Latest generation model covers three trim levels and three cab configurations.

INCENTIVE pricing for some derivatives removing up to $10,000 from their recommended retails has been advised for the new Mitsubishi Triton.

Announcement of pricing from the Porirua-based distributor cites intent to introduce 16 derivatives, eight in entry GLX configuration, four apiece in GLX-R and flagship VXR, all with a common tune 2.4-litre turbodiesel.

MMNZ has expressed hope that ‘ute tax’ - the penalty imposed on utes because of their high CO2 counts - will have curtailed before stock begins to arrive in late January.

The National Party, which will lead the coalition government once that is formed, has said it wants to disable the Clean Car Discount scheme, which penalises high CO2 product and rewards low emissions vehicles. It has given December 31 as the end date, but nothing can happen until an administration is in place.

The GLX-R and VXR choices offer rear-drive in two forms that site below two four-wheel-drives; in GLX, there are three rear drive derivatives and the remainder in four-wheel-drive. All feature the make’s long-serving six-speed automatic transmission.

Recommended retails span from $44,990 up to $69,990, which makes it cheaper than the category-dominating Ford Ranger and its closest competitor, Toyota Hilux.

The gap widens with special launch pricing MMNZ has attached to some its editions. The biggest savings appear to be on double cab wellsides. The cheapest Triton, a single cab chassis, is a $38,690 proposition on the launch pricing schedule, so a $6300 saving.

Asked how long the launch pricing programme runs or if it also caps once a predetermined target volume has been met, MMNZ spokesman Reece Congdon said: “There is no firm end date on the launch pricing at the moment. It will depend on a couple of factors, including market conditions and demand once the Clean Car penalty is removed.”

Standard GLX features are 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a nine-inch touchscreen, seven-inch driver cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera, radar cruise camera, eight airbags and locking tailgate.

The GLX-R takes what MMNZ describes as a more supple suspension and goes to 18-inch wheels. It achieves dual-zone climate control, wireless device charging, push-button start, swapped up from halogen to LED headlights and also has LED tail lights.

VRX adds in a black bodykit, heated front seats, leather upholstery, orange contrast stitching, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The engine is a derivative of the previous four-cylinder power plant, but upgrading from a single turbocharger to two. Cited outputs of 150kW/470Nm are 13kW/33Nm more. Tuning to meet Euro 6 means it now requires AdBlue.

All variants appear to be rated to tow up to 3500kg braked and the 4WD models continue with the make’s  ‘Super Select II’ system that allows all-paw on all road surfaces; those editions also have a manual rear diff lock.

In provided comment, MMNZ chief operating officer Tony Johnston said this generation will reinforce the model’s reputation as a serious challenger at the front of the pack. MMN is confident it has one of the best-equipped utes on the market.

“We believe it will turn a lot of heads; especially with special launch prices on offer for almost every model.

“At the end of 2022, we took delivery of 5000 Triton units to meet overwhelming customer demand. This year, we surpassed a total of 50,000 Tritons sold in New Zealand. We are incredibly proud of that achievement and genuinely excited about what this next generation range has to offer.”