Warrior to invade Aussie ute market
A pair of rugged commercial utes will receive upgrades to make them a tad more palatable in urban environments.
The current incarnation of the Mitsubishi Triton might be on the way out but that hasn't stopped the company from introducing a new, limited edition of the workhorse ute before it is put out to pasture.
The GLX-R Warrior will offer a suite of extra technology and safety features, including differential lock, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition eight-speaker audio system, black leather seat trim and six-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
You'll be able to spot the Warrior from the outside, with an alloy front nudge bar, flush-fit soft tonneau cover and a Warrior decal on the front doors.
Only 200 will be made, with a drive-away price of $43,990 for a five-speed manual.
A five-speed automatic will cost an extra $2000 but is still cheaper than the GLX-R Double Cab the Warrior is based on, which starts at $45,740 plus on-roads for the manual.
Mitsubishi also has rung the changes for its 2015 Triton range. An upgraded audio system with Bluetooth, hands-free useability, voice recognition and steering wheel-mounted audio controls will be available across the whole Triton line-up.
All dual-cab variants also will have ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points.
After nearly eight years in the market, the current Triton is one of the oldest light-commercials available and is slated to make way for a new model.
A concept of the next-generation Triton was shown way back at the Geneva Motor Show in March last year but a production model is not expected to arrive in Australia until either late this year or early in 2015.
Also bringing in the car-like comforts is Isuzu, which has added a limited-edition ute with upgrades into its D-Max range.
Dubbed the X-Runner, it is aimed to be a tad more aggressive and sporty than the LS-U 4x4 ute it's based on.
Those looking for wild colours will be disappointed as the X-Runner comes in only black and white, with contrasting striping and details.
It also has "gun metal grey" alloys and side steps, plus a front and rear body kit and a black sports bar and tub liner.
Inside, splashes of red on the seat trim and stitching help bring some colour to
proceedings.
Not quite as exclusive as the Triton Warrior, 660 units of the X-Runner will be made, starting at $46,490 drive-away for a five-speed manual variant, though an auto is available.
Isuzu's made its name - and dominated truck sales - over the years as a rugged and super-capable commercial performer.
However, it has begun dipping its toe into the passenger-oriented market.
As well as the X-Runner D-Max, it has also recently introduced the MU-X seven-seater SUV into Australian showrooms.
