Whichever L200 model you choose, and there are quite a few of them, there’s a 2.5-litre common-rail injection diesel engine up front doing the hard work.
In standard form, this engine turns in a healthy 134bhp and torque of 232lb/ft at 2,000rpm but a high power option is also available that tickles the output up to a macho 175bhp with 295lb/ft at 2,000rpm in manual form. This latter unit is capable of hitting 62mph from standstill in 12.1 seconds before rumbling on to a 111mph top speed.
The less powerful L200s take 15 seconds to reach 62mph and will eventually attain 103mph. The five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but a five-speed automatic is also offered that features a Sport mode with more aggressive shift mapping.
The L200 rides on a no-nonsense ladder frame chassis with multi-link front suspension and heavy duty leaf springs at the rear. It’s the standard set-up in the pick-up world and what it lacks in finesse on the tarmac it makes up for in strength and ability in the rough. Pick-up ride quality always leaves something to be desired compared to 4×4 passenger cars but the L200 doesn’t do too badly. It’s not the best UK-market pick-up to drive but it is one of the most manoeuvrable with a tight 5.9m turning circle.
Some pick-ups have entry-level front-wheel-drive versions but not the L200. Whether it’s the Easy Select 4WD system on the entry-level models or the Super Select 4WD set-up on the range-topping versions, all have all-wheel-drive. Easy Select models should be run in 2WD mode in normal conditions with a locked 4WD mode selectable on low friction surfaces.
The Super Select is an advanced full time 4×4 set-up similar to that found in Mitsubishi’s Shogun. It allows the L200 to be driven in 2WD or full-time 4WD mode on the road without the excessive wear and tear suffered by part-time systems as a result of transmission wind-up.
In slippery off-road situations, a further 4WD mode can be selected which maximises traction by locking the centre differential. Both of the systems are operated by the traditional and rather clunky lever sited alongside the gear stick which seems slightly dated when compared to the dash-mounted dials used by rival manufacturers.
There are three basic bodystyles to mull over. The single cab is reserved very much for businesses that need a proper old school working pick-up. Its traditional two seats and extensive 2,220mm load length mean it prioritises cargo over cabin and it’s only offered in the base trims. The second option is the Club cab. This is for single cab customers who might occasionally need to transport more than one passenger. It offers a 1,805mm load length with additional capacity behind the cabin’s front seats for secure storage or to seat a couple of small ones.
Most L200 customers opt for a double cab body, a variant offered in any trim level you like. This is a four-door five-seater model with a decent amount of legroom for the rear passengers and seat backs angled at a comfortable 25 degrees. There has to be a compromise for this extra passenger space and it comes in the shape of a modest 1,325mm load length in standard guise. The solution is the Long Bed version of this model with an extra 18cm of load length. Whichever L200 bodystyle you choose, it will have a 1,085mm load width, a capacity to carry in excess of 1,000kg and a 2,700kg braked trailer towing limit.
The L200 trim level range reflects its goal of catering for business and private buyers. You have 4Work models at the base of the range equipped only with the basics. That means CD stereo, steel wheels, and the basic Easy Select 4×4 system. 4Life is a little plusher with air-conditioning, electric windows and keyless entry but still has the utilitarian feel. Beyond that, we reach the high series L200s, double cab versions dubbed Warrior and Barbarian. These are the bigger sellers and the models that really cross over between business and pleasure usage.
It can more than hold its own in terms of road presence but the L200 is actually a little shorter and narrower than many of the modern pick-up crop. This helps with manoeuvrability but what about carrying capacity? All models can accommodate a Europallet and the tailgate can be lowered through 180 degrees so it’s out of the way for forklift loading. The cargo area itself is galvanised steel and double walled to take the knocks while Mitsubishi offers a wide range of load covers to help protect cargo from the elements.
Running costs should be reasonable but a 4×4 vehicle of the L200’s size is never going to be light on fuel. The less powerful engine returns 35mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of 215g/km. Go for the high powered model and economy drops to 30mpg with emissions of 248g/km. Service intervals are set at 12,500 miles and there’s a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Competition is fiercer than ever in the UK pick-up sector but Mitsubishi’s L200 is competitive with the best models out there in most of the key areas. At the lifestyle-orientated end of the market where image and styling are so important, it has a distinct advantage with its curvy lines and clever marketing.
Interior quality could be better but this shortcoming is partly masked by the high equipment levels and being smaller than many rivals aids manoeuvrability. A wide range mixing affordable workhorse models and plush range toppers will help, as will the thousands of pick-up buyers out there who have owned L200s in the past.
(based on Double Cab 2.5 DI-D 4Work model)
Model: Mitsubishi L200 range
Price: £16,549
Engine: 2.5-litre common-rail injection diesel engine
Performance: 134bhp and torque of 232lb/ft at 2,000rpm; 0-62mph in 15 seconds; top speed, 103mph
Economy: 35mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 215g/km
Overall length: 5,185mm
Overall width: 1,750mm
Overall height: 1,775mm