The What Van? Road Test: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian X (2019)

Date: Monday, September 21, 2020 | Author: Steve Banner

Operating

Stop/start kills the engine when you are stationary to save fuel and cut CO2 emissions, and can be switched off. Leave it on if you possibly can because the L200 is not all that frugal. Mitsubishi quotes a WLTP combined fuel consumption figure of 29.1mpg, and we only did marginally better.

At 12 months/12,500 miles the service interval is on the short side, although regular workshop visits are advisable if you frequently take a 4x4 pick-up off-road. You never know what damage you might have inadvertently done.

At 62,500 miles the five-year warranty’s mileage limit could stand to be more generous.

Colt Car Company says that the warranty will continue to be honoured despite the manufacturer’s gradual departure from Britain. Despite this assurance, the L200’s second-hand value may suffer warns well-known independent auction house Shoreham Vehicle Auctions, with prospective purchasers worried about future aftersales support.

“That could reduce demand for the vehicle, and its residuals,” advises the company’s commercial vehicle sales manager, Tim Spencer.

It’s something for potential buyers to bear in mind.

Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian X Double Cab automatic 4x4 pick-up

Price (ex VAT) £32,210

Price range (ex VAT) £21,420-£32,210

Gross payload 1,075kg

Load length 1,520mm

Load width (min/max) 1,000/1,470mm

Load bay height 475mm

Loading height 850mm

Gross vehicle weight 3,110kg

Braked trailer towing weight 3,500kg

Residual value 27.1% (after 4rys/80,000mls. Source – KwikCarcost)

Cost per mile 63.5p

Engine size/power 2,268cc, 150hp
@ 3,500rpm

Torque 400Nm @ 1,750-2,250rpm

Gearbox 6-spd auto

Fuel economy 29.1mpg
(WLTP combined)

Fuel tank 75 litres

CO2 206g/km (NEDC)

Warranty 5yrs/62,500mls

Service intervals 1yr/12,500mls

Insurance group 37E

Price as tested £34,201

Options

Metallic paint £455

Bed liner £209

Mat set £28

Retractable tonneau cover £1,299

Rivals

Ford Ranger

Price (ex VAT) £21,545-£41,145

Gross payload 620-1,252kg

Engines 130hp, 170hp, 213hp 2.0 diesel

Verdict: While the fabulous-looking Raptor version of the Ranger pick-up might win plaudits for the halo effect it creates, most Ranger buyers will choose more mainstream models. They won’t be disappointed, especially if they opt for the 10-speed automatic box, and Ford’s stress on safety (lane keeping system and traffic sign recognition are standard on all variants) will help keep them in one piece.

Isuzu D-Max

Price (ex VAT)£16,594,-£40,680

Gross payload 1086-1282kg

Engines 164hp 1.9 diesel

Verdict: A string of well thought-out special editions helps the D-Max attract customers who want a basic but well-equipped workhorse as well as those who want something laden with every extra on the options list. What Van?’s Pick-Up of the Year for 2020 handles and rides competently, and the Ford-style policy of maximising choice by offering single and extended-cab variants alongside the double cab has to be applauded.

Toyota Hilux

Price (ex VAT) £19,503-£47,791

Load volume 1085-1130kg

Engines 150hp 2.4 diesel

Verdict: Well-known for its ability to stand up to a battering day after day, the Hilux is the truck to pick if you want something that will only break under severe pressure. Like the L200 it is somewhat under-powered, but that is about to be addressed with the launch of a revised model featuring a 201hp 2.8-litre diesel with 500Nm on tap. It gets an upgraded infotainment system, and the suspension system has been rejigged too.

The Final Verdict

Design 7/10 – Looks a treat on the public highways but just at home off-road

Cabin 8/10 – Roomy and well-equipped with lots of goodies, like a heated steering wheel

Ride 8/10 – Handles the worst highways with a reasonable degree of aplomb

Refinement 7/10 – Engine note can be a little rough at times but in-cab noise isn’t an issue

Load area 7/10 – Shame tailboard doesn’t drop completely but we like optional tonneau cover

Handling/performance 6/10 – Hangs on to the highway well, but you yearn for more power when laden

Engine/transmission 7/10 – Well-matched, with the latter offering a smooth change

Standard equipment 9/10 – Just about everything bar satnav is fitted, with major stress placed on safety

Operating costs 4/10 – Not the most frugal and the warranty falls short from the mileage viewpoint

What Van? subjective rating 7/10 – An attractive package for the most part

Overall Rating = 70/100

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