Mitsubishi New Zealand has launched the 'all-new' Triton ute way ahead of schedule this year, so what does it offer over the old models and its rivals?
Driven got behind the wheel of both the manual and automatic versions of the top-of-the-range GLS Double Can 4WD and the GLX-R Double Cab 2WD.
The GLS and GLX run on 17" alloys.
Mitsubishi has refrained form building a super-sized ute, instead concentrating on power, economy, space and practicality.
The ute sector is huge in New Zealand, with many Kiwis choosing a ute as their vehicle of choice.
Attractive features of the Triton include quite performance, great handling and class leading economy.
All models get Mitsubishi's new 2.4-litre all-alloy direct-injection diesel four-cylinder engine that puts out 135kw of power and 437 Nm of torque.
Transmissions are either six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.
Power and torque aren't class leading, but the lighter Triton means power and torque-to-weight ratio is second only to the Maxda BT-50.
But fuel economy of between 7-8 litres per 100km across the range is class leading, and great news at the pump.
I found the automatic version easier to drive around town than the manual, but that depends on preference and how the vehicle is to be used.
The Triton is certainly comfortable and has plenty of standard features that may be more akin to driving a car.
There is cruise control, steering wheel controlled audio and phone control and paddleshifters in the automatic version.
A new feature that could be handy is the adjustable speedlimiter, allowing the driver to set an upper speed limit. It is also easily over-ridden if necessary.
Along with a new engine and transmissions, the Triton also gains a driver's kneebag, trailer stability assist, hill start assist, while the top spec GLS model also gets LED daytime running lights, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, push-button start and dual stage air conditioning.
Wellside models have a reversing camera as standard.
All models have a 5-StarANCAP safety rating, plus Mitsubishi's long warranties, and there is no price increase over the old model.