Summarize

Mitsubishi’s 2018 Best Bakkie Triton 2.4DI-D double cab eye-catching is a great pickup all on its own, but Mitsubishi insists on making it even better for its owners. Witness the Triton Ultimate all dressed up for the expedition we took it on a few months back and now this – a more street-oriented bakkie special called Athlete.

Adhered to a Triton 4x4, auto is all dressed up in this über-cool Athlete kit that not only turned heads, but that’s usually followed by nods of approval. Especially sexy in this black hue, Athlete’s body kit, matching interior and all that extra kit comes for free – mahala – Athlete costs the same as a regular standard Triton Double-Cab 4x4 automatic!

Not bad in a market where rivals tend to charge a couple of hundred grand premium for a badge…

Packing 7-airbag safety and a new 2.7 ton towing capacity to bring Triton squarely in line on the only aspect it lacked before, other distinguishing features include those seven Airbags complimented by Isofix child seat anchors. Athlete adds black powder-coated diamond-cut 17” alloy wheels and in this particular car, that oh so cool orange on black look to finish the black mouldings on the front grille, bumpers and wheel arches. 

Add orange and black interior trim and an armadillo load box cover, to complete that super cool Athlete look. Best of all is that under that lavish skin lurks the same Triton base that stole the Best Bakkie show last year – it’s still the quickest accelerating diesel double cab we have ever tested and retains top economy and emissions too. 

Only this time it’s all dressed up with everywhere to go without any need for the sort of overkill so many ghastly aftermarket bakkie kits seem to be dragging onto road and trail – a welcome approach indeed…

QUICK TEST: Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D DC Athlete 4x4 auto

Engine:          133kW 430Nm 2442cc turbo diesel I4                      

Drive:            5-speed automatic 4x4

Payload          3100kg

Braked Towing 1030kg

TESTED:

0-100km/h: 9.51 sec

400m: 16.7 sec @ 134km/h                

80-120km/h:                  6.69 sec

CLAIMED:

Fuel:              7.7 l/100km                           

CO2:                  207g/km

Warranty/Service: 3y 100K/5y 90Kkm 

LIST PRICE:              R579K             

RATED:          88%