World Cup Winning Springbok Ox Nché has extended his partnership with Mitsubishi Motors South Africa and experienced the Next-Gen Triton firsthand, when he got behind the wheel at a sponsorship engagement event in Durban recently.
Nché joined the Mitsubishi family in 2023, shortly after lifting the 2023 Rugby World Cup Trophy and has enjoyed many happy miles with his Triton Xtreme since.
“Ox is the perfect brand ambassador. His affinity for the brand is genuine, to the extent that he even recently purchased a Mitsubishi for a close relative,” says Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product and Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
Ox was also hit at Mitsubishi’s recent Dealer of the Year (DOTY) event, delivering an insightful keynote address and sharing his passion for the Mitsubishi brand with dealers.
Joining Ox in the Mitsubishi family is fellow bomb squad member and front row powerhouse Trevor Nyakane.
Nyakane won the hearts of South Africans with his passionate dance moves on the side of the pitch at the 2023 World Cup and like the Next-Gen Mitsubishi Triton, Nyakane is not afraid to work hard and play hard.
Adding further star power to the occasion was AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela and attacking midfielder Hendrik ‘Pule’ Ekstein who joined Nché and Nyakane in celebrating and welcoming the newest members to the Mitsubishi family, with a special focus on Trevor Nyakane as the brand’s newest ambassador. The presence of the AmaZulu stars further elevated the event and contributed to its overall success.
“Mitsubishi look forward to continuing to build and grow these relationships as the pairing gets ready to defend their Rugby World Cup title and beyond and we believe that the Next-Gen Triton is the perfect vehicle for supporting these larger-than-life national treasures both on and off the field,” explains Nonyane.
The perfect bakkie for two Springbok icons
The Next-Gen Triton was launched in South Africa just over a year ago and has challenged perceptions in the South African market since with a combination of a tough, yet stylish exterior and the versatility required to meet the demands of urban and adventure loving South Africans.
With a diverse model range, exclusive locally tailored editions and the strongest warranty in its class, the Next-Gen Triton offers everything that bakkie lovers could ever want and more.
The sixth-generation Triton was completely redesigned with a new interior and exterior while the chassis, ladder frame and engine were completely reimagined.
The Next-Gen Triton combines the Mitsubishi Motors design with the toughness and strength expected of a bakkie, while at the same time demonstrating an imposing stance with ruggedness and agility. The iconic Dynamic Shield is accentuated by a robust, three-dimensional front grille. The daytime running lights feature three L-shaped LED lights which resemble the sharp gaze of a hawk, which in combination with the three-dimensional three-light headlights below them, gives the Next-Gen Triton a commanding presence.
The interior is designed for comfort, with advanced technology and a thoughtfully crafted space that enhances the ability to enjoy the ride, no matter where the journey takes you.
Inside, the Next-Gen Triton is approximately 50mm wider than the previous Triton, which translates into excellent shoulder room and makes it perfect for front row rugby players such as Ox and Trevor. Front seat adjustment range in all models is also segment leading. Rear seats in the double cab models offer class leading shoulder and knee room by a significant margin, thanks in part to front seat backs that were designed with this in mind.
The Next-Gen Triton has also evolved in terms of its safety equipment. Central to this is the Super Select II system with Active Yaw Control and a wide variety of meaningful safety features tailored for the South African market and conditions. All Mitsubishi Triton models are built with the inherent safety that the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution Body Construction (RISE) offers.
Like Ox and Trevor, the Next-Gen Triton has the power and endurance to scrum all day long. A newly developed 4N16 DI-DC engine utilises a variable geometry turbocharger to achieve excellent performance and economy as well as powerful acceleration and responsiveness thanks impressive power and torque figures of 135kW at 3 500rpm and 430Nm between 2 250 and 2 500rpm. On all double-cab models, this engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Mitsubishi Triton has always been renowned for its off-road ability and key to this is the brands proprietary Super Select 4WD-II, unique, cutting-edge 4WD technology that provides outstanding all-terrain performance both on-road and off-road.
devine melon
A score of 100 runs by a batsman is called a “century”. It is one of the most sought-after levels of achievements in the sport. The first century ever scored was made by Australia’s Charlie Bannerman.
Zesty Dragon
Sport Trivia: Who was the first SA cricketer to take a hat trick in Test cricket? Answer: Geoff Griffin in the second test match against England at Lords in June 1960 — he dismissed Mike Smith, caught by the wicket-keeper, then bowled Peter Walker and Freddy Trueman. England went on to win the game by an innings and 73 runs. He never played another test match after that, due to his continually being called no-ball for alleged throwing.