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FOLLOW THE LEADER With nearly half a market segment to
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itself, the Mitsubishi L200 has become an established favourite with workmen and lifestylers alike;
now it has the Club Cab too. We were ready to be impressed... W e're all a soft touch when it comes W e're all a soft touch when it comes to looks; it's just human nature. But being an exception who proves the rule). 2,830kg. It comes with selectable four-wheel does that mean that someone or While it's no Brad Pitt, the Mitsubishi L200 drive with high and low ratios and is powered something that looks good is necessarily good twin cab in Warrior guise has won plenty of by a 2.5-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel pro
to be around in the long term? admirers—and buyers— with its rugged good ducing 112hp with 240Nm of torque. We're sure that the current Miss World was looks and body enhancing extras that convert Included in the price are central locking, an voted for on the strength of her continuing cruit from everyday workhorse to stylish driveway engine immobiliser and driver and passenger sade for world peace. And those Hollywood accessory.The L200 took 43% of its market segairbags. The extras list includes ABS at £400 A-list actors are no doubt admired primarily merit last year, so chances are that its runaway (it really should be standard if Mitsubishi for their inner depths and humility as well as success is partly down to those who like the idea counts itself as the market leader), metallic their flawless looks and figures (Danny Devito weighs in at 1,720kg, resulting in a GVW of to looks; it's just human nature. But being an exception who proves the rule). 2,830kg. It comes with selectable four-wheel does that mean that someone or While it's no Brad Pitt, the Mitsubishi L200 drive with high and low ratios and is powered something that looks good is necessarily good twin cab in Warrior guise has won plenty of by a 2.5-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel pro
to be around in the long term? admirers—and buyers— with its rugged good ducing 112hp with 240Nm of torque. We're sure that the current Miss World was looks and body enhancing extras that convert Included in the price are central locking, an voted for on the strength of her continuing cruit from everyday workhorse to stylish driveway engine immobiliser and driver and passenger sade for world peace. And those Hollywood accessory.The L200 took 43% of its market segairbags. The extras list includes ABS at £400 A-list actors are no doubt admired primarily merit last year, so chances are that its runaway (it really should be standard if Mitsubishi for their inner depths and humility as well as success is partly down to those who like the idea counts itself as the market leader), metallic of a 4x4 but would not use it for commercial paint at £200 and a power upgrade to 138hp/ purposes So have all those tempting add-ons 273Nm; yours for £595. Other options include coupled with its company car tax advantages tow bars, rubber load liners, heavy-duty mats,
taken priority over performance? load-area guards and waterproof seat covers. To gain an even perspective, as the glamour Mitsubishi's CV range, which also inpusses on the CM test team like to think they cludes the Shogun Pinin and Sport models,
don't discriminate when it comes to looks, comes under the company's 4Work banner we've called on the services of the newest adthat was launched a couple of years ago. dition to the L200 range, the Club Cab. This marketing campaign has contributed Positioned between the single and double to a sales boost from around 2,000 units four set-ups, it allows up to two extra passengers years ago to 13,500 4x4 CV sales in 2003. to be accommodated on a pair of fold-down Who says marketing doesn't work? benches behind the front seats, though in realistic terms only for short distances. But it Productivity also offers more secure storage space when A popular vehicle the L200 may well be but this the fold-down benches are not in use. And is not justified at the pumps where it registered a in terms of usage its set-up makes it more low 27.0mpg for a laden run. Even this compares suitable for commercial application than its well with the Ford Ranger Super Cab's 26.3mpg jazzy twin-cab relative, but it falls some way behind the Nissan Navara Priced at £12,999 (ex-VAT) on the road, the (31.8mpg) and far short of the Toyota Hilux's
L200 Club Cab can carry up to 1,100kg and 363mpg (both are double-cab versions). their flawless looks and figures (Danny Devito weighs in at 1,720kg, resulting in a GVW of to looks; it's just human nature. But being an exception who proves the rule). 2,830kg. It comes with selectable four-wheel does that mean that someone or While it's no Brad Pitt, the Mitsubishi L200 drive with high and low ratios and is powered something that looks good is necessarily good twin cab in Warrior guise has won plenty of by a 2.5-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel pro
