Mitsubishi L200 DI-D Warrior Review

Along with a slight styling refresh, there are also improvements in sound insulation, better seats and equipment upgrades in general.

The most significant alterations are under the skin, however. The chassis has been firmed up and there are higher strength steels and a revised suspension to enhance handling and ride.

When it comes to the engine, in readiness for the upcoming emissions-based tax for pick-ups, Mitsubishi has focused closely on keeping CO2 as low as possible. An all-aluminium 2.4-litre turbodiesel with variable valve timing and a turbo with variable geometry emits 173g/km in this spec. That gives it a notable lead over the 192g/km of the D-Max from Isuzu, its next-cleanest rival. An impressive average fuel consumption figure of 42.8mph beats the D-Max by 4.1mpg, too. Power and torque, meanwhile, have slightly increased, giving the L200 some handy and enjoyable low-down heft.

The 2.4-litre diesel develops maximum output of 178bhp at 3500rpm and, generally, does an effective job. The rev range may appear lacking, but the engine pulls strongly from as low as 800rpm. This, coupled with sensibly spread gear ratios, cuts out the need for frequent gearchanges. The throw of the six-speed manual is fairly long but shifts are crisp and convincing. At 70mph in sixth, the engine hums along at an agreeably tame 1800rpm. Some gruffness might surprise drivers accustomed to contemporary diesel hatchbacks, but this does abate while cruising. On our test, we managed a respectable 30.1mpg, equating to full-tank range potential approaching 500 miles. Manage Mitsubishi’s claimed 42.8mpg, and you’d be looking at 700.

The new L200 is far more composed on the road than the former version. You'll immediately notice, for instance, that there’s a lot less body roll. The steering is also suitably weighty and precise so it’s easy to hold your course, while a quick rack rules out any wild flailing at the wheel when you tackle a sharp corner. There is even decent front-end grip, so fairly vigorous cross-country driving is considerably less nerve-wracking than you might expect.

In road-going mode, the ‘Super Select 4WD’ system’s Torsen centre differential divides power 40/60 front to rear. This rear-biased distribution helps damp down understeer although, in the dry, we would leave the L200 in the more efficient two-wheel drive mode. This also feels smoother.

The ride is much what you’d expect of a pick-up, with its solid chassis, live rear axle and leaf springs, plus a setup configured for big payloads. That said, on smoother roads and when driving at lower speeds, it’s perfectly tolerable. Don’t forget this vehicle’s hard-working brief.

When we took the L200 off road, we put it to task with some intent. And, shod with off-road tyres, it coped with everything we could chuck at it. Its anti-stall feature enables it to ascend steep slopes without any throttle input. It doesn’t have electronic hill descent control, although ample engine braking and a short first gear compensate well. The 4WD system has a lockable centre differential, which you can put to good use on rougher ground, along with low-range mode for when it gets really slushy. Compared with the 6.2m of a Hilux, a 5.9m turning circle is good. Visibility is another plus point.

The spec is top notch, with the ‘Warrior’ comparable with many current mainstream SUV packages. You get satellite navigation, bi-xenon lights, dual-zone climate, a rear-view camera, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, DAB, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain and dusk sensors plus lane departure warning. The safety level is also high, with features including seven airbags, stability control and trailer stability assist. The seats are comfortable, offering lots of storage and there’s enough rear space for three adults. Additionally, you can create a useful storage area by tipping the rear bench forward.

Towing and load weight combined adds up to a mighty 4.090 tonnes, which beats that of the VW Amarok, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux. There’s also the support of a five-year/62,500-mile warranty and pan-European roadside and home start assistance for three years.

As a working partner, the L200 will serve you well. A big step forward from its predecessor, it’s good value, easy to drive, practical and relatively comfortable. Needless to say, perhaps, it is not an SUV. It’s a rugged vehicle, built to meet specific needs, so you won’t get a cossetting journey home after you’ve finished mountain biking. Instead, you’ll notice the lively ride, fairly plain interior and lack of powertrain refinement. If that worries you, you may start to wish you’d gone with an Outlander or something similar.