2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The niche segment of pickups is slowly picking up. Despite its many advantages, the classic Mitsubishi L200 makes it clear that the concept between the packhorse and the family carriage doesn't quite work out.
By Thomas Flehmer
The trend is clearly visible. As in the small commercial vehicle segment, the models in the pick-up segment are also changing. Formerly on the road as pure trucks, the manufacturers now want to make the small trucks suitable for families at the same time. Small business owners could use the pickup as a work tool and as a recreational vehicle at the same time. The classic Mitsubishi L 200 has also been adapted to this trend in the third generation.
Torque more important than horsepower
Although the Mitsubishi makes the beefiest impression of the competition with its five meters in length, the angular shapes have completely disappeared. The front section is a well-rounded affair, reminiscent of the Dakar series winner Pajero, which was partly used as a guide. The radiator grille with the three Mitsubishi diamonds and the headlights are almost identical and symbolize the power and dynamism that this Sports Utility Truck (SUT) also embodies.
At first glance, 100 kW / 136 PS seem very little for the 1.9 ton truck. But the maximum torque of 314 Nm, which is already available at 2000 rpm, gets the 2.5 liter common rail turbo diesel with Euro 4 standard going relatively quickly. Sports car values should of course not be expected. After all, it takes 14.6 seconds before the L200 reaches 100, and the needle should stop at 167 km / h at the latest. During the test drives, however, the pointer continued to go around ten km / h. Overtaking was not a problem at either lower or higher speeds.
Small turning circle
However, in the area of maximum speed, the susceptibility to wind increased and it was more difficult to keep the mini truck on track, which was still possible without any problems at a speed of 150 km / h. Thanks to a new engine control unit, which was not yet installed at the beginning of sales in March 2006, it was also possible to reduce annoying driving noises. Conversations in the double cabin were possible at any time. The only 11.80 meters required by the small truck's turning circle are ingenious.
The L200 moves just as well off-road. Thanks to the permanent all-wheel drive in the highest equipment variant «Intense», inclines are mastered excellently. The four-wheel drive must be activated in the other equipment. The consumption of 8.6 liters in the third mix specified by Mitsubishi cannot be kept completely. In the two-week test period, consumption leveled off at around ten liters, indicating that it was more in the small commercial vehicle segment.
Combination feelings inside
In the interior, on the other hand, which was equipped with the top-of-the-range “Intense”, approaches to the car are most evident. There is no trace of hard-working guys, but a pleasant, familiar atmosphere flows around the inmates. Thanks to a larger wheelbase to a smooth three meters, the interior has also benefited, which has grown by 15 centimeters.
There is enough legroom, leather seats and a pleasant center console meet high standards. All displays are easy to see for the driver and there is enough storage space.
Smart rear window solution
The transition to the loading area occurs through the rear window, the middle element of which can be lowered electrically so that slats or bars can be pushed through. Very smart. But the double cabin also takes its toll. The 1.32 meter length of the loading space - 2.22 meters for a single cabin - break the concept between commercial use and family carriage.
Despite the ingenious rear window, the loading area is too small for commercial transport; a hardtop must be ordered as an option for family holidays. But then there is only as much space as in a station wagon. A trailer load of up to 2.7 tons is possible. Parking sensors would also have been attached. These are available for 140 euros. In view of the purchase price of 29,490 euros in the top variant “Intense”, these euros would not have mattered any more.
Not a big step towards the station wagon
But if you add the premium package with leather upholstery, front seat heating and electrically adjustable driver's seat for 1,900 euros, the particle filter for 690 euros and possibly the four-speed automatic system for 1,450 euros and metallic paintwork (540), then 34,000 euros are quickly reached, not to mention the hardtop. For the family man who does business, the step towards the station wagon is no longer ready, unless he has a weakness for cowboy hats.
