If you were to ask a group of tradies what the best 4-cylinder turbo diesel ute around was, you wouldn’t be surprised to get four different answers. The commercial ute segment has become completely saturated with various car makers either bringing out completely new models or continuing their existing lines, and it would appear there is no end in sight.
A popular choice amongst people looking within this category is the Mitsubishi Triton. The Triton is available in a multitude of models including the GL, GL-R, GLX and the GLX-R. With plenty to choose from, there is bound to be one to suit your needs as well as your budget. We have been given the top of the range GLX-R to test out and put through its paces.
The Triton is not known for its aesthetic appeal, but has built its reputation on being a tough car. It was quite a surprise then to find that the Triton had a smooth and quiet ride, the loudest note you will hear is the turbo spool and the trademark sound of a diesel engine.
The engine is an in line 4-cylinder double over head cam 2.5-litre turbo intercooled engine which produces 131kW @ 4,000rpm and 400Nm @ 2000rpm. As you can see it has plenty of power, however it does seem to suffer from turbo lag leaving you wishing the boost would come on that second earlier.
With all this power it still manages to churn out an efficient 8.3 litres per 100km highway and 9.6 litres per 100km city – according to the manufacturer, which is slightly less than what we were able to achieve.
With an independent wishbone type coil spring suspension at the front and a rigid elliptic leaf spring in the rear, we were easily able to traverse all conditions. Thus if you were to take a Triton off road, it could handle almost anything in its path.
On the inside there are plenty of creature comforts, however some of them are a little dated. With advancing technology it has almost become strange to see a car without a multimedia unit and 7 inch display, especially in a top of the range model. Though this is an optional extra for the Triton, the multimedia system is different to the Rockford Fosgate system found in other models from the Mitsubishi range.
The steering wheel controls are in convenient positions, however the function in some instances is annoying. One example is listening to the radio, instead of switching between preset radio stations, it searches for the next frequency. This essentially removes the practicality of the steering wheel controls as the majority of the time you will be surfing between preset channels and not searching for a new frequency.
Some enjoyable features include a USB port in the glove box and a 3.5mm jack in the centre console which should greatly expand your listening experience. There are also some unique features which have been integrated into the computer system including a digital compass, elevation and a barometer for the budding meteorologists out there. However you will generally not find yourself on these readings as for most people fuel economy will be the main focus when driving to ensure you are getting the best value for money at the pump.
The Triton GLX-R has a large and usable tray. With a maximum payload of slightly over 900kg and rough dimensions of 1505mm in length, 1470mm in width and 850mm depth, the tray will allow you tackle large jobs with ease. If you hate tailgaters, another advantage of the large tray is that you will hardly notice them sitting on your rear. However, the reduced vision of close up objects through the rear vision mirror will be counterproductive when trying to reverse park.
The use of the optional extra Interior Mirror with Reversing Camera would help negate this issue. Due to its large turning circle and lock to lock, even normal parking can be hard work as you have to swing extra wide to be able to park in one attempt.
ADM Opinion
With many manufacturers looking to bridge the gap between work and recreational vehicles, you can tell that this car is built with the worker in mind. For some people they will love that it is focused around this, however if the average person were to buy the car they would not be disappointed in any way. It is strange and I am unable to pinpoint the exact reason why; but the longer you drive it the more enjoyable it became. Mitsubishi has done a great job and it is easy to see why they have been so successful. With just a little more refinement, the car would become an even more pleasurable experience.
Specifications
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Drivetrain: Five-speed automatic, dual range, four-wheel drive
Power: 131kW@4000rpm, 400Nm (350Nm@2000rpm for auto)
Weight: 1995kg
Payload: 935kg
Towing Capacity (Braked): 3000kg
Wheels:
F: 17 x 7.5 inch 245/65 R17
R: 17 x 7.5 inch 245/65 R17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres
Fuel Consumption: Tested average: 10.4L/100km
Official average: 9.6L/100km
GLX-R Double Cab Pick Up 4X2
Diesel Auto P/UP $44490
GLX-R Double Cab Pick Up 4X4
Diesel Manual $48990
Diesel Auto 51490
MRP – Manufacturer Retail Pricing as at 1 April 2012
Prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges
Likes
Low cabin noise
Drive ability
Tray size
Features
Dislikes
Outdated interior
Radio controls
ADM give the GLX-R 4×4 Diesel Triton 4/5 helmets
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Written by Jason Sharman
The covers are off and Holden has shown Australia its new weapon in the fight for market share in the light commercial class. Holden’s all-new Colorado is a big rig and Holden are expecting big things from their new work horse.
