I had a wonderful excuse to drive up Sani Pass recently - in the form of a Mitsubishi Triton 4x4, and a pair of mates, my 10-year-old daughter and I all agreed the 3.2 DI-D auto bakkie was definitely up for the challenge…..

Sani Pass is the ultimate test for a 4X4

The imminent tarring of Sani Pass has been hanging like a sword of Damocles over the heads of avid offroaders...and those who make their living from ferrying tourists up this wonderful stoney hill. Some of the more sceptical among us have long thought it would never happen in our lifetimes – that it was one of those wild ideas that would never come to fruition.

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So I was a tad taken aback recently to see some hectic roadworks at the bottom of the legendary pass. Well, not quite the bottom, but more on the dirt stretch before and just after the Sani Pass Hotel. Best, I thought to myself, I drive to the top as often as possible before it becomes a national highway.

The Mitsubishi Triton is a double cab with power

Being a double cab, the four of us fitted in pretty well, along with various coats and stuff, but I wished there’d been more space behind the rear seats for my laptop and camera.
The Triton was fab, girls . . . tons of grunt (118 kW at 3 800rpm and 347Nm of torque at 2 000rpm) meant we cruised up the hill effortlessly, and only halfway up at a particularly steep switchback did I engage low range. (On the auto gearbox you can pop it into off-road first gear in Low ratio or use the range change lever for high or low range). Ground clearance was more than adequate and we were all comfortable on the 8km schlep to the top.

Stylish new shape

We – and other motorists – were fascinated by the shape of the Triton, the sculpted, scalloped doors and new curves. Parked beside other bakkies it was definitely a cut above . . . and none boasted the electric rear window, which is, said my daughter, just so cool.

Mitsubishi Triton features EBD and ABS brakes

Equally cool was the view from the top of the pass. And I’m pleased to report the only construction in sight was three brand new thatched chalets at Sani Top Chalet, or The Highest Pub In Africa, where accommodation has always been at a bit of a premium.
Down the hill again – great stopping power from the massive ventilated front disc brakes (also EBD and ABS) on the Triton – a quick stop for diesel (quite a thirsty beast this is!) before heading home.

I had one gripe only: my butt was sore by the end of the day. There doesn’t appear to be enough padding on the seats and on a longer journey, it could become uncomfortable for those lacking natural cushioning.
* R327 900