Torque of the town
If there’s an underrated
one-tonne bakkie (pick-up) in the marketplace right now it must be Mitsubishi’s
Triton range. I had the pleasure of using one recently and can only sing
praises for its ability to do everything well – even a well-known 4 x 4 track
in the Cederberg area failed to seriously hamper its progress through the loose
sand.
This particular single cab version code-named SE sells for
R239 900 – yes I know there’s probably cheaper around if you consider some
of the Chinese imports we have been inundated with of late – but as far as I
can tell they’ve yet to prove themselves – certainly don’t seem to see that
many on our roads, in fact!
South Africa really is bakkie country – especially now that our
roads are seemingly deteriorating so fast – because there’s little money for
such trivials, it seems – so bakkie ownership certainly makes lots of sense
with its tough suspension, wheels and tyres capable of taking real punishment
when and if …
Thankfully the Triton SC, as tested, boasts a rear diff lock
as I was about to take her to a real 4 x 4 off-road circuit called Klein
Tafelberg* in the Redelinghuys region of the Western Cape. The engine power
(100kW @ 4000rpm/314Nm@ 2000rpm) is a real beauty and was always going to prove
a winner. Close to being stuck in really loose sand she always pulled through –
albeit with a little help from my friends!
On the open road the motor propels the SC along at the
national speed limit – and then some, should your wallet be big enough!
Speaking of which, the load bin is arguably the biggest (longest) in the SA
marketplace, ie: 2200mm long, 450mm high and 1750mm wide. The model I had came
standard with a tonneau cover and a roll-over bar – thankfully never needed!
Moving inside, the cab was a really great place to be. Three
adults can sit fairly comfortably – though better suited for the wife and I and
our faithful Yorkie companion, Roxie. There’s a little space behind the
seatback(s) where the jack, wheel spanner, safety triangle are to be found, for
frugal (slim) amounts of luggage.
Would I recommend one? You bet I would!
*Stephen Burger is the owner of Klein Tafelberg, 082 558
4575.
Specs:
Mitsubishi Triton SC
one-tonner
Motor: 2.5-litre, turbodiesel
Power: 100kW@4000 rpm
Torque: 314Nm@2000 rpm
Fuel tank: 75 litres
Seating capacity: three
adults
Load capacity: 1 ton
Towing capacity: 1500kg
Suspension: High-Rider, (F)
Ind. Double wishbone, coil spring
(R) Rigid elliptic leaf
spring/heavy duty susp.
Transmission: 5-speed manual;
rear diff lock
Comfort features: 2-speaker
sound system, power windows and air conditioning
Safety: Dual airbags, ABS
brakes, EBD, Immobiliser, impact bars in doors, three-point ELR seatbelts
Price: as tested, R239 900