The design of the latest model was led by GM operations in Brazil but included engineering and design input from Holden in Australia. With that in mind it looks like the teams of designers have made the right choice.
The new design is only the tip of the iceberg as there are new engines, new interior and added features that only Holden can offer. The power for the LTZ comes in the form of a new 2.8 litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, with a new 2.5 offered in the base model that offers 110 kW and 3,500 Nm.
The output for the new 2.8 litre is 132 kW at 3,800 rpm but that’s where the similarities between the auto and manual variants end. The engine matched with the auto whether in 4WD or 2WD has an impressive 470 Nm of torque where the manual comes down to a rather standard 440 Nm.
Despite the differences in power, both the auto and manual stand strong. There is a big difference on paper for fuel economy with 7.9 litres per 100km for the manual 4×4 and a rather high 9.1 litres per 100km for the auto (7.8 and 9.0 litres per 100km for the LTZ 2WD manual and auto respectively). Although this is what’s on paper, we managed to average mid to high eights in both the 4×4 and 4×2 no matter what transmission.
Walking up to the Colorado, the first thing you notice is the overall size. The ute is big and has defiantly been influenced by American pick-ups but this new look appeals to the Australian market as a tough Aussie ute.
The tub size has improved and can carry more than a few shoe boxes that the old model could. There are a number of tie down points, a wide opening tailgate and the Colorado can sure handle a load with the high sides.
The front end is a completely new look and the bonnet no longer displays the scoop that the Colorado and other diesel utes displayed proudly. This however is no issue for the Colorado LTZ as the front end stands proud in stature.
Stepping inside the Colorado LTZ you are expecting big things, but you will be slightly disappointed. The interior has been updated from the previous model however it is not going to win any awards with design or size. As for practicality, everything you need is there including electric climate control, power windows, two power outlets and a helpful grab handle for getting in.
Although the LTZ has all of these great features and many more, the look is rather plan and already looks outdated and the feel and room inside does not feel as big as some of its competitors. Above the air conditioning controls, the basic screen for the radio looks very early 2000 in design. Being the top of the range and not having a multifunction screen and no options for a satellite system, this will affect many customers’ choices to buy.
As utes go, the Colorado LTZ has good visibility both forwards and rearward and the seat position is well set. The seat material is basic but practical for all kinds of use. The seats are also firm but not too hard and on or off road they do keep you in place. The steering wheel is leather wrapped and offers Bluetooth, audio and cruise control buttons which are in an easy reach position.
Driveability for the LTZ is quite good. On the road you sit a lot higher than the previous model which is more in line with the Toyota HiLux. No longer looking up to other standard 4×4’s gives the sense that Holden did well with the ride height. The suspension is soft and can be noticed when heading into tighter corners with a large amount of body roll. This however is the compromise needed for good off road capabilities.
Around town and to and from the office the Colorado LTZ does all that you need. It looks good driving and in the car park it stands out. When the weekend comes around this ute is begging to head off road. No matter where you want to go, up the beach or through the forest, the Colorado will get you there.
If four wheel driving is not four you but you need to tow a caravan boat or race car, then the Colorado can handle what you throw at it. With the upgraded range, the LTZ has a class leading towing capacity of 3.5 tonne (3 tonne with the 2.5).
Safety is not forgotten with the new designed Colorado. All in the range come standard with ABS, EBD, ESC, Hydraulic Brake Assist and front driver and passenger airbags and full length curtain airbags. The Colorado also comes with a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP.
ADM Opinion
The new Colorado LTZ is a great looking utility. It has a tough exterior and drives really well both on and off the road. We took it on a rather rough and rocky pass and had no problems getting from one end to the other. The interior is a big letdown as we were expecting a lot more from Holden. It feels outdated and they could have done so much more. All in all the Colorado LTZ is a good ute and well worth a look if in the market for a new car.
Specifications
Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo direct injection diesel
Drivetrain: Six-speed automatic or Five-speed manual
Power: 132kW@3800rpm, 440Nm (370Nm for the auto)
Weight: 3100kg
Payload: 1044kg MT and 1047kg Auto
Towing Capacity (Braked): 3500kg
Wheels: F & R: 17 x 7 inch 255/65 R17
Fuel Tank Capacity: 76 litres
Fuel Consumption: Tested average: 8.7L/100km
Likes
Power
Exterior
Driveability
Tub Size
Dislikes
Outdated Interior
Stereo
Cabin Size
ADM Gives the Holden Colorado LTZ 4×4 and 4×2 4 out of 5 Helmets
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COLORADO PRICING AND MODEL LINE-UP
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