Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian X

What is is?

If you’re a regular reader of The Mud Life, you may remember that back in our September 2019 issue I reported that I had just returned from the launch of the new series 6 L200, and without giving too much away, it was an improvement.

How does it differ? Well, apart from a new bold, aggressive and decisive new look, Mitsubishi wanted to create the most capable pickup they’ve ever produced along with more car-like levels of driving refinement and state-of-the-art safety systems.

On the road

Pickups really shouldn’t be this fun to drive, simple as that, really, and the only other pickup I’ve driven recently that’s as competent on tarmac is the Ford Raptor, which can’t be classed as a proper working pickup.

With a new 2.3ltr turbo diesel churning out 150bhp and 400nm of torque, the new L200 is no slouch, but for me the best bit are its stronger chassis and more complex rear leaf spring set-up that made it a joy to drive along twisty roads, even unladen. The L200 felt taut and better balanced than not only the previous generation L200, but a lot of the pickups currently on the market.

I’ve driven the 6-speed automatic and the manual box in the past and both are smooth, this particular press car was fitted with the former and was very easy to live with.

It’s quiet too, as well as focussing on the little things, like remodelling the door mirrors, Mitsubishi have reduced the gap between the cab and the pickup body to reduce noise. Often it’s focussing on the small things that make a big difference.

Cruising down to Kent for a media day with Honda, the L200 was a really nice place be. Engine, transmission, wind and tyre noise were all nicely subdued, as I said 'simply a nice place to be'.

Fuel wise, Mitsubishi reckon that during combined driving the automatic will return 36.2mpg (WLTP 29.1mpg) and the manual 37.2 mpg (WLTP 32.1mpg). In my experience, after a full day driving 300 miles up to north Yorkshire, that included motorways, plenty of green-laning and lots of twisty B roads in between, it averaged 27mpg, which I thought was fantastic, especially considering there was a lot of low-range driving, and I wasn’t hanging around.

On the subject of fluids, the Series 6 also comes complete with the largest AdBlue tank on the market, 21ltrs, so it should only require filling at regular service intervals, around 12,000 miles.

Off road

I drove quite a number of green-lanes during our week together, non that tested it to the extreme, mind, but with proper ground clearance, approach and departure angles, it faired a lot better than the SsangYong Musso.

Mitsubishi haven’t just fettled with the look of the new L200, they’ve upgraded the 4WD system, too, by incorporating a new ‘Off Road Mode’ and a ‘Hill Descent Control system. The new “Off Road Mode” features four specific settings: Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock, which regulates wheel slip, torque and so on.

During the launch at Silverstone last year, along with a testing off road course, Mitsubishi wanted to show off its aforementioned revised suspension and new handling characteristics by setting up a Rally Cross section. My instructor was The Grand Tour's racing driver, Abbie Eaton, and it proved that the new L200 is capable and well balanced pickup.

From negotiating deep muddy ruts to drifting, the new L200 proved that it can handle pretty much anything.

Interior

Mitsubishi wanted the new L200 to not only stand out, but they also wanted it to be the comfiest and safest in class. It was also mentioned that they wanted to tempt car and SUV drivers into the pickup world, thus offering car-like levels of driving refinement and state-of-the-art safety systems, and they’ve really gone to town. As good as it is, whether it’ll tempt car drivers into the pick up world is debatable.

You get a serious amount of safety features with the new L200, click here for details in issue 6 (prices shown are slightly off).

Pick up stuff

Towing capacity for all L200 models is 3,500kg, though only with a three-axle trailer; for a two-axle trailer the threshold stands at 3,100kg. With the L200’s revised suspension and larger front brakes maximum carrying capacity is now at 1,080kg.

The pick up bed is 1,470mm square with a depth of 475mm, and there are six load lashing points and grooves cut into the load bed so it can be divided up to separate cargo.

Conclusion

With a stronger chassis, complex rear leaf spring set-up that gives a vastly improved ride and strong equipment levels, the new Series 6 L200 is a force to be reckoned with. Add to that competitive pricing I’m confident it’ll do very well indeed for Mitsubishi. Its off-road ability shouldn’t be questioned, but its the on-road ride that has been improved, quite dramatically.

prices from £21,5735 - £32,525 more at » www.mitsubishi-motors.co.uk