​Mitsubishi L200 review: Back in the UK – and better than ever

​The entry-level Titan has been designed with the ‘business user’ in mind, so expect to see this model as a real workhorse. The more upmarket Barbarian is more for your ‘weekend-warrior’ type of buyers who will use it more as a lifestyle mode of transport

Mitsubishi is back in the UK. Ok, it’s never truly been away. Well, it has and it hasn’t. Mitsubishi sales stopped in 2021, but a strong UK-wide network of 106 service centres continued to fly the flag and service the loyal customers’ large car parc. But now sales have restarted and leading the two-pronged attack are the Outlander PHEV SUV and this, the return of the iconic L200 pick-up.

The L200 has long been the mainstay of Mitsubishi in the UK, for much of the time accounting for a third of its total UK sales … and that at a time when the company was selling a range of 11 different models of cars, SUVs and pick-ups. At its peak, around 31,000 L200s were leaving Mitsubishi showrooms every year. Now, five years after UK sales stopped, we welcome the seventh-generation L200. A bit of background. Mitsubishi is now being imported back into the UK by Midlands-based International Motors; it’s the same company which oversees Subaru, Isuzu and Xpeng across the country. At its heart is Toby Marshall, who not only worked with Mitsubishi for decades, but also oversaw the service network when sales stopped. Now he has created a 60-strong network of retailers. And supporting him is a strong crew of people who again have Mitsubishi running through their veins.

Ok, tell me more about the new L200 Buyers of pick-up trucks are traditionally loyal to their brands. Generally you’re either a Toyota HiLux or a Mitsubishi L200 buyers, or possibly an Isuzu D-Max. Mitsubishi has returned with a choice of two L200s, the Titan and the Barbarian. Technical spec is identical in both trim levels; the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering and brakes are the same. The entry-level Titan has been designed with the ‘business user’ in mind, so expect to see this model as a real workhorse. The more upmarket Barbarian is more for your ‘weekend warrior’ type of buyers who will use it more as a recreational vehicle. Both Titan and Barbarian can also be fitted with the optional ‘hardtop with windows’ (as pictured). It’s priced at £2255, plus fitment and VAT. Alternatively there is also a simple roller shutter which creates a lockable usable space for those who still require an occasional open back.

Prices The Titan model starts at £36,295, while the top-spec, fully equipped Barbarian will set you back £39,995 (both prices are ex.VAT). In comparison, the the top-spec Isuzu D-Max V-Cross costs around £1400 more than the Barbarian.

Engine and drive modes Both Titan and Barbarian use the same new 201bhp 2.4-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox connected to a four-wheel-drive transmission; and the unit is mated to a number of selectable drive modes. Titan includes Easy Select, which offers two, four and low-range four-wheel drive. The Barbarian, meanwhile, adds Mitsubishi’s latest Super Select-II all-wheel drive system. That means, in addition to the same three modes as Easy Select, there’s also a locked centre diff for tougher off-road conditions. The Mitsubishi system is also a doddle to use. Sitting proudly on the centre console next to the gearshift is a rotary selector. A simple downward pressure and rotation allows you to select your preferred mode. Even more impressive is the fact switching from two to four-wheel drive can be done on the move at speeds of up to 62mph. And if you’re on a loose surface, you can also engage the locked centre diff at these speeds. This locks the torque split between the front and rear axles at 50:50, ideal for maintaining progress on either gravel or snow. And when the going gets really tough, there’s a final low-range setting with diff lock. You need to be stationary when selecting this mode simply to ensure you cause no damage to the L200’s transmission. Make this selection and you can comfortably conquer difficult offroad conditions such as deep snow, rocks and mud.

Driving As you might suspect, the Mitsubishi team was eager to demonstrate the prowess of the L200 offroad. I always love tackling offroad courses because generally they show the vehicle effortlessly conquering conditions, surfaces, undulations and general tests — including wading through knee-deep water — that the vast majority of owners will never risk putting their own vehicle through. Yes they may drive across a grassy field and a muddy building site, but believe me, the L200 is a proper off-roader. Our tough offroad course at Thruxton was a proper test. Short in distance, it was concentrated in terms of the tests it threw at the L200. Up and down steep slopes, driving along steeply raked cambered angles and ploughing through deep water, the Mitsubishi simply laughed in the face of all challenges. Not once was there even the hint of a slip, and this on a wet, chalky surface and with the pick-up fitted with standard road-biased tyres. Not only did the hill descent control help the L200 negotiate steep downward slopes without fuss, but the Hill Hold feature ensured the car remained motionless when I stopped it midway up a steep, muddy slope. I sat there for 45 seconds before applying the throttle to ease the L200 to the top of the slope. Impressive. Plus there’s plenty of ground clearance, 222mm to be precise, so never once did I brush the underside of the L200 anywhere on the course.

Is it good for towing? Oh yes. And what better way to demonstrate its ability than by hooking my Barbarian up to a six-wheeled trailer with another 2175kg L200 sitting proudly on it. Rather daunting to glance into rear view mirror to see another Mitsubishi’s big, imposing grille almost sitting in the back seat. But navigating the trailer through a short, tight course defined by cones proved effortless, certainly in terms of the L200’s power. And hustling – don’t worry, I don’t think I actually got above 20mph —- ound a sweeping bend, the L200 felt stable and capable. Its three principal challenges – moving off from stationary, stopping and turning – were dealt with consummate ease. The L200 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and unbraked towing capacity of 750kg. Also there’s an active yaw control system, which comes into its own if you’re towing as it stabilises the L200 in difficult situations by braking one of the rear wheels when necessary.

