Since the VRT tax break was removed some years ago the fad for double-cab pickups has faded but the truth cannot be denied that this type of vehicle is immensely practical.
The double-cab L200 seats five in a cabin that is bigger than ever. The 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine is improved too with better fuel consumption and overall performance.
The exterior looks very rugged. The side on view is more contentious, which is a nice way of saying ‘odd’! The bodywork is integrated and a million miles away from bull bars and iron bumpers of yesteryear. However underneath the slick bodywork lurks a truck. Coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear (and a live axle) give the L200’s agricultural roots away.
L200 is a true off-roader with a traditional ladder chassis and running gear that allows the car to be driven in rear wheel drive or all wheel drive modes. Serious off-roading is aided by a lockable centre differential, which makes all the wheels turn simultaneously thereby giving maximum traction in slippy conditions.
Inside the modern if unremarkable cabin you’ll find a lot of plastic trim but it is well put together. Double-cabs are traditionally tight in the back seats but the L200 has a decent rear bench. Three lap and diagonal belts are provided (you only get two in a Ford Ranger). The driving position is long-legged as the floor is deceptively high. The steering wheel adjusts for tilt only, while the front seats offer little support. A long journey on anything other than smooth roads can be hard on your back. My test car had the optional pickup load cover fitted and it is a well-crafted bit of kit, although the lock fitted is from the old car and similar to those that were fitted to Leyland Minis!
On the road the L200 requires a little more effort to drive than your average SUV. The steering is geared as if it hadn’t power assistance. Arms get a great workout turning the steering wheel. On the road I want my steering inputs to have instant effect but the L200’s steering is too lazy, in fact it annoyed me so much I wanted to fit a steering knob! That said the biggest improvement is the tighter turning circle. The old car had the turning circle of a super tanker and regularly embarrassed drivers in tight carparks – not so the new car.
The only engine available is a 2.5 litre four cylinder turbo diesel that pushes out 136bhp and 314nm of torque. 0-100km/h comes up in a respectable 14.6 seconds so you’ll out sprint grannies in old starlets – just! Fuel consumption averages out at 8.6l/100km or 43 mpg in old money and that’s impressive. If you have a couple of quid to spare a dealer fit option can boost power to 160bhp!
Mitsubishi sold 3,500 of the old model and 400 new L200s are expected to find homes in 2007. The L200 is a rugged customer.
Michael Sheridan
