High hopes for off-road gem

The Triton has quieter looks with predictable handling and comfortable riding. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Mitsubishi NZ would be in serious trouble if it weren't for parts sales. Its passenger car tally is down by 57 per cent and light commercials by 31. General manager of sales and marketing Peter Wilkins says: "God knows we need something to put a bit of bounce back in."

That bounce starts with the updated Triton and Outlander, and a new Challenger due shortly. But first, the ute.

What's new A new more powerful and fuel-frugal engine, a longer tray, stability control and six airbags as standard. The looks are quieter, too. The company line Mitsi is serious about making a comeback. Every new car sold will come with a 10-year engine warranty, five-year car warranty and five years of free roadside assist. While mourning those down-plunging sales graphs, Wilkins is confident Triton will do well. It has a two- and four-wheel-drive diesel, and those cars make up 70 per cent of the flourishing sector. "We only have one direction to go in, and we have the product to do it." What we say Triton deserves to do well. The new lines tone down the swoopy look - the flat-top deck is 180mm longer, and is roomier to match - and there's a new 2.5-litre common rail diesel for the four-paw Triton that puts out 133kW and 407Nm in manual form, more than the outgoing 3.2 could muster.

That'll tow 3000kg, and pulls from basement levels on up. It's refined at 100km/h, too, as we discovered on our comprehensive drive. On the road Triton tackled Wellington traffic, the Rimutakas and long country roads to Martinborough with ease.

She feels like a truck throughout, but with pleasantly predictable handling and an acceptable ride-comfort equation. Then came a tricky mix of steep grassy hills and narrow precipitous bush tracks, which Triton handled with greater aplomb than its drivers.

The standard stability control was particularly impressive. If she's losing grip just floor it, stability control works out you're in trouble and apportions drive to suit. The ute wriggled up mud-slicked, rutted climbs that defeated a more careful approach.

Meanwhile the cabin proved comfy, there are six airbags and a few useful additions for family running, like holes for child-seat tether straps. Why you'll buy one Triton delivers the right work-family compromise. Stability control and six airbags are standard. There's a 10-year engine guarantee. And it does an excellent job off-road, especially in up-spec format with super-select four-wheel-drive. Why you won't The looks still don't suit your conservative tastes. The tray compromises departure angles when hard-core four-wheel-driving.