Mitsubishi L200 Facelift 2019: New style for Japanese pickup

D he Mitsubishi L200 is one of the most successful mid-size pickups worldwide and is now a real classic in the Japanese program. The first version appeared in 1973. With the change to the L200 generation 2 (1991), sales also started in Germany in 1993. The L200 has always tried to appear a bit more comfortable and elegant than its rough-hewn competition. And with the Super Select all-wheel drive, a permanent 4x4 with disengageable front-wheel drive and off-road reduction, the Mitsubishi L200 still has a technical unique position on the market.

New Mitsubishi L200 2019

Die fifth generation Mitsubishi L200 was unveiled in 2014 and launched in Europe in 2015. This also sets the direction for the new model, which celebrated its world premiere on November 9, 2018. Mitsubishi is speaking of a “new generation”, but it is more of a very extensive facelift, which also corresponds to the usual four-year cycle in the pickup segment.

In terms of design, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in particular provided the line. This is obvious anyway, because the large SUV Pajero Sport is essentially based on the technology of the L200 and, like this one, is built in Thailand. The Pajero Sport is primarily offered in Asia and Australia. With the bulky apron and the headlights that look squeezed together, the new L200 finally has the design line that had been pursued for decadesleft with pronounced round shapes. This applies primarily to the front, the cab sides and the loading area remain largely unchanged in their basic form. Only at the rear is the new style completed with sharp edges and heavily reshaped lights.

In addition to the extensive facelift, a not so large-scale renovation of the interior is also in demand. The basic design of the dashboard and center console, including the gear lever and the selector switch for the all-wheel drive system, remains unchanged. However, the instruments have been redesigned and a new multifunction steering wheel has been installed. In the higher-quality versions, there are panels embroidered with decorative stitching for the doors. A larger colored multi-information display between the two round instruments is also new.

New assistance systems

Both available all-wheel drive systems (Super Select and Easy Select) are being supplemented by a new off-road mode with different driving programs, as is already known from the area of ​​off-road vehicles. With the setting options Gravel, Mud /Snow, Sand and Rock (only 4LLc), this driving program regulates wheel slip by intervening in the engine power, drive and braking system and is intended to support the driver. In addition, there is an electronic hill descent control.

The assistance systems are also modern, depending on the equipment variant:

• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM): detects vehicles and pedestrians in the front area.
• Blind spot warning (BSW with LCA): detects vehicles behind or at an angle behind the vehicle and supports the driver with acoustic and optical warning signals (flashing light in the driver's exterior mirror) when changing lane safely>
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): helps in the same way to avoid collisions when reversing.
• Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS): reduces the risk of accidents caused by pressing the accelerator pedal too hard when starting - or reversing in multi-storey car parks or other confined areas.
• Multi Around Monitor (assisted by parking sensors): provides a comfortable overview of the immediate surroundings through dars Position of the vehicle from a bird's eye view.

Arturo Rivas

With its complex Super Select all-wheel drive, the Mitsubishi L200 has always enjoyed a special position in the market.