5:15 pm, September 8, 2015
What is it?
Since the first model hit the roads 33 years ago, the L200 has been branded as the truck that is capable of safely transporting the children to school and climbing mountains on the weekend…
What’s under the bonnet?
Mitsubishi is offering the new L200 with a new all-aluminium 2.4-litre diesel engine, which is the first in the class to offer variable valve timing, giving it some extra muscle. The lightweight unit, coupled with an overall reduced vehicle weight of 30kg, means the L200 offers 20 per cent greater fuel economy than before. The new powertrain also features a clever new turbocharger, which feeds more power to the wheels at low engine speeds and provides smoother responses at higher engine speeds. It’s mated to a new six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shifters – a first for a pick-up.
What’s the spec like?
Available in four trim levels, bookended with entry-level 4Life and range-topping Barbarian trim, the L200 is crammed with gadgets and safety aids. The 4Life, which is available from £19,749, gets keyless entry and daytime running lights along with air-conditioning, alloy wheels and cruise control, while the Titan adds a stop/start system, a digital radio, tinted windows and larger 17-inch alloys for an additional £1,000. Move up a step (and another £2,300) to Warrior trim and you’ll be spoilt rotten. It receives heated seats, sat-nav, a reversing camera and xenon headlights. Meanwhile, the range-topping Barbarian model – £23,799 or £25,199 in automatic guise – is crammed with extras such as puddle lamps as well as LED mood lighting and a leather interior.
What’s it like to drive?
The L200 has been dubbed the utility workhorse for the road, with the performance of an everyday SUV. It can comfortably cart passengers on long-distance journeys, thanks to its spacious cabin and minimal road noise, but it’s also at home through boggy terrain. It is equally as happy around town as it is in the mud. It even has a reasonably tight turning circle. It no longer suffers from severe body roll and is notably sharper in the corners.
What do the press think?
Auto Express says: ‘Levels of refinement, comfort and quality still fall some way below those offered by large SUVs.’
What do we think?
Mitsubishi’s aim was to turn its top-selling pick-up into a multi-purpose road car. The firm has built on the foundations of its rugged utility vehicle and created a versatile warrior, capable of ploughing through mud or around the M25, while providing a smoother ride. We’d say it’s a winner.
