After some time under the limelight, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has decided to refresh the flagship of its Triton range following an increase in activity within the highly-competitive pick-up segment with major facelifts or well-stacked new models popping up.
As such, the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete will now sit atop the Triton range; taking over from the Triton Adventure X. Pricing for the Triton Athlete is RM141,500 with a five-year or 200,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
Aesthetically, it still carries the “Dynamic Shield” design language up front that’s been given the glossy blacked out treatment on the black front under garnish and a glossy black radiator grille with “Athlete” graphics on the side stripe stickers. That very same glossy black extends to the side-view mirrors, door handles, aero type window deflectors, 18-inch wheels and side steps.
Seeing that the shade of orange will be the hero colour, the interior is stitched up in the same hue on the leather-wrapped steering, gear knob and LED illuminated scuff plates. Understandably, MMM are keen to point out that the Triton Athlete has a first-in-class rear air circulator.
Motivation comes from the familiar 2.4-litre Mivec common-rail turbodiesel engine (4N15). It delivers a respectable 179hp punch with a roundhouse kick of 430Nm of torque. The Super Select 4WD II system is fed by the six-speed automatic box.
Safety takes a bump up with seven-airbags, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist (BSW with LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) and Auto High Beam (AHB).
Rounding up the equipment list is the all-important All-Round Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR) and 7.0-inch Touchscreen Audio with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.