This combination of glamour and practical ability has turned the L200 into a serial winner of the What Van? Van of the Year gong in the pick-up category, which is why we’ve taken delivery of a Barbarian Double Cab Auto LB model. The LB (Long Bed) version was added to the double cab line up just over a year ago to boost its workhorse credentials – leaving the Trojan as the only double cab Mitsubishi offers with just a standard length load bed.
Another recent innovation on our Barbarian is the five-speed automatic transmission, which the manufacturer introduced last year. The system, which includes manual select, is also available on other models as an option for £1275 plus VAT.
Powered by the 175bhp 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine introduced for the 2010 model year, our test vehicle comes with an Adventurer hard top and load liner as well as bells and whistles such as 17-inch alloy wheels, aircon, satnav, cruise control, reversing camera and leather-clad steering wheel and gear knob.
The Super Select 4WD with stability and traction control system comes as standard on all high-series derivatives of the L200, and enables four-wheel drive to be used at all speeds rather than be confined to off-road terrain, which Mitsubishi claims is a first in the pick-up segment. Despite the price premiums (the double cab version of the base 4Work model comes in at £15,249), Mitsubishi expects the high-specification Warrior and Barbarian models to account for four out of five L200 sales.
Our test vehicle arrived just at the end of the pre-Christmas ice age and remained urban-bound throughout the festive season. First impressions therefore, were gained in two-wheel drive mode, which was more than a match for the residual slush.
Official fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 30.1mpg while CO2 emissions are put at 248g/km. This places the Barbarian DC Auto in VED band L, with an annual charge of £200. Its insurance group is 10E.
For serious load carrying, the Barbarian can swallow a standard EU pallet and has a payload capacity in excess of one tonne. Our vehicle also has a tow bar fitted, which potentially enables us to harness its 2.7-tonne pulling power.
With its overtly butch appearance the Barbarian doesn’t have an identity crisis and tends to polarise opinions – much like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. We look forward to getting to know it over the coming months.