Our Vans: Mitsubishi L200 2.4 MIVEC

18 May 2016: Going tow-to-tow with the opposition

I've moaned about the L200's lack of refinement. Groaned at its annoying driver aids and muttered some unrepeatable words each time I've looked at the fuel economy. However, in terms of practicality and all-round load lugging ability, I have no complaints. 

When it comes to work, the Mitsubishi L200 is a heavyweight. In fact, when fully laden and hooked up to a trailer, it will shift 4.1 tonnes. That's a heck of a lot and - if used for business - would require a tachograph. It really is a workhorse in every sense, but how does it compare to the competition? 

Most modern pick-ups will easily tow in excess of two tonnes, but the L200 takes this up a notch with 3.1 tonnes. That's equal to the Volkswagen Amarok and almost half a tonne more than the outgoing Toyota Hilux. The L200 also gets a larger load area than the Amarok, although these is a twist the tale because the Volkswagen - like almost every pick-up on the market - is on the verge of being updated. 

Indeed, from this summer the Amarok will get a new engine and 3.5 tonne towing capacity. There will also be a new Hilux - 3.5 tonnes - while the updated Ford Ranger will also tow an equal amount. Then there is the Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, which will against take 3.5. So, perhaps the L200 isn't the benchmark for towing anymore, but it is still hugely capable with a one-tonne load bay and 3.1 tonne braked towing limit. 

                          The L200's cabin has plenty of head and leg space for four adults 

I've also been putting the L200 to use as people mover these past few weeks, with its four large, leather seats providing lots of comfort for four large adults. Last week I used the Mitsubishi as transport for myself and some friends to a music gig. Unlike other vehicles I've had on test, I didn't receive any of the usual gripes about lack of space or repeated requests to move my seat forward. 

The cabin really has lots of space and the deep cushioning and leather finish to the seats really make it a good place to sit for a long period of time. On the downside, the comfy seats are offset against a poor ride, which gets rather bumpy when you’re not carrying anything in the load bay.

It's not all bad though, the L200 is a lot more refined than some of its rivals, with relatively hushed engine and road noise, which means you can have a conversation with your passengers and not have to shout to be heard. Fuel economy is improving slightly too - up to 32.3mpg - but still a long way short of Mitsubishi's official 42.8mpg. 

Over the coming weeks and months, there will be a flurry of pick-up launches. A new Toyota Hilux is just around the corner, along with facelifted versions of the Volkswagen Amarok and Isuzu D-Max. Fiat is also launching the Fullback, which is actually based on the L200. Will the Mitsubishi stand firm against this commercial vehicle onslaught? Time will only tell. 

« Earlier: Will the L200 really cover 700 miles on a single tank?     Later: Show me the way to go chrome »

Updates

31 August 2016: The final reckoning for the L200

It's the end of the road for the L200 Barbarian. So what better time for Dan to provide his final thoughts on Mitsubishi's pick-up.

17 August 2016: How does the L200 rate as an off-roader?

While the L200 might have its faults, its all-road credentials should never be doubted, says Dan.

3 August 2016: Candid camera

Thinking of adding parking sensors to your L200? Don't bother, the rear camera sees all.

20 July 2016: Family fortunes

Using the L200 as a family runaround might not be cheap, but it sure is fun. As Dan discovers...

6 July 2016: Attack of the clones

Things are not always what they seem in the world of pick-up trucks. As Dan finds out when he goes off to see the new Fiat Fullback.

22 June 2016: Bed bugs

With one of the smallest load beds in its class, the L200 isn't as practical as it should be, according to Dan.

8 June 2016: Show me the way to go chrome

Has the lifestyle sector made the modern pick-up soft? Dan looks for some answers with the Mitsubishi L200.

18 May 2016: Going tow-to-tow with the opposition

The L200 boasts some impressive load numbers, but how do they stack up against the competition?

4 May 2016: Will the L200 really cover 700 miles on a single tank?

Dan finds Mitsubishi fuel economy claims for the L200 to be somewhat wide of the mark. About 176 miles to be exact.

20 April 2016: What's all that bleeping noise?

The L200 might be packed with useful technology, but it doesn't have to be so bleeping vocal about it.

6 April 2016: Roll up, roll up!

Pick-ups might be big and burly, but they're have their vulnerabilities, as Dan has soon discovered...

23 March 2016: L200 Barbarian gets to work with HJ Vans

Dan takes the L200 Barbarian. How will Mitsubishi's workhorse cope with life on the HJ Vans fleet?