to be around in the long term? admirers—and buyers— with its rugged good ducing 112hp with 240Nm of torque. We're sure that the current Miss World was looks and body enhancing extras that convert Included in the price are central locking, an voted for on the strength of her continuing cruit from everyday workhorse to stylish driveway engine immobiliser and driver and passenger sade for world peace. And those Hollywood accessory.The L200 took 43% of its market segairbags. The extras list includes ABS at £400 A-list actors are no doubt admired primarily merit last year, so chances are that its runaway (it really should be standard if Mitsubishi for their inner depths and humility as well as success is partly down to those who like the idea counts itself as the market leader), metallic of a 4x4 but would not use it for commercial paint at £200 and a power upgrade to 138hp/ purposes So have all those tempting add-ons 273Nm; yours for £595. Other options include coupled with its company car tax advantages tow bars, rubber load liners, heavy-duty mats,
taken priority over performance? load-area guards and waterproof seat covers. To gain an even perspective, as the glamour Mitsubishi's CV range, which also inpusses on the CM test team like to think they cludes the Shogun Pinin and Sport models,
don't discriminate when it comes to looks, comes under the company's 4Work banner we've called on the services of the newest adthat was launched a couple of years ago. dition to the L200 range, the Club Cab. This marketing campaign has contributed Positioned between the single and double to a sales boost from around 2,000 units four set-ups, it allows up to two extra passengers years ago to 13,500 4x4 CV sales in 2003. to be accommodated on a pair of fold-down Who says marketing doesn't work? benches behind the front seats, though in realistic terms only for short distances. But it Productivity also offers more secure storage space when A popular vehicle the L200 may well be but this the fold-down benches are not in use. And is not justified at the pumps where it registered a in terms of usage its set-up makes it more low 27.0mpg for a laden run. Even this compares suitable for commercial application than its well with the Ford Ranger Super Cab's 26.3mpg jazzy twin-cab relative, but it falls some way behind the Nissan Navara Priced at £12,999 (ex-VAT) on the road, the (31.8mpg) and far short of the Toyota Hilux's
L200 Club Cab can carry up to 1,100kg and 363mpg (both are double-cab versions). The unladen run was a little better at 30.9mpg,but that's not enough to make a dent in the Nissan's 35.0mpg. This lack of competitiveness can be partly blamed on the use of outmoded diesel technology The unladen run was a little better at 30.9mpg,but that's not enough to make a dent in the Nissan's 35.0mpg. This lack of competitiveness can be partly blamed on the use of outmoded diesel technology The unladen run was a little better at 30.9mpg,but that's not enough to make a dent in the Nissan's 35.0mpg. This lack of competitiveness can be partly blamed on the use of outmoded diesel technology The unladen run was a little better at 30.9mpg,but that's not enough to make a dent in the Nissan's 35.0mpg. This lack of competitiveness can be partly blamed on the use of outmoded diesel technology
The L200 still relies on indirect-injection while the Nissan and the Toyota use secondgeneration direct-injection equipment.
For a pickup that is streets ahead in the sales charts this oversight is simply not good enough. Mitsubishi has long been associated with combining 4x4 technology with the user-friendly torque characteristics of turbo-diesels, but it seems that time and its rivals have conspired to blunt the company's competitive edge. On the load carrying front it can handle a useful 1,110kg — pretty much a standard
weight for this category — and getting the cargo in there s simple enough with a tailgate that folds down to a reasonable level and a user-friendly load area that's designed to make best use of the available space. It comes with an (optional) rubber cover that aids grip and resists scratches and knocks.
weight for this category — and getting the cargo in there s simple enough with a tailgate that folds down to a reasonable level and a user-friendly load area that's designed to make best use of the available space. It comes with an (optional) rubber cover that aids grip and resists scratches and knocks.
weight for this category — and getting the cargo in there s simple enough with a tailgate that folds down to a reasonable level and a user-friendly load area that's designed to make best use of the available space. It comes with an (optional) rubber cover that aids grip and resists scratches and knocks.
weight for this category — and getting the cargo in there s simple enough with a tailgate that folds down to a reasonable level and a user-friendly load area that's designed to make best use of the available space. It comes with an (optional) rubber cover that aids grip and resists scratches and knocks.
weight for this category — and getting the cargo in there s simple enough with a tailgate that folds down to a reasonable level and a user-friendly load area that's designed to make best use of the available space. It comes with an (optional) rubber cover that aids grip and resists scratches and knocks.
