Faster, safer, harder – Mitsubishi’s 2010 Triton ( leads the 4WD diesel ute segment on power and safety and its new extended tray squares off a stauncher look.

Among a raft of changes, four-wheel drive models in the 13-strong range receive a new common rail 2.5 litre high-powered turbo-diesel engine; eight models have side and curtain airbags and all but four workhorse variants boast stability and traction control.

“This is a major upgrade for Triton and we’re thrilled with the result,” said Mitsubishi Motors general manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins. “We’ve thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it and the class-leading power, torque and safety speak for themselves.

“This is a highly contested segment and we knew we had to deliver exceptional value to be competitive. I’m confident we’ve done that – and some.”

The class-leading 133 kW and 407 Nm are achieved with the manual transmission and generated from a new high-powered engine at 4,000 rpm and 2,000 rpm respectively, representing increases of 11 percent and 15 percent over the previous 3.2 litre power plant.

Those improvements are achieved through adaptation of the proven 4D56 2.5 litre engine still found in the 2WD range. The new engine’s combustion chamber shape and injectors have been modified, a variable geometry turbo has been added and the turbo boost pressure raised.

Increased power has not come at the expense of fuel economy, which, at 8.3 L/100 km, is 9 percent better than the outgoing engine and second equal in the class. Automatic variants provide the same power as the manual, torque is 356 Nm and fuel consumption 9.3 L/100 km.

While the 2WD’s 2.5 litre power plant still generates 102 kW @ 4000 and 319 Nm @ 2000, improvements have been made to fuel economy, which now stands at 8.2 L/100 km for the manual and 8.6 L/100 km for auto variants. These savings have translated to lower CO2 emissions at 214 g/km and 224 g/km respectively.

There are two automatic specifications within the range. The GLS receives a five-speed automatic with Sports Mode, allowing drivers to manually select and hold gears. The rest of the range is equipped with the four-speed auto found in the previous model and Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD transfer.

The GLS also gains Super Select, which, like Easy Select, allows drivers to engage 4WD at speeds up to 100 km/h. Super Select varies with the addition of a viscous centre differential, which, when employed with 4H, allows ‘when-required’ torque transfer between front and rear wheels, improving fuel economy in 4WD.

These features, combined with multi-mode ABS with EBD and active stability and traction control, comprise Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology (MATT) similar to that of the acclaimed Pajero. The rural-focused 4WD GL workhorse variants are the only models in the New Zealand market to host rear diff lock as standard, which replaces stability and traction control.

“We are seeing far more multi-purpose use in this highly contested segment,” he said. “While most diesel utes are sold as commercials, improvements in comfort and ride quality are seeing customers use their vehicles for family-orientated activities too.”

First to market with active stability control and the inclusion of side and curtain airbags has bolstered Triton’s existing four-star safety rating, which Mr Wilkins says best meets the growing demands of consumers. “We’re delighted to lead the market with these critical safety features.”

Along with new bumpers and wheels, Triton’s new wellside tray delivers a squarer finish to the vehicle’s profile. The wellside has been extended by 180 mm and deepened by 55 mm, allowing much-improved capacity for tools and toys. Purchasers of 4WD cab chassis models will benefit from an increased braked towing capacity of 3 tonnes.

Inside, all vehicles receive a new instrument display, centre console and seat trims. All double cab driver’s seats gain height adjust, offering more versatility for the driver, while the GLX and GLS double cabs have extra seat cushioning and bolstering.

The 2010 range holds something for everyone, including one of New Zealand’s few double cab chassis models. Seven 4WD variants include three manual workhorse GL options – in single and double cab chassis and double cab wellside - and GLX and GLS specifications with double cab wellsides available as manual or auto. The six 2WDs host one manual single cab chassis in GLX format. The remainder are double cab wellside with a manual GL and manual or auto GLX and GLS.

Mitsubishi also provides its industry leading Diamond Advantage warranty on all Triton vehicles, including a comprehensive 5 year/130,000 km new vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000km powertrain warranty and a 5 year/130,000km roadside assistance package.

“This is the best warranty and customer care package available from a manufacturer in New Zealand,” said Mr Wilkins. “It provides our customers with the peace of mind that their new Triton comes with the country’s most comprehensive support package.

“This ute is loaded with reasons to buy. We’ve gone to great lengths to provide the best possible options for our Triton customers and to answer some of their requests of the previous model. The combination of power, safety, styling, the best warranty and competitive pricing make Triton hard to beat.”

Pricing for the 4WD range begins at $41,990 while the 2WD specifications start at $33,990