Mitsubishi has re-introduced the Triton Athlete nameplate to South Africa. Here’s pricing and initial details on this latest double-cab bakkie derivative…

Though an all-new Mitsubishi Triton was recently revealed, the Japanese firm’s local division has introduced a special iteration of the outgoing bakkie. Yes, as we reported back in July, the Triton Athlete nameplate has made its return to South Africa.

The latest version of the Athlete is based on the Triton 2.4DI-D 4×4 6AT derivative, inheriting an unchanged version of that model’s powertrain. That means the 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine offers 133 kW and 430 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Just as we reported, the Triton Athlete is priced at R749990, which represents a R20000 premium over the model on which it’s based. In addition, that sees the Triton Athlete positioned below the likewise 4×4 versions of the Heritage (R769990) and Xtreme (R798990).

So, what sets the Athlete apart? Well, there are red touches to the front-bumper lower garnish, side steps and rear-bumper step, along with a decal kit “inspired by the world of motorsport” and including a bonnet decal, tailgate strip and side stripes featuring the number “01”. Moreover, the LED headlamps gain dark accents and matching daylight running lamps, while the Athlete rides on model-specific black 18-inch alloys.

Inside, you’ll find leather trim for the steering wheel, handbrake gaiter and floor console, each also featuring black-and-red stitching. The model-specific leather-trimmed seats and door trim have also been treated to stitching in this crimson hue.

Back in March 2018, Mitsubishi Motors SA first introduced the Athlete badge to the local market, with that special (pre-facelift) version of the Triton featuring a black-and-orange colour scheme that extended from the exterior into the cabin. It was also distinguished by extra airbags and an improved braked towing capacity.

The new Triton was revealed in Thailand – the country from which Mitsubishi Motors SA sources its Triton units – towards the end of July 2023. The automaker says the next-generation version is built on a “newly developed ladder frame chassis” and draw its urge from a “clean diesel engine” (offering more power in the high-output twin-turbo version).

The outgoing Triton has been somewhat under-appreciated by South African bakkie buyers, with just 380 units (or an average of around 63 units a month) sold locally in the first half of 2023. That saw the Triton miss out on a spot on the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in H1 2023.

How much does the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete cost in SA?

Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D DC Athlete 4×4 6AT – R749 990

The price above includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10000 km).

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