick Up, $41,690 for the GLX Double Cab, $46,990 for the GLX-R Double Cab and $51,990 for the range topping GLS Double Cab. Mitsubishi adds a 2.4-litre petrol two-wheel drive to its ML Triton range The introduction of economical four-cylinder two-wheel drive variants to the Triton line-up is expected to further boost Mitsubishi's already impressive share of the sports utility segment.

Generating 94kW of power @ 5250 rpm and 194 Nm of torque @ 4000 rpm, the 2.4-litre engine offers economical fuel consumption figures of 10.9-litres per 100 km and meets Euro Step 3 emissions standards. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and effective braking ability is supplied by power assisted 16-inch ventilated front disc and 11.6-inch rear drum brakes.

Car-like ride and handling is delivered via the front double wishbone suspension with coil and front stabiliser, and rear rigid elliptic leaf spring suspension. 16-inch steel wheels, with full sized spare, are standard and tyres are 205R 16C 110/108R 8PR. Alloy wheels are available as an optional fitment. The 2.4-litre Triton provides a safe environment for both driver and passengers, with standard dual front and passenger SRS airbags, along with Mitsubishi's RISE body structure that provides a rigid passenger cell for optimum occupant protection in the event of an impact. ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are an accessibly priced option on both models, and where ABS with EBD is not fitted, a load sensing proportional valve is standard on the rear to assist stability under braking.

The 2.4-litre Triton delivers a competitive payload and towing capacities, rear-window guard frame and a double-walled, smooth surface rear body with one-touch gate handle and tie-down inner hooks to the pick-up body. The Triton two-wheel drive is available in two body styles - the GL cab chassis and the GLX double cab. Both cab chassis and double cab versions have available pick-up bodies or tray style load areas. Standard appointments for both models include air conditioning, power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, cloth seat trim and an AM/FM radio/CD tuner with MP3 compatibility. The GLX double cab model adds second row seats, front driver and passenger sports seats, power mirrors, centre console box and remote fuel filler cap.

Pricing: _ ABN holders purchase price of $17,990 for GL cab chassis _ RRP of $19,990 for GL cab chassis _ RRP of $25,690 for GLX double cab