Mitsubishi Triton Ute Gets 4x4 of the Year Award

Australians have a soft spot for all 4x4 vehicles, as driving through the wilderness and avoiding angry kangaroos might become difficult in a two wheel drive car, so some nice people at Overlander Magazine decided to vote for the best all wheel drive car of 2009. The result was surprising, as the Mitsubishi Triton Ute won - the first time the award went to an utility vehicle.

Mitsubishi should be really glad, as the last edition was topped by its Pajero model. Besides, the Triton Ute had some serious competition: the car had to face the upgraded four-wheel cars of 2009, like the all-new Toyota Prado and Land Rover’s Discovery 4 wagon.

“The Triton’s triumph marks the first time a utility vehicle has taken out Overlander’s ultimate gong, and it’s just reward for a ground-breaking dual cab.

“The Triton was rewarded for its benchmark safety equipment, excellent diesel engine, genuine off-road practicality and surprisingly smooth on-road handling and dynamics,” said Trent Nikolic, editor of Overlander Magazine, who also added that the win was the result of a unanimous decision by the judges.

Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s Australian president and CEO couldn’t be happier with the award. “We’re delighted our Triton utility has claimed the respected Overlander 4WDOTY award, particularly as it has triumphed over more conventional – and much more expensive – four-wheel drive wagons.

“And the fact that we have secured back-to-back wins for the Pajero and Triton in 2008 and 2009 cements Mitsubishi’s reputation as a four-wheel drive powerhouse,” McEniry said.