The top dog of pick-ups

Mitsubishi’s workhorse L200 pick-up has been a global hit for years. This fifth-gen model boasts a host of important improvements. reports.

Dooley

At the turn of the century Mitsubishi cleverly rode the wave that was the trend for ‘lifestyle’ pick-ups. No longer utilitarian workhorses, they became lifestyle vehicles for families and some – L200 included – were refined enough to be used every day. This all-new L200 builds on the multi-use angle while also delivering important updates to maintain the pickup’s status as top dog. Base model 4Life aside, the first thing you notice is the L200’s added bling factor. Its new streamlined look is complemented by a considerable amount of chrome, which does much

Iain to promote the vehicle’s increasingly important lifestyle status. The L200 hasn’t gone soft though and remains a seriously tough and capable tool out in the field. The L200, in double cab guise, is unusual in offering a good amount of room for rear seat occupants. This, coupled with the overall car-like ambience, use of high grade materials and moderate noise levels when on the move, make for a driving experience that’s likely to be low on the fatigue scale. Furthermore, in regular pick-up mode access to the load bed is straightforward, towing capacity is generous and don’t forget the vehicle’s flexible allwheel drive system. Chassis, suspension and steering changes ensure that the L200 remains a step ahead of its rivals and is possibly the most car-like to drive of the current batch of pick-ups. Its modest turning circle should help when in town, and there’s no shortage of room inside the car-like cabin – even for those in the back of the popular double cab variant. Factor in more advanced diesel engines and the L200 is a refined beast. All bar the entry-level model gain a Torsen centre differential, which enhances the vehicle’s flexibility. The result is a pick-up with serious off-roading credentials and the ability to also make light work of motorway miles. Mitsubishi is keen to stress that this L200 is as much a value champion as it is a working tool. The refined cabin offers all the usual carrelated mod-cons, while the diesel engines boast enhanced green credentials. The L200’s dual use status also means you could even run one as the sole family vehicle.

ONE WORD This car summed up in just a single word: Price: £23,049 ex VAT Engine: 2.4-litre diesel unit producing 178bhp Transmission: six-speed manual transmission driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 109mph, 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds Economy:...