Mitsubishi’s Triton one tonne ute has received an upgrade, without a change in pricing. Particular attention for the ’05 model year upgrade is focussed on the 4WD range.

Most noticeably, the front grille of the ute has been changed in line with Mitsubishi’s global design, and all models now feature a split grille with the triangular-shaped divider housing a large chrome three diamonds symbol. This change to the grille has meant the introduction of bright headlamp surrounds on all models.

The grille inserts are black for the GL and GLX models, while the top-of-the-line GLS sports chrome inserts.

Mechanically, manual hubs have been deleted, and “Easy Select 4” now comes as standard on all 4WD models. This is the same part-time 4WD system as is used on Mitsubishi’s Challenger 4WD wagon. The transfer case with synchromesh allows selection of the front free wheeling differential at speeds of up to 100 km/hour, allowing the driver to change between 2WD and 4WD on the fly.

Major upgrades have occurred to the GLS Dual Cab, and it now gets a new design 16” alloy wheel, while the cabin appearance is markedly improved with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and transfer lever, titanium-look dash panel and power window switch surrounds, and chrome interior door handles. Driver and passenger’s air bags are now fitted as standard.

The GLX V6 and diesel models also get remote keyless entry and a rear window demister as standard.

The opportunity has also been taken to make changes to the colour palette which now is:

• White Solid (available for all GL and GLX models),
• Black Mica (available for all GL and GLX models),
• Warm Silver Metallic (for all GLX models),
• Deep Green Mica (for all GLX models),
• Red Solid (for all GLX models),
• Deep Blue Mica (for all GLX models),
• Cool Silver Metallic (new colour, available for all GLS models),
• Deep Purple Mica / Warm Silver Metallic (for all GLS models),
• Black Mica / Warm Silver Metallic (for all GLS models),
• Deep Blue Mica / Warm Silver Metallic (for all GLS models)

Two-wheel drive models are powered by either a 2.4 litre SOHC 16-valve MPI four-cylinder, or the lusty 3.0 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 petrol engines. The 2.4 develops 97kW of power at 5250 rpm, and 192Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The 3.0 litre develops 133kW of power at 5250 rpm and 255Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

Four-wheel drive models are powered by either the 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine, or a 2.8 litre intercooled turbocharged diesel engine that develops 92kW of power at 4000 rpm and 294Nm of torque at a low 2000 rpm.

A five-speed manual transmission is available on to put power to the ground. Its ratios are:

		2.4L 4-cyl (2WD)	3.0L V6 (2WD)	3.0L V6 (4WD)	2.8L I/C T/D
1st		3.967	3.952	3.918	3.952
2nd		2.136	2.238	2.261	2.238
3rd		1.36	1.398	1.395	1.398
4th		1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00
5th		0.856	0.819	0.829	0.76
Reverse		3.578	3.553	3.952	3.553
Final Drive		4.222	4.9	4.9	4.9
Transfer Ratio
	High	N/A	N/A	1.00	1.00
	Low	N/A	N/A	1.925	1.9
A four-speed automatic transmission is available on the 3.0 litre petrol 2WD models, as well as the GLS petrol 4WD model. The ratios are:
		3.0L V6	3.0L V6
		2WD	4WD
1st		2.842	2.842
2nd		1.495	1.495
3rd		1.00	1.00
4th		0.731	0.731
Reverse		2.72	2.72
Final Drive		4.9	4.9
Transfer Ratio
	High	N/A	1.00
	Low	N/A	1.925

The 2WD models have proven to be a favourite with tradespeople because of their tough good looks, their value for money, and their reliability. Four-wheel drive models have found favour with government departments and rural people for the same reasons.

Triton one-tonne ute is able to meet the needs of anybody that needs a no-nonsense reliable workmate, and with pricing unchanged sells for:

2WD	Cab Chassis	GL	2.4L petrol 5 m/t	$18,990
		GLX	3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$22,990
			3.0L petrol 4 a/t	$25,990
	Club Cab	GLX	2.4L petrol 5 m/t	$26,490
	Double Cab	GLX	2.4L petrol 5 m/t	$26,990
			3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$29,990
			3.0L petrol 4 a/t	$32,190
4WD	Cab Chassis	GLX	3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$29,990
			2.8L I/C turbo diesel 5 m/t	$31,490
	Club Cab	GLX	3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$34,490
			2.8L I/C turbo diesel 5 m/t	$36,490
	Double Cab	GLX	3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$35,490
			2.8L I/C turbo diesel 5 m/t	$37,490
		GLS	3.0L petrol 5 m/t	$41,990
			3.0L petrol 4 a/t	$44,190
			2.8L I/C turbo diesel 5 m/t	$44,990