Revealed in June and revered by October – not a bad story to tell for the new Mitsubishi Triton that, along with the all-new Xforce compact SUV, won the Good Design Award 2023 organised by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
The two new models were selected as Good Design Award winners for embodying the core Mitsubishi Motors design philosophy while expressing their individual design concepts.
The all-new Triton is a one-ton bakkie based on the ‘Beast Mode’ design concept which, says the company, means ‘the all-new Triton has an imposing aura that expresses the toughness and strength required of a pickup truck, as well as the ruggedness and agility typical of a Mitsubishi model. The interior is designed for enhanced practicality with professional use in mind’.
Jury comment from the competition stated: "The all-new Triton boasts power not found in passenger vehicles and a sense of fun that sets it apart from other bakkies. The styling, consisting of a front face with a strong presence, distinctive lighting utilising LEDs, a horizontally-themed silhouette, and square fenders, fully meets these requirements and clearly conveys the brand identity. In addition, the vehicle offers a spacious cabin, a functional instrument panel, a low cargo bed, and other user-friendly features. It also stands out for its excellent workmanship, including a cover for the inside of the cargo bed."
The Xforce is a compact SUV that offers comfort and practicality including a spacious cabin and versatile storage spaces well-balanced in manoeuvrable, compact body size, as well as road handling that allows a safe, secure ride in various weather or road conditions. Based on the design concept of ‘Silky & Solid’, its design features a stylish yet robust, authentic SUV styling and a sophisticated interior with a cutting-edge feel.
The jury had this to say: "The exterior design, with the powerful front and rear fenders at its core, gives a sense of massiveness despite the vehicle's compact size, and together with the shape of the headlights and rear combination lights, it exudes the appeal of an advanced SUV.“Meanwhile, through well-organised, structured modelling and the skilful blending of colours, materials and finishes (CMF), the interior succeeds in creating a sense of excitement to match the external profile. The use of a hexagon motif in the interior and exterior details also contributes to a sense of unity in the overall vehicle design."
“Mitsubishi fans have a high appreciation for powerful and imposing designed bakkies and SUVs that play an integral role in enhancing the fun lifestyle they deserve – stay tuned for more exciting news,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
Colin Windell - proudly CHANGECARS
