Last week, we subjected representatives of the popular category of multi-purpose family pick-ups to the editorial test, namely the Mitsubishi L200.
The tested car had the most powerful diesel version with automatic transmission and INSTYLE DC equipment. It was therefore the TOP variant that Mitsubishi currently offers on our market.
We are in a segment that has been booming lately and is becoming very popular. The category of multi-purpose, family pick-ups has grown a lot, and the 200 has really big competition. It is worth mentioning, for example, the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, Fiat Fullback, Renault Alaskan , or the recently tested Isuzu D-Max .
The double-decker is mainly due to its experience, it has been on the market for many years and is currently in its fifth generation.
EXTERIOR
The Mitsubishi L200 has round, yet dynamic shapes, and overall gives a quite robust impression.
Its side profile is typical for it, namely for the short overhang of the front part of the body, further for the displacement of the double cab cabin much to the rear axle, or for the relatively significant rear overhang.
The displacement of the cabin towards the rear axle is also given by a relatively wedge-shaped, aerodynamic shape with a low slope of the front window.
The connection between the cabin and the rear body is also worth noting, it is elegantly and dynamically solved with a slightly beveled line, as well as the significant extension of the front bi-xenon headlights to the side of the car.
The massive front part is contrasted with subtle circular fog lights.
The version we tested was also equipped with massive running boards or chrome rear-view mirrors.
INTERIOR
The interior of the 200 as part of the INSTYLE DC equipment gives a very rich impression.
The interior of the car included, for example, leather upholstery for all seats, the front ones with two-level heating, as well as a multifunctional four-spoke steering wheel, lane departure assistant, keyless entry or a parking camera.
The dashboard, similar to the exterior of the car, has a massive impression, but it is clear and everything is at hand. It is led by a touchscreen that manages the audio system, phone and, of course, navigation.
In the central part of the dashboard, we also have the controls for the two-zone automatic air conditioning, or the front seat heating controls and a USB port.
The central tunnel has an automatic transmission selector and a circular powertrain selector, as well as a classic handbrake, a space for storing a drink container and an armrest.
In my opinion, the selector of the automatic transmission is rather bulky and robust in terms of its handling, and its tracks are quite long, all apparently due to proportionality to the given proportions of the car.
The indicators in the instrument cluster in front of the driver are classic pointers, they are a speedometer and a tachometer. A small digital display is then placed between them, which informs you about consumption, range, kilometers traveled or the currently engaged gear. Next, a display informing you about the selected type of powertrain.
Overall, the interior of the 200 is spacious, and passengers in the back seats do not suffer from any shortage of space.
ENGINE AND RIDE
The tested version had the most powerful diesel engine with an output of 133 kW at 3,500 rpm. and 430 Nm at 2,500 rpm.
It is a new engine called 2.4 DI-D MIVEC with variable valve timing, combined with an automatic, hydro-converter, five-speed transmission.
This combination works really well and is very convenient for car users. You will forget quite quickly how large a vehicle you are actually driving, because the engine has sufficient power and the gearbox shifts relatively quickly and smoothly.
In addition, the automatic transmission can also, somewhat illogically for me, be controlled by the paddles under the steering wheel.
The car stands on a classic frame, with double wishbone suspension at the front and a classic solid axle with leaf springs at the rear.
The two-seater also has the 4WD Super Select system, whose inter-axle differential allows the 4WD system to remain engaged even on paved surfaces. While driving, you can switch from 2WD (2H) to 4WD (4H) up to a speed of 100km/h. In case of deteriorating conditions, you switch to the 4HLc mode, which is designed for rugged terrain, or to the 4LLc, designed for climbing a steep slope, mud or deep snow.
The manufacturer presents the tested engine as economical, the question is how economical it is in combination with an automatic transmission. We drove it with a reasonable 9.5 liters of diesel as part of the editorial test.
CONCLUSION
The Mitsubishi L200 pleasantly surprised us with its interior comfort. It is a versatile vehicle with great utility and good handling.
The list price of the INSTYLE DC 2.4 DI-D MIVEC version tested by us is CZK 1,037,000 including VAT, as part of the current promotional discount, this versatile and handsome car costs CZK 929,650 including VAT.
