Every time I take a pickup truck for a test drive, I do the first kilometers around the city. Which is logical, the press parks of representative offices are located in Moscow within the city. And every time I ask myself, why is he, a pickup truck, so good and big needed in the city? Haven’t found an answer yet. But outside the city everything falls into place. And if from the construction market you need to bring something for a country house …
Before you is another representative of a very popular pickup class in Russia, the Mitsubishi L200. Restyling of the fifth generation.
Characteristics
- Engine: ICE, 4 cylinders, 2.4 liters, diesel.
- Power: 181 HP s., 430 Nm.
- Gearbox: six-speed automatic.
- Drive: full connected with differential locks (rear and center).
- Average consumption during the test drive: 9.3 liters per 100 km.
- Drove: 992 km.
In static
Bright on the outside, dull on the inside
When you first see the updated L200 live, especially in this red color, you immediately marvel at the perkyness of its shape and … size. The predatory squint of diode optics (“muzzle” matches the entire modern Mitsubishi line), huge wheels and a footboard, hinting that without proper dexterity from the ground you can’t immediately jump into the salon. The chrome-plated “pipe” near the cab in the trunk is also striking. In general, he looks really impressive, somewhat pretentious and stately in his own way. And it is not for nothing that the Japanese often use cars in this red color in their promotional materials. Write your opinion about the exterior in the comments, it’s interesting!
Of the practical points that are worth noting from the outside: the protection of important components from below and the footboard (also plays the role of protecting the body). But at the same time, it has impractical chrome side mirrors and a board that is not covered by anything, and the door is not blocked with a key. Although, in fairness, it is worth saying that they often put kungs on pickups (read, they make a closed body). Mitsubishi even offers its own factory version. There, among the options, there is also a “lid” on the body with gas stops and with closing the space with a key.
Climbing inside, you immediately begin to get high from the high landing. For this, including such cars and love. Healthy side mirrors, excellent visibility, everything is here. After you examine the surrounding space and look at the interior decoration … you understand that everything here is very Spartan. Here is what is available from the driver’s life that is useful in everyday life: a rear-view camera, heated steering wheel, front seats and side mirrors, two cigarette lighter sockets (the second in the armrest glove compartment), push-button dual-zone climate. That’s all. Of the assistants here – cruise control, and even that is non-adaptive. This, however, I do not mention the various ABS and the like, there is also an assistant for starting up the hill. There is no control of dead zones, taxiing and other things here. As there are no parking sensors, and it is precisely them, in fact, that are lacking in the first place. Given the size of the vehicle.
The second thing missing today is CarPlay and Android Auto support. The standard multimedia system is generally very modest, albeit with a color screen. It serves more for radio or listening to music via Bluetooth. And the camera at the back displays a picture there. And for some reason, the interface is only in English. There is a CD drive. Well, at least it doesn’t slow down everything good.
The steering wheel is simple and clear. On the right is the “cruise” control unit and switching the menu of the tidy screen. On the left is music control and receiving calls. The windshield wiper and headlight controls are classic, without fantasies. Fortunately, headlight washers are here on an additional button, otherwise, you know, how it happens: you fill in the washer, and then with a careless wave of the lever, it will go away all in half an hour of winter driving. I’ll be back on the wheel!
On the second row, and I have a version with four doors (however, there is no other in Russia), in general, it is comfortable and spacious. There are two USB ports and a deep niche to put your smartphone. The landing is very vertical, and behind the passengers is a body, from which there is a lot of noise at speed. Heating goes on the floor, there are no other additional options. And the second row is slightly higher than the front. The back of the sofa leans back, there is a tool, a jack and you can lay a brush for cleaning snow. In the presence of a reclining armrest in the center.
What to say at the end? This is a pickup truck, and this is what dictates its certain modesty inside. But what was really lacking was only parking sensors and support for smartphones by the multimedia system. But the most interesting in the dynamics!
