Mitsubishi: More than an update for L200 🎥
PRACTICAL PARTNER In terms of the model cycle, the Mitsubishi L200 would really only have been due for an update. But with almost 60 percent newly developed parts, an independent car is coming to dealers. The driving scenes on a race track show just how well the Mitsubishi L200 pickup can be handled. With a market share of around ten percent in the local pickup market [...]
The driving scenes on a racetrack show how well the Mitsubishi L200 pickup can be controlled.
With a market share of around ten percent in the local pick-up market of around 4000 vehicles, the L200 does not seem to be that important. But this is deceptive: After the Outlander PHEV, the pickup is Mitsubishi's second best-selling vehicle! Sold in 150 countries, over 4.7 million units have been sold worldwide since 1978. Of these, 416,000 are still redeemed in Europe.
Revised front with higher hood
The last generation was launched exactly four years ago. From that point of view, only a facelift would have been necessary. But because the changes were so extensive, the new L200 is considered a generation in its own right. It is built in Thailand and is available as a double cab (around 60 percent of the total) or as a club cab with a slightly shorter cabin but longer load area. The most striking feature is the new front with a higher hood, which now bears the brand's typical Dynamic Shield.
High-revving diesel with 150 hp
All-new is the 2.2-liter diesel with 150 hp and a powerful 400 Nm of torque, which replaces the previous 2.5-liter and meets Euro 6d temp thanks to Adblue injection. Power is transmitted either via a long-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (which 55 percent of customers opt for) or a new 6-speed torque converter automatic. AutoSprintCH drove both and can recommend both, but we fell a little in love with the automatic.
Once the engine is warm, the quietness in the cabin is surprising. The engineers have done an excellent job on the chassis (six leaf springs instead of five at the rear) and damping. In addition, the chassis and front brakes have been reinforced and the suspension retuned.
Front seats offer good lateral support
In the interior, regular customers will only have to get used to minor changes. Although the center console has been given a new design and the display elements have also been revised, everything else remains largely as before. The newly contoured front seats offer good lateral support, which pays off especially off-road.
The L200 is a workhorse, which is why 90 percent of customers use the vehicle for commercial purposes. With the shortest wheelbase in the segment, the Mitsubishi is particularly agile. The current generation of the Super Select 4WD II all-wheel drive system takes on any challenge.
Off-road is the parade discipline
optimize traction on sand, gravel or mud/snow. With the reduction gearbox activated (standard), the pickup climbs even challenging rocky hills in "Rock" mode. Hill descent control ensures a constant speed when driving downhill.
From the end of September, the L200 will be available from 28,950 Swiss francs (Club Cab) or 32,950 Swiss francs (Double Cab, both with manual transmission). A comprehensive range of accessories fulfills almost all special wishes.
