Launched in Australia in July 2006, the ML Triton two- and four-wheel drive range has taken the market by storm, with its futuristic styling and powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol or 3.2-litre Common Rail diesel engines.

Mitsubishi Australia's President and CEO, Robert McEniry, welcomed the addition to the Triton range. "As key volume models, the introduction of the lively yet economical four-cylinder two-wheel drive variants to the Triton line-up is expected to further boost Mitsubishi's already impressive share of the high-volume sports utility segment," Mr McEniry said.

The new 2.4-litre two-wheel drive Triton range boasts all the features of its ML Triton predecessors - striking exterior styling, spacious interior, adequate performance, ride and handling, excellent economy and a comprehensive list of safety features - while still retaining Triton's trademark attributes of strength, reliability and toughness.

A standout in the mainstream Australian utility landscape, Triton's daring styling has confirmed its appeal to the target market. Bearing Mitsubishi's global styling theme of sharp lines and chunky detail, the Triton's dramatically curved body/bed split is an established winner in its segment.

This advanced external styling has additional benefits, adding significant additional interior space to the Triton 2.4-litre two-wheel drive. Clever internal packaging has seen the vehicle's cabin measurements increase by an astonishing amount - particularly in the double cab which gains 150 mm in overall length, 25 mm front headroom and 60 mm rear legroom. Wide door openings aid ingress and egress and the enlarged cabin provides increased visibility and comfort.

Generating 94 kW of power @ 5,250 rpm and 194 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm, the 2.4-litre engine offers economical fuel consumption figures of 10.9 litres per 100 km and meets Euro Step 3 emissions standards. This class-leading economy, combined with lively performance and a stand-out launch purchase price, are critical requirements for the vehicle's target market of fleet operators and commercial drivers.

The four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and effective braking ability is supplied by power-assisted 16 inch ventilated front disc and 11.6 inch rear drum brakes. Car-like ride and handling is delivered via the front double wishbone suspension with coil and front stabiliser, and rear rigid elliptic leaf spring suspension. The 2.4-litre Triton once again leads the class with a turning circle of just 11.4 metres.

The 16 inch steel wheels, with full sized spare, are standard. The tyres are 205R16C 110/108R 8PR. Alloy wheels are available as an optional fitment.

Safety is a major consideration for the business owner and Mitsubishi has devoted significant resources to ensure the 2.4-litre Triton provides a safe environment for both driver and passengers. Dual front and passenger SRS airbags are standard, along with Mitsubishi's acclaimed RISE body structure that provides a rigid passenger cell for optimum occupant protection in the event of an impact. ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are an accessibly priced option on both models and where ABS with EBD is not fitted, a load sensing proportional valve is standard on the rear to assist stability under braking.

Also critical to the business owner is an effective load bearing system and the 2.4-litre Triton delivers with competitive payload and towing capacities, rear-window guard frame and a double-walled, smooth surface rear body with one-touch gate handle and tie-down inner hooks to the utility body.

And, finally, the central purchasing decision criteria in the commercial vehicle market are maintenance and running costs, and the Triton 2.4-litre leads the pack with its comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

The Triton 2.4-litre two-wheel drive is available in two body styles - the GL cab chassis and the GLX double cab. Both cab chassis and double cab versions have available utility bodies or tray style load areas.

Standard appointments for both models include air conditioning, power windows, central locking with remote keyless entry, cloth seat trim and an AM/FM Radio/CD tuner with MP3 compatibility. The GLX double cab model adds second row seats, front driver and passenger sports seats, power mirrors, centre console box and remote fuel filler cap.

The 2.4-litre Triton GL and GLX are available in a fashionable palette of standard, metallic and pearlescent paint and include White (standard), Platoon (pearlescent) and the metallic hues of Gunmetal, Red Planet and Cool Silver. Pearlescent and metallic paints are optional and are priced at $350.

The best news about the new 2.4-litre two-wheel drive is its recommended retail price, which starts from a keen $19,990 for the GL single cab and a highly competitive $25,690 for the GLX double cab.

But there's more! Mitsubishi has announced that pricing for ABN holders will commence from just $17,990 for the GL single cab, making it the best equipped, most economical two-wheel drive utility in its class.

And as a special launch bonus, the company has announced that Bluetooth phone kits will be available on each vehicle sold, with cab chassis variants receiving the additional benefit of a fitted tray at no extra cost.

"The 2.4-litre single and dual cab two-wheel drive utilities are an important addition to the Australian Triton range. They represent outstanding value - especially with the special ABN pricing of $17,990 for the single cab variant - and boast the best new vehicle warranties in the industry. We're looking forward to the additional volume opportunities these two vehicles represent." Mr McEniry said.