Mitsubishi stopped selling its range of vehicles in the UK in 2021, but now the Japanese company is back with two new vehicles. At the recent launch event, I got to sample both the L200 pickup and the Outlander PHEV. The latter is a story for another day.

This is the seventh generation of the L200 and it has been on sale in other markets for quite some time. It is an entirely new design on a re-engineered chassis, and it is powered by a new engine powertrain. It is offered in a double cab layout and two specifications: the Titan and top specification Barbarian. A commercial variant will follow, which removes the rear seats, replacing it with a secure storage area.

Payload is over the magic one-tonne mark, and those who need to tow will be reassured by the braked towing capacity of 3,500kg. I had the opportunity to put this to the test, towing another L200 on a trailer round a short handling circuit. There were no dramas, the truck pulling the load with ease.

Under the bonnet sits a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine, the smaller turbo operating at low rpm to eliminate lag while the larger turbo takes over at high rpm for a high torque, smooth power curve. The power on offer is 204PS, but of more importance is the generous 470Nm of torque. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox is fitted to all models.

On paper, Mitsubishi claim a leisurely 0-62mph time of 12.6 seconds, but in real-world driving, admittedly two up and with no load, the L200 feels quicker and comfortably keeps up with fast-moving traffic.

Pickups are usually bought for their 4x4 capabilities, and both models are well endowed in this department. The Titan model has Mitsubishi’s Easy Select system. A dial on the centre console allows easy switching between two and four-wheel drive. In normal road driving, the L200 Titan runs in ‘2H’, with the option to switch into ‘4H’ four-wheel drive for off-road conditions. ‘4L’ low can be selected at a standstill, and there’s a rear differential lock for extreme off-roading.

The L200 Barbarian features a more sophisticated Super Select 4WD system with a torque-sensing locking centre differential. This uniquely allows the L200 to run in full-time four-wheel drive on any surface, including tarmac. Trailer towers will benefit most.

I had the opportunity to test the L200 off-road at a bespoke course at Thruxton Race Circuit, and with an instructor beside me, we climbed every mountain and forded every stream! Barely a slip, traction aplenty, and I am sure the L200 will manage any conditions an owner will ever encounter in the UK. For those that like their facts and figures, the ground clearance is 222mm, with approach and departure angles of 30.4 and 22.8 degrees, respectively.

The latest L200 is wider, higher and longer than its predecessor, which equates to improved passenger space. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s space for three adults in the back to travel in reasonable comfort. The backrest is less upright than in some rivals.

Both models are well equipped, but I would suggest the Barbarian is the model to go for, as it adds dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, LED headlights and heated wing mirrors.

A comprehensive suite of passive and active driver and safety aids comes as standard, so no need to list them all here. The ADAS systems were less intrusive than in some vehicles, so I felt no need to turn them off on our road route.

The hour or so on the road brought no surprises. The diesel engine is well muted, even at higher revs, and the capable automatic gearbox allows the L200 to cover the ground in a relaxed manner. Handling was fine on mostly dry roads, but I was a tad disappointed in the ride quality. There is still that ‘bounce’, common in an unladen pickup. Others, notably the Ford Ranger, do this much better these days.

For those worried about the Mitsubishi dealer network, it should be mentioned that the company never completely left the UK. There are 106 service centres, and 50 new sales centres are already set up.

The dealers are excited with two great new vehicles to sell, and I am sure many existing L200 owners will be delighted to upgrade. As for conquest sales, the competition in a shrinking market is fierce.

Isuzu’s D-Max is a great working pickup and is about to launch with a new engine and with an EV option, and Ford’s Ranger offers refinement unusual in this market. And let’s not forget Toyota has just launched a new Hilux which will doubtless hold plenty of appeal.
An L200 Triton can be on your driveway for £36,295 CVOTR. You must add £3,700 for the Barbarian, worth paying for the more sophisticated 4x4 system alone. Add £1,200 to each figure for the commercial version – you pay more to get less…

All in all, a capable pickup which will appeal to both the leisure and commercial customer.

Fast Facts
Mitsubishi L200 Series 7
2.4-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine
204PS & 470 Nm
0-62mph in 12.6 seconds
Top speed 111mph
Combined WLTP economy 33.3mpg
Emissions – 222g/km CO2
Insurance group 49D
Servicing 10,000 miles/12 months
Warranty 5 years/62,500 miles
£450 to extend to 125,000 miles