Mitsubishi L200 PLUS INSTYLE review – the segment's stalwart got more power and more style

We already know the Mitsubishi L200 of the sixth generation quite well. We subjected both the basic version with a six-speed manual to the editorial test, and we were also able to test the expedition special RockProof 2, which enriched us with more than one interesting experience.

But now we have a "two-hundred" with the designation Plus, which received not only a more powerful engine, but also a few interesting stylish and practical accessories.

Exterior – more styling for the tested version

The current sixth generation has enriched the car with shapes that were already introduced in the Eclipse Cross model. The shaping itself, mostly of the front part, is very typical and thus creates the current design direction of the cars of this car manufacturer.

The updated front part has a pair of curved lines that underline the headlights. From this element, both the front mask and the distinctive niche hiding the direction and fog lights are subsequently developed.

Even in the current generation, the "Dvoustovka" retains a completely typical, slightly inclined, side profile. The short overhang of the front part of the body is connected to the rear axle by a "two-chamber cabin", this entire section is then closed by a cargo area with a relatively significant rear overhang.

The Czech representation of the brand really cared about the piece currently being tested and in terms of exterior design enriched the car with a few decent accessories. The integrated LED ramp on the roof of the car became very effective and very practical, the body itself was enriched with a decent frame and a purely practical and lockable body cover.

Interior – in the spirit of the highest Instyle equipment

The tested "two hundred" had the highest Instyle equipment, so its interior 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 of the car has a really massive impression, but it is clear and you have everything 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 controls for the two-zone automatic air conditioning, or control of the heating of the front seats and USB ports.

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. 

The indicators in the instrument panel in front of the driver are classic analog. A small digital display is then placed between them, which informs you about consumption, range, kilometers driven, the currently engaged gear, or the selected type of drivetrain.

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Overall, the interior of the 200 is spacious, the seats themselves offer sufficient dimensions, and 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. I definitely praise the presence of a retractable and lockable blind.

The interior of the car does not deny its working origin, but thanks to this, its advantages also include a certain agility. However, it definitely deserves a certain rejuvenation and overall unification of the graphic treatment of individual controllers.

Motorization and driving impressions of the PLUS version

The Plus version offers higher performance for the only diesel engine offered. This was achieved by modifying the existing power unit by an external company. The output of the diesel four-cylinder was increased from 110 kW to 127 kW, and the torque value was also adjusted from 400 Nm to 502 Nm. These modifications have no effect on the warranty itself, which continues for 7 years or up to 150,000 km.

I have never had a problem with the performance of the diesel "two hundred". You don't primarily expect any racing manners from the car and its character. So I take the increase in performance as a certain "plus". But what I would certainly appreciate is a better reaction of the car to the gas pedal, here the "two hundred" lingers a little and only after a while starts with an unexpected zest for life. The diesel engine is refined and decently soundproofed towards the cabin.

The tested car was equipped with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. I have no reservations about its behavior, yes, changing the individual speeds is slightly more deliberate, but still smooth, the driving behavior is also very user-friendly for this "worker" thanks to the automatic.

The average consumption of the more powerful version with automatic transmission was around 8.0 liters per 100 km during the weekly test.

In terms of chassis, the car stands on 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.

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The two-seater also had the Super Select-II system, whose inter-axle differential allows the 4WD system to be kept 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 OFF ROAD assistant adapts the behavior and reactions of the vehicle depending on the selected mode, the 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. 

To create an even more "manly" impression, the tested car was enriched with a sound generator from Kufatec (Sound Booster). It is located above the rear right wheel and its sound is coordinated with that of the drive unit. Using the mobile application, it is then possible to change the sound display. Personally, I'm not a big fan of these fake "flavorings", but in this case it felt like a small evil. The sound emanates naturally from the exterior, in addition from the area where the exhaust system terminates, in the end even the artificially created sound did not seem exaggerated in any way.

In conclusion

You can buy a Mitsubishi L200 at a promotional price from CZK 823,250 including VAT, it is the basic Invite equipment with 110 kW diesel under the hood and a six-speed manual transmission. You can buy the more powerful Plus basic version from CZK 850,850 including tax.

The next equipment level is Intense, which will already offer a six-speed automatic, specifically from 949,650 CZK. The top Instyle equipment then starts from 1,032,650 CZK, the more powerful Plus version from 1,060,250 CZK.

The sixth generation very positively enriched the exterior appearance of the car with a considerable amount of robustness, while the currently tested version added pleasant and practical accessories. The Plus version will offer higher performance of the original diesel engine, which contributes to the overall good and universal driving characteristics of the car.

Source: Author's text

Image source: Author's own photos