Well test drive done and dusted, took the auto out first and was really impressed right from the start whereas the manual just didn't do it for me and that was a big surprise because I have always preferred manuals but with the 6 speed and short span between each gear change it just seemed to keep you really busy and i think I am starting to get lazy as i get older. That said I still love to drive the old manual Patrol but the spread between each gear change is a lot longer.
Anyway obviously it is hard to compare the Triton and the Patrol but what was interesting was that I thought the Auto Triton was much quieter, smoother and seemed to have more getup and go than the 2016 Dmax 4x4 auto that I drive everyday for work so that was really interesting as the DMax would have to be one of its closest competitors.
So first impressionsLikes- AUTO Quiet,smooth,responsive(for what it is),Styling,Storage Compartments, rear leg room, climate control
Dislikes - driver Left leg room, Upper Vision(i am tall and the top of the window seems low), Reverse camera screen hard to see in sunny conditions, seat hugs a bit tight for a big bloke, Manual Clutch sudden and jerky compared to other brands I have driven.
Will I buy one and if so which one? Not sure yet. Really liked the auto to drive but do not like the plough that hangs off the rear diff or the extra cost of it. Also with the manual I like the idea of better fuel economy but wonder about the problems that some of them have had. Then there is the added cost of sorting out all the extra's I need to get it to where I want it.
So at this stage i am definitely keen but think I still need to do some more research.