After 12 years of absence, the Mitsubishi Triton has been re-launched in Japan with overwhelming success. Upon its launch on 15-February, the Thailand-made Mitsubishi Triton has netted over 1,300 bookings, overshooting its monthly sales target of 200 units per month by more than six times.

Bookings in Japan opened on 21-December last year.

Nearly 90 percent of all bookings received were for the highest GSR grade, which is equivalent to the Athlete variant sold in our part of the world. The remaining orders were for the lower range GLS. Both variants come with Super Select 4WD II, which allows drivers to use the Triton like a Full-Time 4WD vehicle.

Unlike Part-Time 4WD pick-up trucks sold by rivals, Triton variants equipped with Super Select 4WD II can be driven on tarred roads in 4H mode. In our region, only higher range variants like the Triton Athlete come with Super Select 4WD II. Lower range variants come with Easy Select 4WD, these cannot be driven on tarred roads in 4H mode.

Thailand-made pick-up trucks are becoming increasingly popular lifestyle cars in Japan. Unlike Southeast Asia, pick-up trucks in Japan are only bought by wealthy owners who want to standout from kei minicars that fill up Japanese roads.

Over there, pick-up trucks are treated as commercial vehicles, even they are owned by private individuals. A compulsory vehicle inspection must be done every 6 months. Regular car buyers would find this too troublesome but the wealthy buyers with time and resources don’t find this to be a hinderance.

Prices for the Japanese market Triton start at 4.98 million Yen. That’s more expensive than the Toyota Hilux GR Sport (4.3 million Yen) and Hilux Rocco Edition (4.8 million Yen).

Never mind about the Hilux, the highest range Triton GSR starts at 5.4 million Yen. That’s more expensive than a Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which starts at 5.1 million Yen.

The Japanese market Triton is differentiated from Thai market models by their darker tint privacy glass in the rear.

Closer to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is expected to launch the new generation 2024 Mitsubishi Triton in the next quarter. Prices however, are very likely to be higher than the current model.

Also read: To be 8% more expensive? Estimated prices for Malaysia-bound, Thai specs 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete shared

The outgoing generation Mitsubishi Triton is priced from RM 110,000 to RM 155,900, for double-cab 4x4 variants, in Peninsular Malaysia (from RM 112,000 to RM 157,900 for Sabah and Sarawak).

The Triton Athlete is currently on offer with three different promotional packages for buyers to choose from:

• RM 7,000 cash rebate and Chinese New Year ‘Angpow’ of RM 2,000

OR

• Low interest rate 0.88% financing with RM 2,000 cash rebate and RM 2,000 Chinese New Year ‘Angpow’

OR

• Wheel upgrade (worth RM 9,800) by paying just RM 900 more, enjoy RM 3,000 cash rebate and RM 2,000 Chinese New Year ‘Angpow’

For the lower range Triton AT Premium, Mitsubishi dealers are throwing in an accessories upgrade package worth RM 10,800, plus RM 2,000 in Chinese New Year ‘Angpow.’

The promotions above are only valid for cars registered by 29-February 2024.