The new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine with VGT (variable geometry turbo) is more powerful and fuel efficient, compared with the previous 2.5-litre engine.
This also means the Triton is the first pick-up here to have variable valve timing technology and also, an aluminum alloy engine which provides weight reduction benefits such as better fuel economy.
Power has increased to 181ps at 3,500rpm (previously 178ps at 4,000rpm) and 430Nm of torque at 2,500rpm (previously 400Nm at 2,000rpm), while fuel consumption is lower by up to 15 per cent.
Our test drive unit is the flagship Adventure X variant in Impulse Blue, which has sporty looks and is priced at RM125,005 on-the-road without insurance; and comes with a 3 years or 100,000km (whichever is first) warranty.
Transmission is a 5-speed automatic, with sport mode.
Features include dual front airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioner and force limiter, ISOFIX points, child lock protection - rear doors, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), part-time 4WD with hybrid limited slip differential (LSD), reverse sensor, and reverse camera.
It comes standard with a shield extender for the front bumper, Adventure X matte black front grille and dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.
Also standard is a new sports bar with fullbox.
It also has automatic bi-xenon HID Headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and rear fog lamps, which are now standard on all VGT variants.
Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton also offers a level of cabin comfort that is on par with family sedans in the RM100,000 price bracket.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Triton has top-notch cabin noise insulation due to the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.
As a result, from the driver's seat, we found the diesel engine's inherent clatter noise to be very much muted, which allowed us to better enjoy the audio quality from the six-speaker system with CD, MP3, USB, Bluetooth, voice command and a touchscreen.
The interior is nicely fitted with comfortable leather seats, and passengers will find the front seat-back pockets, a deep centre glove box, door bins, and four cupholders to be useful in storing their items.
However, there are no powered seats or rear air-conditioning vents.
Among the convenient features is the 4WD (four-wheel-drive) rotary dial located between the front seats, which lets you shift on-the-fly betwen 2H and 4H modes at speeds of up to 100kph.
The 4H or 4WD high range mode is for rough roads where all wheels receive torque, thus giving better traction.
Parking big pick-up trucks is always a hassle and the inclusion of a reverse camera here certainly made positioning the big brute into parking bays much easier for us.
Other convenient features here include paddle shifters and cruise control, push-start ignition, keyless entry via door handle buttons, automatic headlights and wipers, as well as dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.
With a barnful of premium passenger car comfort features, this flagship Adventure X variant in the Mitsubishi Triton VGT range scores high on interior functionality, luxury and convenience.
The Triton VGT (Adventure X) gets top marks as a well-packaged urban transporter for business purposes or the family on shopping excursions.
While there is a strong workhorse element to it with the powerful drivetrain, the Triton VGT (Adventure X) also has its charm as a smooth, comfortable and well-appointed set of wheels.
