The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton bound for Australia will receive a unique suspension setup to suit our unique conditions
Mitsubishi global’s research and development team worked closely with in-house Australian engineers on the project, with testing carried out in local conditions alongside the Triton’s local rivals.
Local testing also contributed to the electric power steering tune that will feature on Tritons sold around the world.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia product manager Tony Dorrington says the new Triton – which is set to touch down in February 2024 – has been designed to ride like a “good SUV”.
“We targeted a similar drive experience to a good SUV, with improved agility, responsiveness and ride comfort, but retaining Triton’s traditional off-road and workhorse capabilities,” said Mr Dorrington.
One key focus for the Triton during testing was its steering feel. The locally tuned setup now makes the vehicle “less tiring to drive”, according to Mitsubishi Motors, thanks to the switch from hydraulic to electric power steering (EPS).
“The adoption of EPS has allowed us to reduce effort during parking and low-speed manoeuvres, which also assists when off-road. At higher speeds, steering feedback is improved,” Mr Dorrington said.
Mitsubishi has focused on “steering linearity, body control, ride and handling experience”, all of which are characteristics it also targets in its SUVs.
“We’ve improved all dynamic elements of the vehicle to ensure new-gen Triton’s performance is a match for Australia’s tough conditions and customer expectations,” according to Mr Dorrington.
It wasn’t until the current Outlander was tested in Australia that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation saw the opportunity to properly refine its vehicles Down Under.
“With the new-gen Triton being so vital for this market, the decision was made to collaborate on Australian-market specification,” said Mr Dorrington.
Triton segment chief vehicle engineer Tetsuya Tobe described Australia as a “very important market for us, particularly in the light commercial segment”.
“We also tested extensively in other markets and at Tokachi and Okazaki Japanese R&D centres, but for Australia’s unique road conditions we were able to call on the MMAL team’s local expertise and support to ensure the Triton’s dynamics would compare favourably to the segment benchmarks,” he said.
Testing was conducted on a mix of public roads and proving grounds over the course of several months.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia claims there over 100 different combinations of front and rear suspension tunes were tested in Australia before coming to a final decision.
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