MITSUBISHI has been making tough pick-up trucks for more than 40 years and the latest generation of the L200 arrived back in the summer.
Now in its sixth generation, the Japanese marque's new model has striking good looks as well as all the features of a rugged four-wheel-drive pick-up. Its aggressive looks and size give it a real presence and its completely new front end brings it right up to date.
The Series 6 also has a new 2268cc turbo diesel powertrain with AdBlue, along with an upgraded automatic gearbox with six speeds to give it even more appeal.
Buyers can select from trim levels called 4Life Club Cab, Double Cab, Warrior, Barbarian and Barbarian X with all models apart from the entry-level 4Life Club Cab having double cabs with four doors.
I recently sampled the top-of-the-range Barbarian X with automatic gearbox delivering 150PS and 400Nm of torque and featuring the new transmission, which certainly impressed.
And I managed to average around the claimed combined fuel efficiency of 36.2mpg, although I was not off-road at any time, which obviously helped.
Priced from £32,525 plus VAT, the new L200 certainly looks the business. The dramatic new front features a new clamshell bonnet, narrow LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and Mitsubishi’s distinctive Dynamic Shield grille.
At the rump, there is new metalwork, bumpers and LED tail lights. Squared-off wheel arches, running boards and fresh 18in alloys complete the handsome look.
Climbing into the cab, you will find an interior and tech that rivals just about anything else in the class. It wants for nothing and this top-of-the-range model gets unique Barbarian X leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system and even a heated steering wheel.
You also get smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, DAB radio, air conditioning, mood lighting, Bluetooth, front and rear USB ports, parking sensors, plus a very useful 360-degree camera system.
The new L200 is also much better to drive and a great deal more comfortable than its predecessor. In the last model, you felt every bump in the road but a stronger chassis and new springs mean that the ride quality is much improved.
It now feels much more refined for a full-sized pick-up and new brakes mean that it is also easier to stop when you have built up a head of steam.
The new engine provides bags of power and decent acceleration, and the automatic gearbox offers smooth changes. If you want, you can also use the steering wheel-mounted paddles to control the changes and get more fun.
The 4WD gives the pick-up lots of grip and enables the L200 to deal with rough terrain, muddy building sites and all the other tasks that a vehicle of this type is expected to do.
Used as a workhorse, this open-backed model can carry a payload weighing up to 1075kg and tow a trailer of up to 3.5 tonnes. It is capable of wading through 600mm-deep water, has a ground clearance of 205mm, an approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 22 degrees.
It also has the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD and back again while on the move at speeds up to 62mph.
The Barbarian X is packed with safety features. Included are forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, hill descent control and off-road mode, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam and LED front fog lights.
The L200 combines the demands of pick-up life with good road manners, generous equipment, strong performance and competitive pricing in a stylish package.
So it is perhaps no surprise that this Mitsubishi won the Pick-up Truck gong at the 2019 Scottish Car of the Year Awards. Certainly, this truck is well worth a look if you are in the market for this type of vehicle.
Factfile:
- Model: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian X Double Cab Diesel Auto 4WD
- Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
- Power: 150PS
- Top speed: 106mph
- Towing capacity: 3500kg
- Average mpg: 36.2
- CO2 emissions: 206g/km
- Warranty: Five years/62,500 miles
- Price: £32,525 excluding VAT
