DOES Mitsubishi’s fifth-generation L200 still shine in a mid-spec trim? We try the game-changing pick-up in Titan trim to find out.
What’s hot?
The L200 Series 5’s styling might look familiar, but styling cues such as the curvy and distinctive ‘J-Line’ curve to the roof, sharper contouring down the side and the new nose with the chrome grille and Xenon headlights mark it out.
The Titan is one up from the entry-level 4Life Series 5 L200 trim, but from the outside you wouldn’t know it with the chromed grille, wing mirrors, door handles, side steps and a smart set of arch-filling 17-inch alloys.
Inside, like the outside, the Series 5 L200 doesn’t look a massive step forward over the still available Series 4. Look closer and there are new front seats finished in hard-wearing cloth on the Titan. Other additions include the neat twistable Super Select 4×4 control that’s behind the gearlever to engage different four-wheel drive modes. Plus, even our entry-level Titan had a touch screen CD/Stereo system plus lots of classy piano black trim.
Titan’s tidy cab
Titan is almost the entry-level L200 trim, but we were still impressed with the level of standard equipment. Keyless go, remote central locking, electric windows and auto wipers are fitted as standard.
The standard kit on the L200 Titan is impressive, but this is not at the expense of safety systems, as active stability and traction control, seven airbags, brake assist and a lane departure warning system are all included. The Super Select four-wheel drive system makes it easy and quick to switch from two to four-wheel drive.
It’s a bit of a step up to get in the L200’s cabin, but once you’re there, you are met by an attractive, modern-designed dashboard with logically-placed switchgear. Double cab pick-ups sometimes have a reputation for space being tight in the back, but we were pleasantly surprised as kids and adults could get equally comfortable in the back of this Mitsubishi pick-up.
Usually if a pick-up is great off-road it’s disappointing on it – not so with the Series 5 L200. The refined ride is what you notice first, although it can’t quite match the car-like comfort found with the independently-suspended new Nissan Navara NP300. Driven sensibly, the composure in corners is impressive considering how tall the L200 is.
Mud-plugging more important? Well, the Super Select, which is new to the L200, has been fitted to the Shogun for some time – so is proven and has two low range settings, a torque-sensing Torsen differential and ASTC active stability control. We also like the fact you can go between two and four-wheel drive at up to 62mph. Towing? Well, four-wheel drive on the L200 isn’t all about the off-roading, as the 40:60 rear-based torque split can give more stability and help with the handling when towing.
The Series 5 L200 is powered by an all-new 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine producing 178bhp. A state-of-the-art engine, it boasts variable valve timing – the first in this sector to have it and extensive use of aluminium in its make-up. No fire burner, smooth and torquey is the best way to describe this engine and it is well matched to the reasonably slick six-speed manual gearbox. Although you can also have it with a six-speed auto, with steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Despite the keen drive, this L200 is still capable of 42.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO2 emissions of 173g/km. The L200 has recent history as a tax dodging company vehicle, so we think the lower fuel consumption is clever future-proofing by Mitsubishi against possible CO2-based taxation, expected for light commercial vehicles soon.
This is a pick-up and you’ll be pleased to know that the bed is 1,470mm long and wide, which is a 15mm increase on the Series 4 and should you need to make it a more practical load area, Mitsubishi are offering loads of covers – we suggest you check out the accessories section!
