NEW BAKKIES TAKE THE MARKET BY STORM

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) recently announced the arrival of its Next-Gen Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy. Building on a history of toughness, reliability and adventure, the new Triton is designed to challenge expectations in the South African market by offering a bakkie that is tough, stylish and versatile enough to meet the demands of concrete professionals and contractors.

This follows hot on the heels of the newly launched GWM P500 that recently took the honours at this year’s 2024 South African Bakkie of the Year (SABOTY) competition. The victory also marks the first time a hybrid vehicle has claimed this honour and the first win for a Chinese manufacturer in this highly competitive arena. The P500 HEV not only excelled in the extensive evaluation process but also claimed the throne from several dominant and established brands in the bakkie segment.

Unlike GWM’s P-Series, the Mitsubishi’s Triton has long been a favourite among South African drivers with a reputation built on the brand’s heritage and the success of the iconic Colt. Since then, the Triton has continued to grow and evolve, offering a balance of rugged performance, cutting-edge design and modern technology.

“The South African bakkie market is an extremely competitive environment but we believe that the Next-Gen Triton not only accepts this challenge but also raises the bar with a range of models that allow drivers to define their own adventure. The Next-Gen Triton range offers tailored special editions and the strongest warranty in class as it invites South Africans to embrace the journey ahead,” says Jeffrey Allison, general manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

Now in its sixth generation, the Next-Gen Triton has been completely redesigned from the ground up. All elements including the interior and exterior design as well as the chassis, ladder frame and engine have been completely reimagined. With a reputation for toughness to live up to it truly has evolved to meet the needs of the modern day bakkie owner.

According to Mitsubishi the range boasts a newly developed 4N16 DI-DC engine which utilises a variable geometry turbocharger to achieve improved output and improved environmental performance as well as powerful acceleration and responsiveness thanks to the impressive power and torque figures of 135kW at 3 500rpm and 430Nm between 2 250 and 2 500rpm. This engine is paired to either a six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission with shift by wire technology.

GL models are fitted with 2.4-litre DI-DC engine that offers 81kW at 4000rpm and 200Nm between 1000 and 3750rpm and which is paired to a five-speed manual transmission.

Across the model range the Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton strikes a balance between lifestyle and commercial use, key to this is a larger load bin and a 3.5-ton towing capacity. The cargo bed height has been lowered by 45mm to 820mm compared to the previous model and the upper surface area of the bumper corner has been enlarged and reinforced with a frame to be used as a foot hold for improved practicality.

Mitsubishi will be offering a wide range of accessories for fitment to the Next-Gen Triton, allowing customers to customise their vehicle to suit both private and commercial needs and their specific lifestyle or working requirements. These include protectors, dress-up accessories, a sports bar, fender arch mouldings, side door garnishes and grille emblems.

GWM P-500 is the new King

Meanwhile, the GWM’s P500’s crowning took place at the NAMPO Cape exhibition in Bredasdorp, one of the largest agricultural hubs in the country.  Here it impressed the judging panel with its exceptional performance across all categories. The vehicle excelled in 4X4 driving and capability tests, off-road performance and towing tests, showcasing its superior handling dynamics and luxury features. The P500 HEV not only won the 161–200+kW category but also emerged as the overall competition winner.

Additionally, the GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 secured the top position in the 126–160kW category, further demonstrating GWM’s growing prowess in the bakkie segment. “We are thrilled to see the GWM P500 HEV recognised as the South African Bakkie of the Year,” said Kevin Lee, managing director of GWM South Africa. “This win is a testament to GWM’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The P500 HEV’s blend of hybrid technology, luxury and rugged capability sets a new benchmark in the bakkie category.”

The GWM P500 HEV stands out with its state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain, combining a 78kW electric motor with a 2.0-litre petrol engine to deliver a remarkable 255kW and 648Nm of torque. This powertrain is complemented by a 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and dynamic driving experience. The P500 HEV achieves a claimed combined fuel consumption of 9.8 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 225g/km and a maximum towing capacity of 3500kg, highlighting its versatility.

The GWM P500’s victories in both the 126–160kW and 161–200+kW categories, coupled with its overall win as Bakkie of the Year, underscore GWM’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. The P500 HEV’s achievements highlight its exceptional blend of performance, luxury and advanced technology, setting a new standard for bakkies in South Africa.