Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab 2,5 DI-D 178 km - from our car

Every time I see pickups I feel some appreciation, I don't know exactly why. Perhaps, I have interest and respect in the realization that it was farm vehicles that “built America”. Maybe it's their practical characteristics that allow you to drive into the most difficult terrain and get out of this duel of nature and a car with a shield, or I just saw too many American productions of the 90s, where pickups were heavily exhibited. Probably a bit of everything. The indispensable partner of the American builder, entrepreneur or farmer, he crossed the ocean and within a few years became more and more bold on the Old Continent. And how is the representative of the Mitsubishi L200 pickup family doing in Poland?

The history of the car dates back to 1978, but then it was called Forte and only in 1993 it acquired a name that is valid to this day. During this time, four generations of L200 were created, which have won many awards over the years, incl. The title of Pickup Truck of the Year was once awarded to the German Auto Bild Allrad.

At first glance,

The car looks ruthless, more than 5 meters brutal, not knowing the concept of good manners. And good. The front piping looks like it's ready to take on whatever comes your way, and the winch gives you hope for a free ride even on really tough off-road terrain. The version prepared for 2015 was equipped with, among other things, a new bumper, grille or 17-inch wheels. However, the body remains raw, without unnecessary stamping, and the main beauties of the tested version are chrome door handles and mirrors. Despite its classic character, the car, thanks to the pipes of the cargo compartment, rounded shapes and irregular window lines, looks not only powerful, but also dynamic. The Mitsubishi L200 is mesmerizing and scary at the same time, as evidenced by the reactions of other drivers whenever I want to change lanes - just turn on the alarm and the place for our pickup is magically created.

The center has been refined simply and intuitively. And rightly so, because we are dealing with a thoroughbred builder. On the central panel we find three air conditioning control knobs above which there is a radio and a small but legible screen on which we can check the temperature, pressure or geographic direction of travel with a compass. Everything is natural in the Japanese-favorite resolution a la Casio watches from the 90s. Of the pluses, the convenience of traveling in the front seats should be noted, passengers should not experience discomfort even during long trips. The situation looks a little different if you look back - the almost vertical seatback can tire even the most persistent passengers.

At 1505mm long and 1085mm wide (between the wheel arches), the luggage box feels small, but the power-opening rear window improves the situation and is great for hauling long items. The maximum weight we can carry is 980 kg.

The test specimen was equipped with a 2.5 DI-D engine with 178 hp. at 3750 rpm and 350 Nm at 1800 - 3500 rpm. The unloaded L200 proved to be a very capable vehicle. True, it does not react with rapid acceleration at the first contact of the foot with the gas, but after a while it gains sufficient power. A significant drawback is the sound of the engine, the constant clatter above 2000 rpm reminds us that we are driving a real workhorse, and not a car bought to attract the envious glances of passers-by.

Super choice

The Mitsubishi L200's natural environment is undoubtedly more difficult to access, and here it performs sensationally. Departure angle (20,9°) and ramp angle (23,8°) are not stunning, but in combination with a ground clearance of 205 mm and an attack angle of 33,4°, you can safely go to admire the wildlife, but the main argument for such a route is four Super Select mode. With the help of an additional handle, which is located next to the gear lever, we can choose the drive of the car - a standard drive on one axle, but if necessary, turn on 4 × 4 with a rear axle lock or 4HLc or 4LLc - the first blocks the center differential, the second in turn an additional gearbox is included. The driving position is typical for pickups, the driver's legs are raised high, but we drive very comfortably. Mitsubishi prepared the suspension in the form of triangular wishbones at the front and leaf springs at the rear, which gave a good effect of a confident ride in all conditions. The test model had a range of 15 km and was quite loud, each bump was accompanied by crackles and squeaks. Despite its size, the L000 is very nimble, but the amount of steering movement seems too much, especially when we need to react quickly, a longer outdoor game with the L200 will quickly test the driver's condition. Well, the car is not for everyone.

In the city, the situation is slightly different. On the road - as I already said - there are only pluses, no one gets it, and if necessary, car drivers change lanes like the Red Sea, freeing up space. It is much worse when we are looking for a free parking space, or at the entrances to multi-storey car parks, where it is also not very colorful. However, something for something, increased parking time is the price we have to pay for the pleasure of a comfortable driving, regardless of the number of curbs, sunroofs or speed bumps.

The L200 Double Cap is available in three versions. The first is the equipment variant called Invite, where we have a manual transmission and a 2.5 hp 136 engine. for PLN 95. The second and proven version of the Intense Plus HP with automatic transmission, 990 hp 2.5 engine. for PLN 178. The latest version is also Intense Plus HP and a 126 engine with 990 hp, only this time with a manual transmission for PLN 2.5.

Every buyer who is aware of the purpose of the pickups will be satisfied. Mitsubishi L200 will help us get to almost any place without any problems - snow, mud, sand or water up to 50 cm deep will not be a hindrance. Well, if something went wrong, then what will we take the winch from? The additional seats in the Double Cap version will allow more than two people to travel, making the car an interesting solution for families as well.