It's an all-new car to take on the mantle of the previous best-selling L200. Mitsubishi claims it has provided a more car-like pick-up with an emphasis on design and comfort, but it retains the practicality and ruggedness of the past model. It certainly looks much more striking and it handles and performs more like a car. The L200 is more comfortable inside especially the Double Cab versions such as the Animal and Warrior, plus the Elegance comes with full leather and more subtle styling as standard.
The 4Work versions are the most basic with CD player with MP3 and manual height adjustable driver's seat as standard. 4Life adds power windows, manual air con, keyless entry and central locking. Warrior throws in rear electric glass window and climate control. Animal gains sat-nav, CD autochanger and Animal graphics while Elegance steps-up with DVD sat-nav, leather, and powered and heated seats. Driving position feels more car-like, driving wheel is tilt-adjustable and the whole interior has more of a quality feel. Double cabs are more spacious than its predecessor especially in the rear.
There is less body roll, the ride is much firmer and handling is improved, but potholes are felt more keenly. There's the option of a four-speed auto on the Warrior, Animal and Elegance models while the Animal gets the optional power boost of 26bhp to 160bhp as standard. The all-new diesel engine (Euro IV compliant) packs 134bhp and 231lb ft of torque and is the only engine available. It's strong but noisy and not very smooth. The five-speed gearbox requires a firm action, has a long travel, and makes the most of the engine's power. Road noise is still noticeable at 70-80mph but is quieter than the previous model.