[Auto] Mitsubishi L200 220 DI-D 150 CV AT6, thorough test

[Dr.Drako]

A decade ago, we probably didn't have much interest in this test we published. The pick-ups have always been conceived in our country as vehicles purely for work and for the field. However, things have changed a lot since then and that is why we bring you the sixth generation of the Mitsubishi L200. This model has been in the market for more than 40 years and is currently marketed in more than 150 countries, with data thus clear the importance it has for the diamond brand.

The Mitsubishi L200 accounts for around 20% of the brand's sales globally. In Spain it will probably not be overwhelmingly successful, even though the laws changed and the top speed of the pick-up trucks equaled that of the passenger car. Still, it will continue to succeed in other places such as Thailand, which is where it is manufactured, or in Australia under more peculiar names such as Mitsubishi Triton or Strada.

 

With this test we want to explain what it is to live with a vehicle of this nature that can also be an interesting option focused on leisure. For all those who have in mind that image of a Spartan car and with hardly any concessions to comfort, we anticipate that the Mitsubishi L200 will surprise you. It is positioned much closer to the rest of the cars in the range and has complete equipment.

Exterior

 

As we were saying, pick-ups have not been cars with a flat and boring design for a long time. In fact, the L200 ranks as one of the most eye-catching in the segment after this update. It is much more aggressive than its predecessor and takes some keys that we have already seen in other examples such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The front is the most prominent part thanks to the Dynamic Shield design language. This silver grill with a generous chrome frame is striking. It also goes in line with the optics with Full LED technology for the first time, while the fog lamps have a vertical arrangement. At the bottom, the metal protection could not be missing.
 

If we move along the side, it is easy to see the generous wheel arches, which in this case house 18-inch wheels in a two-tone finish and are fitted with M + S. Although what stands out the most is this Hard Top cover, an accessory that closes the loading surface and that will make it win in practicality as we will see below. The rear is still a somewhat more sober area that has some vertical pilots, some chrome elements and silver protection.

 

Before going inside we have to mention that we are in front of a pick-up that reaches 5.30 meters long, 1.81 meters wide and 1.78 meters high. With a wheelbase of just 3 meters, it is a vehicle that will offer a lot of space, especially behind it and with which we can have a hard time maneuvering in a parking lot or driving in the city.

Inside

 

Everything that imposes on the outside and everything unusual that can become is forgotten when we climb inside. Here, the L200 is also not that different from the rest of Mitsubishi and we see a lot of that technology that we would see in any SUV. It can be seen in details such as the multimedia system with a 7-inch touch screen. It does not have navigation nor is it the most sophisticated or precise on the market, but it has a connection to Apple Carplay and Android Auto, so many doors open. It is even surprising that it has an HDMI socket next to USB.

In the instrumentation part we see two large traditional spheres and in the center a color screen that acts as an on-board computer and is controlled from the multifunction steering wheel. If we continue talking about some controls, the air conditioning controls are traditional and correct, and here in the center console are the gear lever, the handbrake and the traction control wheel.

 

In terms of quality, it is true that it lags somewhat behind the SUV. The majority of hard plastics are used, although the touch is not unpleasant and give a feeling of durability. The chrome trim is correct and does not flaunt, while some piano black appears in some areas. The highlight is probably the leather upholstery that comes with this Kaiteki finish, which is the top of the range.

If we talk about habitability, these front seats are exceeded at all levels, mainly in height. It is true that the seats do not collect too much the body and that access is somewhat complicated, but hey, we have the help of the handle to climb. Even in this finish we have heated front seats, a detail that others do not offer.

 

As you can see, we have two rear doors, which means that we are with the double cabin version of the Mitsubishi L200 and that we will have capacity for five occupants. There are also single cab versions with a higher cargo space. But here we are going to focus on saying that they are quite decent rear seats for legroom and height. The usual happens with the central plaza that lacks form, but you can get out of a hurry and a console comes out of it for when it is not used. We also have a couple of USB jacks behind here, but no vents.

Trunk

 

Well, here more than a trunk we have to talk about loading surface. The standard Mitsubishi L200 has the box uncovered, but with this optional accessory we can cover it and get more out of it. The first advantage is found with this opening on two levels, on the one hand, the window, useful for putting small objects. On the other hand, the lower part, which stands out for not falling to plumb, something that must be valued, and also for being able to support a lot of weight.

The interior of this surface exceeds 1.5 meters in length and achieves a loading volume of 1.1 cubic meters and a maximum load capacity of 1,075 kg. These data, which will interest those who will really work with it, are complemented by a rugged, high-resistance plastic finish that is also very easy to clean. Add that with this Hard Top cover you also add a courtesy light and some windows that include a compass opening.