A few more shots of the interior. Here you can see cupholders without fixing, a very large but comfortable automatic transmission knob and tidy graphics.
Let’s hit the road
That’s where it really blossoms
And so I began to feel a little sad while I pressed the buttons and climbed around the cabin in static, but it was time to move on. And then L200 literally began to open from the best side.
First of all, it is worth mentioning that there is a power steering, which means that the steering experience will be much more interesting and accurate. Yes, the steering wheel is somewhat heavier than in an electric car because of this. But not empty and, you know, so real. Well, do not forget how healthy the wheels are here. By the way, the steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach in all trim levels.
By default (and recommended for the city) rear-wheel drive. On my test, I had a car on studded tires and thanks to a traction of 430 Nm, they scrolled a couple of times, so if there are hints of icy conditions, it’s better to switch to all-wheel drive. Keep in mind that the back of the L200 is not so loaded. In general, the power of the diesel engine installed in the older version (the younger one is not much weaker) is enough for this redhead. Feels confident on the highway, and even more so in city traffic.
In the city, of course, you will have to get used to its length of more than five meters and … the lack of parking sensors. Although it is easy to park on it, since it is high in front and most of the curbs are just lower and you go point-blank before the wheels rest. It is also worth noting that in the city you especially suffer without a closed board, since things can only be left in the cabin, which, you see, is not always convenient.
But the main buzz from the L200 is outside the asphalt. The transitional March period is outside – sometimes it rains, sometimes it snows, and the nature of the primers is especially insidious at this time. It is important to remember that during a test on a car, city studded tires are not worth being a hero, because on a squandered road, in fact, you will have bald tires with minimal grip.
But still I could not help but try to poke my head into the mud and snowdrifts. And then you realize how ultimatum this car is in the matter of getting to hell. Naturally, before leaving the asphalt, you need to switch to all-wheel drive, for this there is a washer at the handbrake, Mitsubishi calls the Super Select 4WD system. Switching all-wheel drive and back is allowed on the go at speeds up to 100 km / h. But downshifts and locks (there are, of course, they are here too) can be switched by strictly stopping and through neutral. So, turning on the four-wheel drive, the L200 confidently rushes through the spring mud, effortlessly jumping through the pits with its suspension. There is only a smile on his face, as well as a desire to climb even further.
By the way, about the chassis. Ground clearance 200 or 220 mm, depending on the configuration. Front suspension multi-link, rear springs. All this gives a certain roll on the road, but the suspension is very energy-intensive. Although the passengers of the second row, on long trips, can be a little motion sick.
Do not forget about the possibility of locking differentials, rear and center. Once I even resorted to their help when the track in the field turned out to be too deep. And then, it was more for confidence than a necessity. In general, you can not worry about all-terrain qualities here. And if you install a kung, a winch and off-road tires, you can safely go to conquer secluded natural places. Which, in fact, many do.
Review
The main thing is to know why you need it
A pickup truck remains a “thing in itself”, here is the ambiguity of the body type if you are in the city, but there are great opportunities for transporting cargo if necessary.
This is how it all works out. Outside the city, on bad pavement and outside of it, you get a lot of pleasure from comfort and opportunities, and in the city you think more: “Why did I come here on it.” So think about which scenarios are more relevant to you. And if you live outside the city and need to carry something, then a great option!
I can definitely say one thing, I enjoyed both the ride and the off-road capabilities of the Mitsubishi L200. And the lack of support for smartphones at the level of built-in multimedia can be replaced with a windshield or dashboard mount, which many do anyway.
Pros:
- off-road talents;
- comfort, including on bad roads;
- high landing and ground clearance.
Minuses:
- parktronics would still not hurt such an “elephant baby”;
- the multimedia system in the older configuration would like to be more modern;
- high diesel consumption on the highway.
May not like:
- no seat heating in the back.
Final score: 7 out of 10
Source: Trash Box
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
