The all-new version of Mitsubishi’s flagship pick-up is better than ever

The all-new version of Mitsubishi’s flagship pick-up is better than ever,

The L200 is an important car for Mitsubishi. Accounting for one third of its sales in the UK, it’s the cornerstone of a line-up built to establish Mitsubishi’s image as a 4x4 specialist.

So it’s important that the new Series 6 is up to scratch.

The Series 6 is immediately a far better looking car compared with its predecessor, with a raised and redesigned front-end, LED headlights and a much-improved interior. the important changes go beyond the cosmetic, though.

The 2.4-litre engine is out in favour of a 2.2-litre, Euro 6 d-compliant diesel. there’ s an extra 35kg of payload capacity and a higher gross train weight of 6,155kg. Braked towing weight has also increased by 400kg to 3.5 tonnes.

The load bed is the same size as before but new side steps and bumper steps mean access to the rear is easier.

There’ s once again a six-speed manual, but the old five-speed automatic gearbox is out, in favour of a much-improved six-speed and the drive is much more car-like than before.

Our car was an automatic and, while I’m comparing it to the manual Series 5 I drove on long-term test, peak power feels like it arrives quicker than it did in the old car. and when it does, it arrives in a much more subdued and refined fashion.

In general, the pick-up rides and drives more like an SUV than a truck. The improved suspension seems to have eliminated the bounciness you used to get when driving with an empty flatbed and the steering is sharp er than before.

Drivers can switch between 2WD and 4WD on the move at speeds of up to 62mph thanks to the Super Select 4WD-II system. The system offers four drive options - 2H, 4H and

4H with a locked centre differential and 4LLC low-ratio, again with a locked differential.

There are also off-road driving modes offering four specific drivetrain/driver aid settings - gravel, mud/snow, sand and rock).

The Series 6 is not only better to drive, but it’s a nicer place to be as well. Materials in the interior have been upgraded and the seats have additional support.

On the practical side there’s improved storage room for smaller items like smartphones and water bottles and USB connections have been added for front and rear passengers.

The infotainment system is much improved and is enhanced with Apple Car Play and Android Auto if you prefer to use that instead.

Further technology improvements include a 360- degree parking camera, with a splitscreen, bird’s eye view, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and a rear-cross traffic alert.

Manufacturers have cottoned on to the fact that a significant number of light commercial sales never to set a tyre on a building site - that’s where high-specification models like the Barbarian X find their niche.

They have to retain their practicality though. With the Series 6 Mitsubishi have managed to improve the driving experience immeasurably and it’s the most car-like L200 ever.

Crucially though, they’ve also improved it as a practical proposition with a more efficient engine, increased capacity and a higher tow rating.

It’ s already one of mitsu bis hi’ s top sellers and I see every reason for that to continue.