Mitsubishi L200 2.4 DI-D in the test

D he won the first race anyway : Even before the Japanese rivals from Nissan and Toyota, which are also presenting their pickups in a new generation this year, the Mitsubishi L200 is the first to reach dealerships. And counts on a serious appearance there. They have retouched the many curves away, instead of the little boy face, the new Mitsubishi L200 now looks out of more strictly drawn clear glass headlights and no longer affords the stylistic extravagance of its predecessor, even when viewed from the side. This was achieved with simple measures - a beading of the loading area running into the rear doors, the cabin pulled back in the entry area instead of the previous circular curve and the overall slightly higher platform. The new design definitely has to be explained to outsiders less often.

Everything is new on the Mitsubishi L200

Of course, the new generation is also starting with completely revised technology. Engines, transmissions, frames - everything is fresh. Of course, this also applies to the interior. Although Mitsubishi pursues the actual purpose of the L200 as a working device and does without stylistic extravagance, the result looks decent. Functional, playful, but not cheap. Decorative trims in glossy lacquer and aluminum look add a bit of finesse, the available equipment is practical - the new one has optional keyless start, Lane Keeping Assist and bi-xenon headlights.

To make so many nice things received, the highest equipment version 'Top', with which the Mitsubishi L200 entered the test, must be selected. The basic version - the only model with the 154 hp engine - is, on the other hand, equipped much more rustic, even window lifters and central locking cost extra here.

In the test, the new Mitsubishi L200 with the newly developed six-speed Manual transmissions prove their worth, after we already had were able to try out the version with five-stage automatic . The manual transmission has an unusual set-up - the first gear is very short, the jump to the second a large one, and the sixth gear extremely long. Despite the new development - reallyThe gearbox cannot be clicked through precisely, instead it feels a bit commercial vehicle, but that fits.

The new engine is successful

The new machine in the Mitsubishi L200, on the other hand, is clearly the highlight in the overall package. The four-cylinder is not quiet, always grumpy, but a real worker. The unit with the variable MIVECS valve control still has a turbo lag, but it is only hesitant to get down to business at low speeds. But overall, the machine convinces with powerful pulling power and zest for life. When it comes to consumption, the new turbodiesel is more cautious than its older predecessor, but the promised minimum consumption of 5.7 liters outside of the city remained a long way off in the test. A seven before the decimal point is feasible, but then you shouldn't be in too much of a hurry.

The progress in terms of the chassis is manageable. The fact that the L200 is a pickup with leaf-sprung rear rigid axle does not go unnoticed by the passengers, especially when the loading area remains empty. Small pitching vibrations from the hindquarters, depending on the ground up to powerful bumps, shape the picture. It gets better at higher speeds, and the new L200 travels passably on the motorway. A real plus point is the permanent all-wheel drive (which can be switched off). This means that the L200 can score points with its safe, easily manageable cornering behavior and, if necessary, can be thrown surprisingly quickly around corners. Keyword driving safety: trailer drivers are now pleased with the standard trailer stability control.

New Mitsubishi L200 with traction control

The new L200 does not get any further off-road than its predecessor. The overall ratio in first gear /reduction is a bit longer, but the L200 can compensate for this with its higher torque. The increase in the approved fording depth by 100 to 600 millimeters is also commendable. In return, the overhangs are longer, the new Mitsubishi L200 bends more at the front and back on steep hilltops than the previous model. The traction control works well in the field. It works a little jerkily when the propulsion is lost, but ultimately ensures consistent forward thrust even with two spinning wheels. With a bit of persistence, you can do something with the L200 off-road. Too bad: there is still the switchable 100 percent lock of the rear axle only for the basic models with simple all-wheel drive, the better equipped variants have to rely solely on the electronics to improve traction.

The price of the new one has increased Mitsubishi L200 also done something. The more simply equipped basic variant as a one-and-a-half-cabin is 1,000 euros cheaper than before, but also less well-equipped. In all other versions the prices areincreased, partly noticeable. The double cab ranges from 28,490 euros (base) to 40,290 euros (L200 Top Automatic).