L200 – Mitsubishi is back!

My previous questions about why people who have no practical reason to buy pick-ups, do so, are now somewhat answered. The design of many cars and the driving experience are so generic that pick-ups stand out. They’re different, interesting, and perhaps more stylish.

A recent trip was made even more exciting because I was in the latest Mitsubishi L200. The Japanese automaker is now back on UK roads after leaving UK shores in 2021. This is thanks to an established and successful West Midlands importer. Mitsubishi also strengthens its presence in Europe with a partnership between Renault and their Spanish auto-making plant. The Outlander PHEV joins the L200 in the UK. This will be reviewed separately in due course.

The L200 comes in two guises – Titan and Barbarian – with commercial variants to follow. Priced from €42,846/£36,295 and €47,215/£39,995 respectively standard equipment is good with the lead-in Titan featuring adaptive cruise control, rear view camera and parking sensors, privacy glass, tyre pressure monitoring, high beam assist, 9″ touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and air conditioning.

Barbarian models have wireless phone charging and LED headlights. They also come with heated wing mirrors and a rear-view chromic mirror.

Both models have a 6-speed automatic transmission, and in the Titan ‘easy-select’ four-wheel-drive offering normal rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive high and low. The Barbarian has seven off-road driving modes, and the four-wheel drive can also be used on the road. This is in contrast to the Titan which only offers rear-wheel drive.

The entry-level four-wheel drive system of the Titan is impressive, but it gets even better with the Barbarian’s more advanced system. Super select four-wheel drive has more off-road features, including a lockable center differential, high and low range, and a lockable centre diff.

This is because the L200 looks great, and especially when finished in Yamabuki Orange. It is a car with a unique personality and character, which are not found in cars at corresponding prices.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that all of the physical switches are used to control the climate, 4WD, and driver-assists. Hurrah! Hurrah!

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian
• Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel developing 204PS
• Gears: 6 speed automatic with Super-Select All-Wheel-Drive and lockable centre differential.
• Price: €47,215/£39,995
• Performance: 180kph/111mph – 12.6 seconds to 100kph/62mph
• Economy: Weighted average combined consumption (WLTP): 8.5 l/100km – 33.3 mpg
• Emissions: 222 g/km

Model tested was UK specification, and equipment levels and pricing may vary on other markets