Don't get me wrong. I'm not looking to buy a ute, it's been a long time since I last considered one. But Triton is 3rd in the market behind the Hilux and the Ranger.
Toyota have Rugged X (is that right?) and Ford have set the bar with the Raptor. So if Mitsubishi want to compete, they need an equivalent.
The pics look good, I like the factory 50mm lift, but the devil is in the detail.
Are they doing anything to the engine? On paper, the Triton's standard engine isn't in the hunt. Peak torque value is too low, and too high in the rev range.
Will they serve the same transmission? On paper, they need the Pajero Sport's 8 speed to compete with the Raptor's 10 speed.
Spec wise, for interior accommodations and safety features, it seems widely accepted that Triton has set the bar. But I can't imagine too many buyers consider that "sexy" enough in this market, and this is ultimately a "premium" market segment - I can't see Mitsubishi's "value" prospect dragging too many buyers from the Raptor, or competing with the "Unbreakable" Hilux.
An image leader such as this has great potential to draw attention to the brand, and boost sales of lower spec models. But this model will be competing against rivals with real substance, and Mitsubishi needs real substance to compete. An under-done attempt could do more harm than good.
Here's hoping that Mitsubishi can produce a Triton that could tempt me out of my Pajero.
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