Mitsubishi’s 4×4 workhorse stands out from the crowd

Mitsubishi L200 Trojan Double-Cab

Road Test Review by COLIN DAWSON

What is it?

Mitsubishi’s long-standing entry in the four-wheel-drive pick-up market has been around in the UK since the 1980s, longer than many of its competitors. It’s been a winner for the company, too – consistently Britain’s best-selling pick-up. Our test model was a Trojan double-cab variant, although the L200 is available in Single Cab commercial, Club Cab commercial and Double Cab commercial and non-commercial forms, in various 4Work, 4Life, Warrior, Barbarian and special editions (the Trojan and Barbarian Black) specifications. The L200 range has been radically re-designed inside and out. The styling is unusual. The load bed is not integral with the front body so the L200 resembles no other pick-up on the market. It’s certainly dramatic and some will love it while others hate it. The restyling includes a new front grille, protector-type headlamps, revised instruments, a multi-function steering wheel, new seat fabrics, aux-in audio and new centre console and arm rest. Four-wheel-drive pick-ups are not just the preserve of farmers, tree surgeons and landscapers. They make sense if you want a business vehicle that will also serve as a stylish 4×4 when the working day is over. VAT-registered SMEs and sole traders can reclaim VAT on the purchase price. Most pick-ups, especially double cabs, are likely to be used for private mileage. Company pick-up tax is not applicable if the owner is a sole trader or partner. As a workhorse, the Double Cab L200 offers a loadbed space of 1,505mm long x 1,470mm wide with a payload of 1,045kg. Width between the wheelarches is 1,085mm. The trade off for being able to seat five occupants is a compromise in the loadbed length, although the L200 Double Cab will still accommodate a standard 800mm × 1,200mm Euro pallet.

Power for the Trojan variant comes from a Euro V compliant 2.5-litre DI-D common-rail intercooled turbo-diesel engine developing 178hp and 400Nm torque. It’s more economical than its predecessor with combined consumption at 35.8mpg and produces lower emissions at 208g/km, although still at the upper end of the scale for tax. Although, according to Mitsubishi, it’s one of the most fuel-efficient pick-ups with among the lowest emissions in the marketplace. The L200 is certainly fun to drive, responsive and with an imposing feel behind the wheel. The interior styling and switchgear give the Trojan cab a very modern feel.

The ride is good despite the rear leaf springs; front suspension is independent wishbones with coil springs. Mitsubishi’s ‘Super Select’ transmission is probably the most versatile system on offer anywhere, allowing the vehicle to run in two-wheel-drive when 4WD is completely unnecessary, thus saving fuel, but also to run in four-wheel-drive on dry roads with an open centre differential, for extra traction when towing or when surface condition are dubious. Traction control adds to the stability. With low range selected for difficult off-road or low-traction conditions, the centre differential locks automatically. So, if you need to haul a trailer for your business or get into the rough, there’s much to be said for the L200. Mitsubishi Motors is now offering the longest warranty of any pick-up truck in the UK marketplace for its L200 model, providing customers with peace of mind for a class-leading five years/125,000 miles*, according to the company. *Terms and conditions apply.

What’s hot?

• Stand-out-from-the-crowd looks
• Sophisticated two/four-wheel-drive transmission system
• Solid, well-built feel
• Comfortable interior with stylish switchgear
• Five-year/125,000-mile warranty

What’s not?

• Those stand-out-from-the-crowd looks might mot appeal to everyone!
• Double-cab configuration is a trade-off against loadbed space
• In-cab stowage could be better

Business Vans verdict

Those running small businesses who want a want a working vehicle that will do duty as refined 4×4 out of hours, especially those who like the idea of driving something that stands out from the crowd, should test drive an L200.

 What you need to know

On the road price ex VAT:	£23,188.80
Load length:	1,505mm
Load width:	1,470mm
Load height:	N/A
Load capacity:	N/A
Payload:	1,045kg
GVW:	2,930kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked:	2,700kg/750kg
Engine:	2,477cc 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque:	178hp/400Nm
Economy (combined):	35.8mpg
CO2 emissions:	208g/km