2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 World Debut – Bold New Pickup is “Engineered Beyond Tough”

By Steve & Tamami Laser

Mitsubishi Motors introduced the next generation Triton/L200 today in Bangkok ahead of its sales release to dealers. Following its launch in Thailand, the new pickup is said to roll out to other ASEAN and Oceania nations, as well as Europe and other markets. Mitsubishi says the new trucks will eventually be sold in 150 countries (we wish it would return to North America).

Mitsubishi’s “Sport Utility Truck” celebrated its 40th anniversary this fall with an amazing 4.7 million units in five generations sold across the globe. The Triton/L200 is built at the Laem Chabang Plant operated by Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd. The automaker plans to market 180,000 units of the new truck this fiscal year, making it the second-biggest seller after the Outlander.

Mitsubishi has performed multifaceted improvements for the Triton/L200 series. The list includes bold new styling, an enhanced available 4-wheel drive system with improved off-road performance, new safety and driver assistance features, and increased comfort and ride quality.

In the design department, the Triton/L200 receives powerful new styling up front with Mitsubishi’s latest “Dynamic Shield” design language. The horizontal/vertical motif with its raised hoodline and high-position lighting gives it a beefy look.

Redesigned front and rear fenders with deeply sculpted styling along with side character lines contribute to the truck’s rugged appearance. The large rear combination lights and deeper section rear bumper wrap up the enhanced styling.

Powertrain choices (that vary by market) include the 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo-diesel with 133kW at 3,500 rpm and 430N-m torque at 2,500 rpm. This engine gains Auto Stop & Go for the Thai market. A 2.4-liter gas engine is also available. Transmissions include a new 6-speed automatic with Sport Mode, and a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Available Super-Select 4WD-II offers new drive modes, including an Off-road Mode with Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock (in 4LLc setting). Off-road Mode controls engine power, transmission and braking to help regulate wheel-slip and maximize all-terrain performance. A rear differential lock and hybrid or mechanical limited-slip differentials are also available.

The interior features a higher quality look with upgraded materials and improved functionality with a dynamic wing-section dash design. The color liquid-crystal Multi-Information Display uses high-contrast combination meters with high-definition graphics and displays. While the optional navigation system offers improved readability.

Newly available safety systems include Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic Mis-acceleration Mitigation System in forward and reverse gears, Multi-Around Monitor, and Parking Sensors.

Bodystyles and trim levels for the Thai market include the Double Cab in GLS 4WD and 2WD, or GLX 2WD; Club Cab with GLS and GLX 2WD; and Single Cab in GL 4WD. New exterior color choices include Passion Orange, Red, White Diamond and Graphite Grey.

Mitsubishi plans to offer a wide range of accessories for the Triton/L200 including 18-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels, and front protection and nudge bars, which it says are popular in Australia and New Zealand markets.

While Mitsubishi sold versions of the first and second-generation L200 in the U.S. under its own brand name, it’s unlikely the latest models could come here due to the decades old U.S. tax that imposes a 25 percent tariff on imported trucks. The solution would be to assemble the pickup locally, or perhaps, rebadge a version of an existing truck such as the Nissan Frontier. (Mitsubishi is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and partially owned by Nissan.)

Note: Features, specifications and launch dates for Thailand and other market models are subject to change without notice.

News source courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Photos are copyright © Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and reproduced here for editorial use.

Story (commentary) © 2018 CarNichiWa.com