Geneva Motor Show 2015: New L200 due from Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi will debut a brand new L200 pickup at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, which will hit the UK dealerships shortly thereafter.

Over a nine-year lifespan the current L200 has sold an impressive 1.3 million units, success that Mitsubishi hopes this fifth generation newcomer will at least emulate.

The company, as you’d expect, claims myriad improvements including the obligatory performance and efficiency enhancements. An all-new 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine is 17 per cent more CO2 efficient than its outgoing equivalent, putting out 169g/km. A Mitsubishi press release suggests it will be available in two states of tune, 150PS and 176PS, generating 380Nm and 430Nm respectively.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, as is Super Select four-wheel drive with low gearing, while Mitsubishi claims the turning circle is smaller and the steering more direct for a more agile driving experience. To that end, the chassis is seven per cent stiffer.

It’s an altogether less agricultural experience, too, because we’re told refinement is improved, meaning "it is quiet enough to have conversations between front and rear passengers even when driving on highways or rough roads," in Mitsubishi's words.

In addition, the maintenance schedule is less intense, and safety measure are bolstered, including seven airbags, lane departure warning, traction control with trailer stability assistance, and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Equipment for the UK market is yet to be confirmed, but the L200 will include cruise control with adaptive speed limiter, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, and paddle shifters for the optional automatic gearbox.