The new sixth generation of this legendary pick-up had its world premiere in November last year. In September of this year, this model also appears on the Czech market.
The new "two hundred" comes with a modernized exterior, a new power unit, a more sophisticated chassis and new electronic assistants for off-road driving.
With the experience of testing its previous generation and full of expectations, I take over the "modernized" sixth generation for the weekly editorial test. The tested piece in the DOUBLE CAB design had the INVITE + equipment, the announced new 2.2 DI-D drive unit and a six-speed manual.
Robustness and dynamism of the exterior
The current design direction of Mitsubishi cars was already started by the Eclipse Cross model , its sharply cut lines, mainly the front part, were quite logically incorporated into the new generation of "two hundred".
Its front part now features a pair of significantly curved lines that underline the headlights. This element, from which both the front mask and the distinctive niche hiding the direction and fog lights are derived, gives the car robustness and significant dynamics.
The side profile of the sixth generation continues to be quite typical. A short overhang at the front, a rather considerably lowered front window, or a significant overhang of the body behind the rear axle, these are all identifying signs by which you can safely recognize the "two hundred".
The tested piece then had a "handsome rather than practical" edging of the side loading edges of the body. It was a black lacquered plastic trim, which in a rather good-looking way fit into the side part of the car and thus optically "stretched" the cabin of the car itself in a very elegant way.
The rear part will then offer a new breakdown of the rear lamps and instead of the rear bumper, a purely purpose-built steel "pipe" for protection.
The new exterior appearance of the "two-hundred" clearly fits and has very dignifiedly included it in the current portfolio of Mitsubishi brand cars.
Interior, practical and purposeful
The interior of the tested INVITE + equipment lacks any frills and is focused purely on the practical side of things. In addition to the multifunction steering wheel, it is dominated by black, while the fabric upholstery combines the colors black and gray.
The central part of the dashboard is dominated by the on-board infotainment touchscreen. Its graphics are clear and the controls are logical. The instrument cluster in front of the driver has a pair of classic speedometer and tachometer indicators. These are additionally complemented by a central digital display with a temperature and fuel level indicator.
The central tunnel had a six-speed manual transmission lever and a circular powertrain selector, as well as a classic handbrake and an armrest. Unfortunately, the shift lever surprises, by today's standards, with quite long shifting distances and considerable resistance when changing individual gears.
Overall, the interior of the 200 is pleasantly spacious, and even the passengers in the back seats do not suffer from any shortage of space.
The body of the DOUBLE CAB version itself offers an area of 1.52 x 1.47 meters and it is possible to load up to a ton of cargo. The tested piece offered two built-in lockable and tilting boxes in the body. Personally, I would rather prefer a retractable and lockable blind. But all this is a matter of priorities and a subsequent choice in the wide range of accessories.
Motorization and drive train
The sixth generation is equipped with a new turbocharged DI-D diesel engine, which has a capacity of 2268 cm3 and an output of 110 kW at 3500 rpm. and a torque of 400 Nm, which is available from 1750 to 2250 rpm.
The unit is also equipped with a Common Rail direct fuel injection system with a new generation of high-pressure injectors. Furthermore, the engine is equipped with selective catalytic reduction SCR technology (spraying urea into the exhaust gases) to reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides.
The new power unit has less power, yet higher torque compared to the previous generation. With the new "two-hundred" he practices quite decently. Its dark side then became a certain "turbo hole" for me, which slightly delays the onset of the required performance.
The cooperation between the new drive unit and the six-speed manual works very well, the gear shifting is pleasing, when the car manages the highway speed slightly above the permitted limit with complete control and at speeds slightly above 2000 rpm.
The new motorization also boasts more economical operation and I must confirm that, compared to the previous generation, there has obviously been a certain reduction in consumption. My consumption was around 8 l/100km.
The Mitsubishi L200 of the sixth generation is equipped with the 4WD Super Select – II system from the Intense trim, as well as the new OFF ROAD mode and the HDC hill descent assistant.
The inter-axle differential of the 4WD Super Select-II system allows you to keep the 4WD system 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 new OFF ROAD assistant adapts the behavior and reactions of the vehicle depending on the selected mode and surface. These modes include Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock. The system then automatically adjusts engine power, transmission settings and braking characteristics for optimal driving characteristics.
The piece we tested had the 4WD Easy select system, which works similarly to the Super select above, but will only offer 2WD (2H), 4WD (4H) and 4L mode, which provides a lower gear ratio. OFF ROAD mode and hill descent assistant were not available in this specification.
The basis of the chassis continues to be a classic rigid frame. The front axle has double trapezoidal arms with coil springs and stabilisers, while the rear axle has been improved, according to the manufacturer's data, with a leaf spring that allows for a high body load.
Mitsubishi L200 is a car primarily created for work, but as a result it pleases with balanced and universal driving characteristics on any surface.
In conclusion
According to the current price list, the tested version of the DOUBLE CAB body is offered in basic INVITE equipment and with a six-speed manual at a special price starting at CZK 735,250 including VAT. You can buy the model tested by us with INVITE + equipment with a six-speed manual for a special price starting from CZK 749,250 including VAT. The top version with INSTYLE equipment, which is only available with an automatic transmission, is offered from CZK 935,650 including VAT.
The Mitsubishi L200 of the sixth generation brings us above all a successful rejuvenation of the external appearance, which quite logically follows the current design direction of the car company. We also have a new performance-adequate and more economical diesel drive unit, a new multi-speed automatic or new driving assistants for off-road driving.
The sixth generation of this "worker" is therefore one step further, and that is only good in my opinion.
