Mitsubishi L200 (06 on) - Review

Payload is one tonne for all derivatives (with optional load covers fitted) with the single cab having the longest load bay at 2220mm. Club cab load bay shrinks to 1805mm with the double cab’s at 1325mm. All load bays are 1130mm wide. These aren’t class-leading figures, but Mitsubishi claims that at a total length of five metres the L200 will fit into a conventional parking space. Mitsubishi is offering a full and wide range of accessories from hard covers through to bike racks and soft covers. However, the accessories from the past model do not fit the new one. All versions have a towing capacity of 2.7 tonnes.

L200 scored a commendable four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. All versions get new brakes as well as ABS and an electronic braking system to enhance stopping performance. Plus driver’s and passenger air bags, pre-tension seat belts with force limiters, collapsible steering column and pedals that move back in an accident are fitted as standard. The Warrior, Animal and Elegance versions come with an electronic stability programme that helps stop the car from skidding is sudden manouevres such as an emergency swerve or lane-change, and an upgraded four-wheel drive system fitted means four-wheel drive can be used on dry roads at any speed. Double cab version also comes with fixing points for child seats.

Servicing intervals have increased from 9000 miles to 12,500 and that will help keep costs down. Insurance groups start at 8E for basic single cab going up to 10E for double cab Elegance model, and fuel consumption is claimed at 32.8mpg. Add in very competitive price tags and the L200 series should prove to be a value-for-money pick-up. It also holds its value incredibly well. Company car drivers will also benefit from cheaper company car tax compared to a normal 4x4.

The last model proved very reliable and there is nothing to suggest the new model will be any different.