Introduction The Mitsubishi L200 has played an important part in the pickup truck boom experienced in Britain during recent years. Along with models including the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara it has proved popular with everyone from builders to farmers and families. This is largely because the L200 is tough, able to carry a heavy load and even take the family out at the weekend, so long as the double-cab is fitted. It’s also because pickups like this Mitsubishi are classed as commercial vehicles, so business owners get tax breaks making them more affordable to buy and run than an equivalent SUV. Performance 3.5 A 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel is available with either 132bhp or 175bhp, getting the L200 from 0-62mph in around 12-15 seconds. This might not sound quick, but it means the Mitsubishi is competitive with rivals. The more powerful version also feels quicker than these figures suggest once on the move, as its short low first gear doesn’t encourage dashing off the line. The main areas the L200 falls behind most cars and SUV’s is in its refinement and gearbox. The engine is loud under acceleration and the noise doesn’t really die away at cruising speeds, making it less pleasant to drive on the motorway than it could be. The gearbox feels tough (a good thing in this type of vehicle) and changes are quite smooth, but too many vibrations travel up the gearstick. Ride and handling 2.5 The L200 corners with little body roll and enough grip to carry speed through corners and keep up with most other traffic. But, you’ll be working quite hard, with plenty of steering angle needed to coax the L200 into corners, thanks to its off-road-friendly setup. The ride is also somewhat compromised by this pickup’s ability to carry 1,055kg in its load bed, because basic leaf-spring suspension is fitted to the rear axle to cope with the weight. Like a van, this means the ride is slightly bouncy when no cargo is present. Importantly for many customers, the L200 is an accomplished off-roader, with four-wheel drive and a low-range gearbox (giving maximum torque at very low speeds) fitted as standard. Tyres vary throughout the range, but our Barbarian test model came fitted with knobbly rubber which looked perfect for tackling mud and ruts. Interior and equipment 4 With plenty of equipment on offer, the spec list for the L200 reads much like any modern car. A leather steering wheel, air-con, cruise control, Bluetooth and even a touch-screen sat-nav are all available. Despite this, the L200 is starting to show its age, with shiny interior plastics which look cheap, but should at least be durable and easy to clean. The VW Amarok boasts a newer design and classier interior. The front seats are comfortable enough, but the steering wheel doesn’t adjust upwards as far as taller drivers might like, so it tends to sit in your lap. The rear seats are impressive in the double-cab, being softer and less upright than some rivals. The load bed does shrink in length to 1,505mm if you opt for more cabin space, however, with the single-cab offering a bed 2,220mm long. Maximum payload ranges between 1,055kg and 1,145kg depending on the trim, while the L200 can tow a braked trailer weighing between 2,700 and 3,000kg. Costs 4 The L200 costs business buyers between £14k (£17k including VAT) for a single-cab 4Work and £29k (£35k with VAT) for a double-cab Walkinshaw automatic, prices which start lower than the Hilux, Amaraok and Isuzu D-MAX, but top models like the Barbarian and Walkinshaw are much pricier. Fuel economy of 35.8 to 41.5mpg (depending on power output) are respectable figures, making the L200 one of the cheapest pickups to run. An enviable reliability record and high demand in the used market also keeps resale prices up. Verdict 3.5 It’s easy to see why Mitsubishi has enjoyed so much success with the L200. It’s rugged, reliable and very versatile, while also being competitively priced and relatively cheap to run. It’s not perfect though, the design is starting to date and its poor refinement levels and vague steering will leave you in no doubt you’re driving a commercial vehicle. Still, if you’re in the market for a pickup truck, the L200 will more than likely be on your shopping list and rightly so.
Our Rating
