Limited opportunity

Mitsubishi have launched a new limited edition version of their L200 pick-up and Paul Acres is the first to drive it in the UK

you start the car. Admittedly, the button to deactivate it is within easy reach, but it’s obscured by the steering wheel rim, which makes finding it just a little more troublesome than it should be. Other driver’s aids include hillstart and trailer stability assist. The seven-inch infotainment system is equipped with sat nav but, if you prefer, you can connect looks a little dated too, but these are issues that I’m sure Mitsubishi will be addressing in the new model.

There’s plenty of room to sit three adults across the rear bench, I’ve two sisters and a brother-inlaw who will gladly act as witnesses to that fact if required, with generous head and leg room.

There’s a woeful lack of storage space with just a bin between the seats, small door pockets and a glovebox that is not much more than a box, for your gloves.

The instrument cluster is nice and clear and the controls nice and chunky.

The Super Select 4x4 control dial – which offers four modes of drive – sits behind the gear lever while your chosen mode is indicated on simple black and white display between the speedo and rev counter.

Under the bonnet of all L200s is the 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine and its common-rail injection, variable valve timing and aluminium construction help it set the bar high on performance and efficiency grounds.

With 178bhp and 430Nm there’s enough torque to get the rear wheels spinning up from a standing start even on dry tarmac, although that won’t help you hit 62mph in the claimed 10.4sec.

Press on hard and you’re left in no doubt that this is primarily a working vehicle – the diesel clatters away audibly under heavy acceleration – but once you’ve settled down at cruising speeds it’s a very refined unit and noise levels in the cabin are commendably low.

The ride is composed, although particularly poor surfaces with large cracks and craters can send shudders through the cabin, and there’s admirable control of lateral movement through corners despite its tall profile. There’s no disguising the fact that the L200 is a working vehicle and Price: £29,105

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC common rail with intercooler and turbocharger

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Max power: 178bhp

Max torque: 317lbft @2,500rpm Max speed: 111mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 10.4sec

Urban: 34.9mpg

Extra urban: 49.6mpg Combined: 42.8mpg

Emissions (CO2): 173g/km

it will fulfil that single purpose exceptionally well.

However, should you also need reasonably comfortable, efficient and spacious accommodation, the Mitsubishi has got you covered on that front too.

There are various load bay covers that add to its appeal and ability as fully-fledged family transport. If you can live with the dated switchgear and lack of cabin storage – and let’s be honest, who can’t – then the L200’s versatility makes it a strong contender in this class.

The question you’ll need to ask yourself is whether it’s worth paying the premium over the standard model.