Five-star ANCAP for Triton

Mitsubishi has joined the line of one-tonne ute manufacturers to gain the highest possible safety rating, with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) recently awarding the latest iteration of its Triton pick-up the maximum five-star classification.

Due to be officially launched at the end of this month, the 2016 Triton benefits from dual front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee airbag, along with stability control, traction control and antilock brakes.

All Triton models also come standard with seat-belt reminders, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist, while a reversing camera is standard on some grades and optional on others.

The five-star rating applies to all Triton models.

According to Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, the new Triton brings passenger-car comfort and safety to the LCV world.

"Triton has built a long-standing reputation as an honest, reliable and durable light commercial vehicle in Australia, and the fifth-generation Triton takes this to a new level," he said.

"The new Triton has been developed with passenger car-like attributes of comfort, quietness and advanced safety, while retaining Triton's traditional durability and toughness.

"We're pleased to confirm that all models in the 2016 Triton range have been recognised with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating well ahead of their arrival in Mitsubishi showrooms."

ANCAP's CEO, Nicholas Clarke, welcomed the rating but warned more still needed to be done to raise safety standards in the light commercial vehicle segment.

"In terms of safety, LCVs continue to lag passenger vehicles with 57 per cent of LCVs sold holding the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating," he said.

"In comparison, 90 per cent of new passenger vehicles sold are five-star rated.

"This five-star rating for the high-selling Triton is a great achievement as this will translate to increased safety on worksites and on our roads."

A new Triton is long overdue for Mitsubishi, the previous generation being introduced over eight years ago. Despite its age, Mitsubishi sold 4266 4x2 Tritons and 19,990 4x4 Tritons in 2014 (VFACTS data), placing its fourth and third in the Australian market respectively.

The new Triton first broke cover last November in Thailand, where it will be manufactured.

trucksales will bring you a full review of the new Mitsubishi Triton after its national press launch, due to be held in Queensland at the end of this month.