Mitsubishi announced the expansion of the Triton pickup lineup in Australia, with “additional payload variants”. While this would normally hint at a more capable version of the truck, the company is actually reducing the payload capacity of existing trims as an option to make it eligible for Australia’s “novated leasing” scheme and widen its target audience. The reduced payload will be offered as an option for the Mitsubishi Triton GLS and GSR grades, starting this August. The press release is coy on details but mentions a sub-1,000kg (2,205 pounds) payload, with all other specifications remaining unchanged.
Compared to the standard versions, this
translates to a payload reduction of 75 kg and 30 kg respectively. The rest of
the lineup offers payload capacities between 1,030-1,110 kg depending on the trim. It is not clear whether Mitsubishi actually
tweaked something on the underpinnings of the midsize pickup, or if the reduced
payload is only a matter of paperwork. In any case, the sub-1,000 kg rating is offered as a no-cost option, with the less capable GLS and
GSR trims costing the same as the original versions at AU$ 59,090 (US$ 38,840)
and AU$ 63,840 (US$ 41,962) respectively.
All trims of the Australian-market
Mitsubishi Triton are fitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine,
generating up to 201 hp. The mill is exclusively mated to a
six-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to the rear or all four wheels. According
to Mitsubishi, the lineup expansion was decided following real-world feedback
from dealers, media, and customers. The company claims that the Triton will now
“appeal to a wider customer range”, including “novated lease customers”.
