IN a match made somewhere between the scrum and the showroom, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has assembled what might be the most formidable front row off the rugby field: Springbok legends Ox Nché and Trevor Nyakane, paired with the Next-Gen Triton. And yes, the vehicle is almost as wide as they are.
When you’re in the business of moving immovable objects for a living, your choice of wheels matters. These aren’t men who do things by halves – whether it’s defending a World Cup title or picking a bakkie that can handle their larger-than-life presence both on and off the field.
The Perfect Marriage of Muscle and Metal
Ox Nché, who joined the Mitsubishi family back in 2023 (shortly after that small matter of winning a World Cup), has been so smitten with his Triton Xtreme that he recently bought a Mitsubishi for a close relative. That’s not brand loyalty – that’s brand devotion. The man scrums for a living and still found time to become Mitsubishi’s most genuine ambassador, recently delivering a keynote address at the company’s Dealer of the Year event. One can only imagine the inspirational parallels between binding in the front row and binding customers to vehicles.
Now, Ox has company in the Mitsubishi garage. Enter Trevor Nyakane – fellow “bomb squad” member, front row powerhouse, and the man whose dance moves at the 2023 World Cup won hearts across South Africa. If you thought props couldn’t move with grace and rhythm, Nyakane proved you spectacularly wrong. Much like the Next-Gen Triton itself, Trevor isn’t afraid to work hard and play hard.
“Mitsubishi look forward to continuing to build and grow these relationships as the pairing gets ready to defend their Rugby World Cup title,” says Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product and Marketing at MMSA. Translation: these national treasures needed national-treasure-sized vehicles.
Built for the Big Boys
Here’s where things get deliciously practical. The Next-Gen Triton is approximately 50mm wider than its predecessor, which Mitsubishi gleefully notes makes it “perfect for front row rugby players such as Ox and Trevor.” Because when you spend your professional life with your head between two other massive humans, shoulder room isn’t a luxury – it’s a non-negotiable.
The front seat adjustment range is segment-leading, which means even if you’re built like a human battering ram, you’ll find your sweet spot. The rear seats offer class-leading shoulder and knee room “by a significant margin,” which is engineering-speak for “your mates won’t hate you for making them sit in the back.”
Power That Matches the Personalities
Under the bonnet, the Next-Gen Triton packs a newly developed 4N16 DI-DC engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, delivering 135kW and a meaty 430Nm of torque. In rugby terms, that’s the equivalent of having both Ox and Trevor pushing from behind when you’re stuck in the mud. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with all double-cab models means smooth shifts, though we suspect neither Ox nor Trevor has much use for reverse.
The Triton’s Super Select 4WD-II system provides “outstanding all-terrain performance both on-road and off-road” – essential for navigating everything from Durban traffic to farm tracks to the occasional victory parade through downtown Johannesburg.
The Dynamic Shield Meets the Dynamic Duo
Mitsubishi’s iconic Dynamic Shield front grille features three L-shaped LED lights that “resemble the sharp gaze of a hawk.” Though let’s be honest, when Ox or Trevor pulls up in one of these, opposing front rows aren’t thinking about hawks – they’re thinking about the psychological warfare that starts in the car park.
The exterior combines toughness and style, demonstrating “an imposing stance with ruggedness and agility.” Sound familiar? It’s basically the automotive equivalent of our Springbok heroes: imposing, rugged, agile, and not to be trifled with.
Inside, the cabin 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.” Whether that’s to training, to a sponsorship event, or to claim your second consecutive World Cup trophy.
A Partnership That Makes Perfect Sense
The event in Durban that welcomed Trevor to the family also featured AmaZulu FC stars goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela and midfielder Hendrik ‘Pule’ Ekstein, adding further star power and proving that Mitsubishi knows how to throw a party that brings together South Africa’s sporting royalty.
“Ox is the perfect brand ambassador. His affinity for the brand is genuine,” notes Nonyane. When a man who earns his living pushing against immovable objects chooses your vehicle, that’s the kind of endorsement money can’t buy.
The Next-Gen Triton has been challenging perceptions in the South African market since its launch just over a year ago, with its diverse model range, locally tailored editions, and the strongest warranty in its class. Add two World Cup-winning props to the marketing mix, and you’ve got a combination tougher than a Saturday afternoon scrum in the pouring rain.
The Bottom Line
In the world of rugby, Ox Nché and Trevor Nyakane are the immovable objects that make sure their team goes forward. In the world of bakkies, the Mitsubishi Triton is the irresistible force that goes anywhere, does anything, and looks good doing it.
Together, they’re a reminder that whether you’re defending a World Cup or defending your choice of vehicle, you might as well do it with power, style, and just enough swagger to make it interesting.
After all, both props and pickups are built for one thing: moving forward, no matter what’s in the way. And in this case, they’ve got 430Nm of torque and a World Cup winner’s mentality to make sure nothing stops them.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to go measure our shoulders to see if we qualify for one of these things.
