While the majority of bakkie owners in South Africa are drawn to offerings like Toyota's Hilux, Ford's Ranger and Isuzu's KB, many often overlook the darkhorse in the bakkie segment - the Mitsubishi Triton.
While the new Triton has proven to be one of the best offerings on the market, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has upped the ante with their new Triton Athlete. Distinguishing the Athlete is a sporty two-tone body kit with bold orange and black exterior design cues with matching two-tone orange and black leather seats and matching interior trimmings. There's also a new-look grille design which includes a honeycomb mesh and black mouldings, repeated in the new front bumper garnish, front and rear bumpers, as well as the wheel arch designs.
While new black powder-coated diamond-cut 17" alloy wheels, a stylish sports bar with an integrated tailgate spoiler and black mouldings highlighted in the side steps, door mirrors, door handles and bumper designs to complete the sporty exterior design.
Aside from its rugged good looks, the fully imported Athlete boasts increased safety and specification levels, which includes 7 airbags, Isofix child seat anchors and a 3.1 ton towing capacity to tow any lifestyle equipment.
It's powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT turbo-diesel engine producing 133kw at 3, 500rpm and peak torque of 430nm at 2,500rpm, which is paired with a 5-speed autobox. Standard features on the Athlete include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Hill-start Assist (HSA) and Super Select 4WD-II 4WD system.
Interestingly, despite the added kit, there is no price difference between the current range-topping Mitsubishi Motors Triton Double Cab 4X4 and the Athlete - both priced at R559 995, and comes standard with a 3-year / 100 000 km manufacturer's warranty and a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.
