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I was out on a date with a girl recently. The usual drive along Siglap Road, until some bloke pulled up beside my hatch in his pick-up. It's hardly subtle - massive rims with off-road tyres, fog lamps decorating the roof and the full works. I've to confess that I was intimidated, but soon that turned into jealousy. Considering that the girl who happens to be my date is going ga-ga over a sweating ape in his done-up pick-up - yes, I was VERY jealous.

And from then on, I cannot deny the fact that man driving their pick-up is pure machismo. I'm not referring to the average contractors, but those men in their massive pick-ups who usually live an active outdoor lifestyle.

Inside the Triton

Interior wise, the Triton has the best in the pick-up segment - leather-clad steering wheel, modern dashboard design and supportive seats give the Triton a premium edge over its competition. The fabric used for the seat doesn't feel cheap and the colours give the overall interior a welcoming ambience. It's a practically fuss-free and rugged workhorse. Pity though, that power windows are absent.

The rear cab feels bigger than most large sedan's, and has the ability to sit up to four adults. It also comes with a plethora of handy storage spaces.

Triton Tech

"Diesel engine is nearly as good as a petrol engine" is a phrase that's being trotted out more often these days. Hence lies a 2.5-litre Common-Rail turbocharged diesel engine under the hood, for a combination of pulling power and economy.

The test unit we got came with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and to give the Triton a raw 4WD feel, it comes with an Easy Select 4WD transfer box that enables the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD. The differential is also equipped with a rear hybrid Limited Slip Differential (LSD), to provide traction and driving stability on slippery surfaces. The Triton also comes fitted with sedan-like safety features like driver's airbag, ABS and EBD.

Driving the Triton

This one's big - measuring at 5,000 mm in length, 1,775 mm in height and 1,750 mm in width. Size is everything, and a one-tonne load limit on the cargo bed means the Triton can be utilised for a wide variety of purposes.

A twist of the ignition key will introduce you to the droning sound of the 136bhp Common-Rail turbocharged diesel engine, which is surprisingly responsive. Pity the transmission that struggles at times, and feels rough while downshifting.

The Triton handles itself well off the beaten path, and the available option of switching between rear-wheel driven 2-wheel drive mode and 4-wheel drive mode adds more fun and function. And thanks to the massively-sized 245/70 R-16 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubbers, chances of being stuck in ditches are almost zeroed.

Back on the tarmac, we have to cruise at a granny pace of 70km/h to coax the annoying speed warning buzzer. Thankfully the Triton does so decently and was quick enough when the need to overtake arises.

A good consolation is the well-sorted audio system -it was loud enough to overpower the warning buzzer's constant dinging!

In A Nutshell

The Triton not only caters to those living the rugged lifestyle, it can also be the answer to businessmen that requires lots of moving, has a big family, and not keen on the idea of SUVs or MPVs. After all, diesel engine is nearly as good as a petrol engine, and cheaper to top up by the litre.

But sadly, the Triton can only be registered here as a goods vehicle.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Engine: 2,477cc, diesel turbocharged
Power: 136bhp @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 197Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Length / Width / Height: 5,000 / 1,750 / 1,775 mm
Wheelbase: 3,000 mm

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