Mitsubishi has previewed the next generation of the Triton by showing off the Triton XRT Concept, which is making its debut at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. Referring to the Japanese carmaker’s ‘Challenge 2025’ mid-term business plan announcement, the production version of the all-new Triton is set to debut in Thailand by July this year. Upon arrival, the sixth-generation Triton will replace its predecessor that was first introduced in 2014 – it was given facelift in 2018. In the time the fifth-generation Triton has been around, Mitsubishi has gone through a few changes, with the most significant being announced in 2016 when the company joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
With the collaboration, Mitsubishi has
access to more resources to develop products, and we’re already beginning to
see the effects of this. The upcoming Colt is related to the latest Renault
Clio, and we’ve already seen the second-generation ASX that is a rebadged
Captur. The next Triton reportedly follows along this path and will make the
switch to a new ladder-frame chassis shared with the Nissan Navara, albeit
significantly updated by Mitsubishi to suit its purposes – the company claims
the platform is all new and fully developed by them.
However, it does appear that the next
Triton will share some parts with the Navara, as can be seen with the very
similar window line and the lack of the previously-characteristic J-line
separating the cabin and cargo sections. One advantage of the new platform is
space, as the Navara’s wheelbase spans 3,150 mm, making it 150 mm longer than
current Triton – this should allow for more interior space. No powertrain
details were given, but it is said the platform will be accompanied by a new
engine. The previous 4N15 turbodiesel will likely be replaced with the 4N16,
the latter already making its debut with the facelifted sixth-generation
Caravan that went on sale in Japan last October.
The 4N16 has the same engine capacity as
the 4N15 and also comes with DOHC and MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing
Electronic Control). In the Caravan, the mill is paired with a seven-speed
automatic transmission with Jatco, and if this is also true for the new Triton,
it will be an upgrade from the previous six-speed automatic gearbox used. As
for the design, the Triton XRT Concept looks properly menacing with a rugged
and more upright face that features a large rectangular grille. This is joined
by a two-tier lighting setup also seen on the fifth-generation facelift,
although the slim upper daytime running lights now sport J-shaped elements
above the main headlamps that flanking a rectangular grille. The rear
taillights also appear to be reprofiled.
Prominent overfenders and mud-terrain
tyres have also been fitted to give the concept an even bolder look,
complemented by a distinctive camouflage design that the company says is
inspired by “lava rock packed with condensed energy.” The production version
will look very similar to the concept you see here, just without some of the
add-on parts mentioned. Hafriz Shah, who is currently at Bangkok, pointed out
the concept is a thinly-veiled production car that comes with parking sensors
all around. At certain angles where the light catches just right, you’ll also
see the side graphics of 10 parallel lines that point to the resurgent Ralliart
brand. The current Triton is already a winner of last year’s Asia Cross Country
Rally, and the next-generation Triton will take over from it in hopes of
ensuring the nameplate takes a second straight victory this year.