And payload? Payload differs for both trim levels. Titan has a max payload capacity of 1092kg, with Barbarian dropping to 1025kg. The payload bed is 1555mm long, 1545mm wide and 526mm deep. The cargo floor height is 820mm.

What’s it like on the road? Compared to rival pick-ups, it’s pretty decent. It’s definitely not one of these pick-ups where you find yourself and your passengers bouncing around the cabin at the merest mention of a bump or pothole. The suspension is well set up. As you would suspect, I drove the L200 unladen, which is actually when any unsettledness would make itself known. Yes there’s a very slight fidget at low speeds when you’re negotiating rough road surfaces, but that’s to be expected with any pick-up. It’s certainly not a deal breaker, and once out on to the smooth A-roads through Wiltshire and Hampshire, the ride — for what is a tall double-cab truck with a leaf-sprung live rear axle — was perfectly pleasant. In fact at higher speeds the L200 is surprisingly relaxed. And that is only likely to improve further when you add a payload to the rear. Steering is light and accurate, and it delivers a surprisingly tight turning circle. Body roll is well contained and even when pushed into a corner, there isn’t too much understeer. The diesel unit delivers its power with a languid ease and never feels strained, helped by the well-ratioed six-speed auto’ box. The 470Nm torque figure is generated from a low 1500rpm. The fuel-saving stop-start system can be a tad hesitant to kick back in, something you notice when you depart your first T-junction or enter a roundabout. But you quickly learn and adapt to the timing.

Trim levels and cabin space It’s clear with the level of standard spec that Mitsubishi believes the L200 should deliver an interior more associated with an SUV than a commercial vehicle. Climb inside the cabin and you can instantly feel the top-level build quality. And thankfully the fascia has an array of proper knobs and buttons for key functions. Both the Titan and Barbarian can comfortably seat five people in the double cab, with the front seats surprisingly sporty and delivering good lumbar support. The Barbarian seats are also heated and the driver’s seat is electrically-operated. The more hardcore Titan gets a high-quality black cloth material on the seats with hard-wearing vinyl flooring, while the Barbarian interior, including steering wheel, features black leather upholstery with black carpet flooring. Both trims get a 9in touchscreen mounted on the sculpted dashboard and which displays images from the 360-degree external camera. Not only, naturally, does this aid parking but it’s also excellent at giving you an overhead view when you’re offroading. For example, if you’re about to crest a steep slope and are unsure whether the track turns right or left because all you can see is sky, the camera cleverly shows you the landscape allowing you to position the L200 accordingly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and supported with voice control, plus there are two USB ports located both front and rear. While Titan gets front aircon, the Barbarian benefits from dual zone climate control and enhanced sound insulation in the cabin. Like the Titan it includes keyless entry, and additionally supports keyless operation with a ‘one touch’ start button. The Barbarian also includes wireless phone charging, LED headlights, heated wing mirrors, a chromic rearview mirror and an illuminated trim around opened front doors. While the Titan sits on 17in alloys, the Barbarian gets 18in black alloys. As for body colours? The Titan is available in solid white, Graphite Grey and Blade Silver with a black cloth interior, with the Barbarian getting White Diamond, Graphite Grey, Black Mica and the exclusive Yamabuki Orange, all with black synthetic leather, with contrasting orange stitching.

Safety There’s a significant suite of safety technology across the L200 with adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, lane change alert and driver attention alert all standard. So too are warnings such as forward collision mitigation – which senses cyclists and pedestrians – blindspot warning, front cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition. Rear automatic braking, a brake override system and multi-collision brake aids further minimise risk scenarios.

Warranty and servicing The L200 gets Mitsubishi’s five-year and 62,500-mile warranty. Service intervals are 10,000-miles or 12-months, whichever comes soonest.

Verdict In the world of the pick-up, the Mitsubishi L200 was always one of the best, and this seventh-generation model simply maintains that proud image. Yes it’s robust and in Titan spec will be an accomplished and comfortable workhorse. The Barbarian meanwhile will cut a dash for those keen to use it primarily as a lifestyle mode of transport. In both trims, the L200 will make a decent daily driver for many owners. Plus they’ll be safe in the knowledge their pick-up is one of those 4x4s with far more built-in capability than a driver expects. Like its predecessors, this new L200 will run, and run … and run. Buy one, and you’ve got it for life.

The Facts

Mitsubishi L200 2.4L Price: £39,995 (excluding VAT) Powertrain: 4 cyls in line, 2442cc, twin-turbocharged, diesel, with 4WD Power/Torque: 201bhp / 347lb/ft @ 1500rpm Transmission: Six-speed automatic, plus low-range Top speed / 0-62mph: 111mph / 12.6secs Fuel Consumption 33.3mpg (WLTP combined) CO2: 222g/km Dimensions (L/W/H): 5320mm / 1865mm / 1815mm