The Mitsubishi L200 is back and better than ever with the release of the sixth generation of this popular pick-up. Built in Thailand, the L200 is now in its 41st year of production and has sold an incredible 4.7 million models globally. The UK is Europe’s largest pickup market and one in three of all Mitsubishi vehicle sales in the UK is an L200, making this an important model for the Japanese manufacturer. While the Series 6 has undergone more of a facelift than a reinvention, the latest model takes everything that makes this the pick of the pick-ups and adds a little bit extra.
A tough exterior
The new L200 is designed to look like it’s been carved from a block of steel – it’s rugged, tough and ready to take on anything. The front grille is imposing and angular but there’s more to this design than strong looks. The front incorporates a dynamic shield which offers better protection for both passengers and pedestrians while the new hood design offers better driver visibility. The lighting system uses combination lamps mounted further out on the bumper to ensure the maximum visibility when driving at night. To complete the look, there are a range of colours available, from the practical Sterling Silver and Graphite Grey to the statement shades of Volcanic Red and Sunflare Orange.
A refined interior
The cabin is spacious but goes beyond the practical and feels more like the interior of an SUV, with body-hugging seats and controls built around the driver. There are soft touch materials found throughout, with padding and double stitching adding to the comfortable feel and sound insulation and vibration damping enhancing to the refinement. There are plenty of practical storage spaces throughout and USB ports, meaning you’ll never be short of charge. The 7-inch touchscreen is the control centre for infotainment and displays the surrounds when working with the 360-degree camera.
Four distinct trim levels
There are four trim levels available:
4Life The L200 4Life comes in two versions – the Club Cab with fold-down rear seats or the Double Cab with full-size rear seats. With 16-inch steel wheels, electric mirrors, remote central locking, Bluetooth connectivity and an easy select four-wheel drive system, the L200 4Life offers everything you’ll need from a utility vehicle. If you opt for the Double Cab option you’ll get an upgrade to alloy wheels and cruise control.
Warrior The L200 Warrior adds plenty of extra technology including 18-inch alloy wheels, full connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, keyless operation, rear-view camera as well as safety features like Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Stability and Traction Control and Lane Departure Warning. The Barbarian is available in both six-speed manual and automatic variants.
Barbarian The L200 Barbarian adds plenty of touches to make life a little easier. From the soft opening tailgate to the illuminated door entry guards and even the rear USB ports for easy charging, you know that you’re driving a pickup that’s a cut above the rest.
Barbarian X Topping the range is the L200 Barbarian X which offers extra legroom as well as space for three passengers in the back. There are plenty of luxury features including heated door mirrors, heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, as well as the latest driver assistance systems including front and rear parking sensors, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert systems.
Mitsubishi L200 engine
The L200’s 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine – officially known as a 2.2 Litre MIVEC 16-Valve intercooled turbocharged DOHC Common Rail Di-D High Power – is created from an all-aluminium engine block, making it both light and durable. The common rail direct fuel injection system ensures the engine is efficient while the performance is enhanced with an intercooler. There’s a choice of six-speed manual transmission or an automatic with Sport mode and you’ll feel like you’re in a racing car with sporty paddle gear shifters.
Payload and towing capacity
The total load capacity (the maximum total weight which can be carried in the load bed while towing) is 4,120kg, or 3.5 tonnes if you prefer. If you opt for one of the higher trim levels then lining up a trailer is simpler than ever before using the rear camera. Trailer Stability Assist adds to the balance while towing by controlling the engine power and braking force at each wheel where required, and with an advanced four-wheel drive system, you can be sure that you’ll always reach your destination, no matter the road conditions.