Mitsubishi is showcasing the Triton XRT Concept at the Bangkok International Motor Show, previewing the forthcoming next-generation Triton bakkie. Mitsubishi has also confirmed a fully electric pick-up is in the works…

Earlier this month, as part of the announcement of its 3-year mid-term business plan, Mitsubishi released the first official teaser shot of its next-generation Triton. The bakkie is one of 16 new models – including a mysterious fully electric pick-up – planned for global markets for the next 5 years.

Dubbed “Challenge 2025”, the mid-term business plan is intended to “establish a stable revenue base through selection and concentration” of the Japanese company’s regional strategy. It will furthermore see Mitsubishi – which is a member of the Alliance along with Renault and Nissan – further increase its expenditure on electrification.

Now, though, Mitsubishi is using the Bangkok International Motor Show to showcase the Triton XRT Concept, which hints at what’s to come from the new Triton.

Even though the Triton XRT Concept is wrapped in camouflage, the underlying design imparts a strong visual impact with a large sculpted bonnet, slim LED units and a large upright grille. The squared-off wheel arches are filled by chunky off-road tyres and the concept also shows a rear sports bar.

The new Triton is expected to be fully revealed this year. “The all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities. With the new vehicle launches as the centrepiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors.

The earlier teaser image of the Triton shows the next-generation bakkie – with its front-end lighting signature on full display – alongside a similarly disguised PPV (that’s “Pick-up Passenger Vehicle”, so surely the next-gen Pajero Sport), a 3-row SUV and an MPV, which are all listed as internal combustion models in the “global” section.

We already know the new version of the bakkie will be developed alongside the next-generation Nissan Navara, though official details (including powertrain plans) are still decidedly thin on the ground.

The new Triton and Pajero Sport (the latter seemingly tipped for a 2025 unveiling) are also listed in the “growth drivers/leverage regions” section, with these markets due to gain 12 rather than 16 new models over the next half-decade. Under Mitsubishi’s classification, South Africa finds itself part of a broader leverage region.

And the new battery-powered bakkie? Well, it’s listed in both sections, which suggests it may well be on the cards for African markets as well. However, it appears the electric bakkie – which, judging by the teaser image, won’t necessarily be based on the new Triton – will hit the market only at some point after 2025.

The disguised “Pick-up EV” is show alongside a new likewise-electric 2-row SUV and a hybrid-powered 2-row SUV. Mitsubishi also lists the new ASX (based on the Renault Captur), an Alliance BEV, a hybrid Xpander and a hybrid MPV. Interestingly, the new Colt – effectively a rebadged Renault Clio – does not appear in the leverage-region section.

We’ll keep our eyes open for more details of the next-gen Triton as the bakkie’s reveal nears…

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