First Drive: Mitsubishi L200 revision

Date: Friday, October 31, 2014 |

For the second time this year, Mitsubishi has enacted minor changes to its L200 pick-up. Having changed the grille earlier in 2014, the firm has now introduced a 15.5 model year version which includes minor changes to weights and equipment, depending on the model.

Starting with the higher trims of Warrior, Barbarian as drive here, Barbarian Black and Walkinshaw levels – the four highest specifications – the maximum towing weight has increased by 11% or 300kg to 3000kg, while the maximum gross train weight increases in line with that to 5700kg. The entry 4Work and 4Life variants retain the previous 2700kg towing weight, though Active Stability and Traction Control will now be standard on those models.

The slight improvements continue on the inside, with a Kenwood Bluetooth audio system now standard on all 4Work and 4Life versions, which also includes USB and auxiliary sockets, while higher versions get a barely noticeable revised Kenwood audio surround. To be honest, the audio system is still way below in-built rival stereos in terms of user-friendliness, and fingers crossed for a big improvement when the next-generation model arrives in the next year or two.

The visual changes that mark out the new models are the distinctive new LED daytime running lights on Barbarian and Walkinshaw derivatives, while the 17-inch alloys on Barbarian models are also new. The Walkinshaw keeps its mammoth 20-inchers.

The L200 still looks the part, and the LEDs in particular are a nice touch to distinguish the higher-spec models, but the L200 is a little more agricultural than more recently launched models like the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok that are more refined and comfortable for similar money.

Verdict

Minor revision helps, but new L200 is needed to pull it back into serious contention with the class best

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