Reappearance of 1200
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by Toby Clark • Mitsubishi is to introduce an L200 pickup at this year's Motor Show. The vehicle replaces the Japanese-built pickup which was launched here in 1987: it is now made in Thailand, and promises more power and higher specification in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants.
The new L200 is currently being shown at the Val d'Isere 4x4 Show in France, including Club Cab (two-door, four-seat) and Twin Cab (four-door, fiveseat) variants—but UK buyers will initially be offered only the conventional two-seat version, The cab is larger than before, and claimed to be quieter. Prices are expected to be between £10,800 and £13,900.
The previous L200—
which remains on sale until October—was avail able in short and longwheelbase types, but the new model has just one chassis length, corresponding to the old long-wheelbase version with a loadbed length of 2.25m. The two-wheel drive version is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre diesel, while the 4x4 model's engine is a chargecooled turbo-diesel.
Both new versions have substantially more power and torque than before, and the 4x4 model can now be switched between two and four-wheel drive on the move. It is also now fitted with a front free-wheel differential (replacing freewheel hubs) and a rear differential lock. Powerassisted steering is standard on both models.