The last time we tested an L200 (CM 9 January 2003) we were scathing about its 4,500mile service intervals which could mean up to 22 scheduled workshop visits during its warranty period. Intervals have been increased to 9,000 miles, which for a 4x4 is reasonable (and beats Nissan's Navara, which can only go 6,000 miles without some TLC).Warranty is set at a reassuring three years/100,000 miles.
Competitively priced at £12,999 on the road, the L200 compares favourably with the Nissan King Cab at £14, 637,Ford's Ranger at £14,795 and the double-cab Toyota Hilux at £15,362. On the road
There's no getting away from the fact that pickups have a 'unique' set of driving characteristics compared with the more, shall we say, well planted CVs of similar weight.A high centre of gravity plays a large part in this, as does highly sprung suspension that tends to bounce under minimal duress, especially when unladen. But it must be said that even in this arena, where a certain lack of refinement is par for the course, the L200 does not give a good account of itself. Body control is best described as fidgety and the suspension does not inspire confidence when turning into corners — when pushed its ■
rear wheels struggle to maintain direction. Luckily the steering has enough weighting and feel to allow you to sense any indiscretions before they become an issue.
It's not that the L200's a real handful; it just requires that bit more concentration than its peers.And in that context its shortcomings can't be ignored.
The 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine sounds unrefined and the power delivery is not linear when working through the rev range; its lack of modern technology is clearly evident.To its credit it does have a usable torque band, but it doesn't deliver from low down — revs have to be maintained when fully laden to avoid ponderous acceleration from a standstill. But once you're up and running it provides plenty of go. On the hill tests it performed admirably, maintaining the required speeds available with the single and double cabs, the with ease —keep within the torque band and it Club Cab does not have the latest cosmetic up provides all the power you need. grades and makes do with a sparse,if functional, This ray of light does not continue with the interior.The dashboard is the typical Japanese gearshift While excuses can be made for this fare with a plethora of grey plastic and
category of vehicle due to the heavy-duty mechanicals used, it still loses out to its rivals with a loose, slightly notchy action.
Braking hard produced no nasty surprises and the action was progressive enough to modulate under heavy loads and steep descents. Cab comfort Unlike the more aesthetically pleasing
Warrior andAnimal versions,which are 'contemporary' switches. admirably, maintaining the required speeds available with the single and double cabs, the with ease —keep within the torque band and it Club Cab does not have the latest cosmetic up provides all the power you need. grades and makes do with a sparse,if functional, This ray of light does not continue with the interior.The dashboard is the typical Japanese gearshift While excuses can be made for this fare with a plethora of grey plastic and
Warrior andAnimal versions,which are 'contemporary' switches.
Ergonomics are good with easy-to-read dials and simple-to use-stalks. The driver's seat is surprisingly comfortable and a decent position is easy to find, though more adjustment would be welcome.The steering wheel is only adjustable for rake, giving the long-arm' effect.The cabin as a whole feels surprisingly well screwed together with no rattles or squeaks: a good sign if it's going to be thrown around off-road.
Direct storage is adequate with slim door bins, a small glovebox and a central tray below the handbrake.A hidden compartment is located behind the front seats — handy if you have valuables or expensive equipment that needs to be kept out of sight —while the Club Cab arrangement can be utilised for storing tools and the like behind the front seats.
The rear bench seats, which fold upright when not in use, are really only suitable for short distances unless your colleague is a `mini-me' type.This is by no means a slight on the layout, as the rival set-ups from Ford and the gang offer similar space and functionality. But if you need to ferry a colleague (or Paul Daniels) from one site to another it will no doubt come in handy.
While the road manners of the L200 may not be fully up to scratch, the cabin does a good job of suppressing these inadequacies. Road roar is well contained, and though the engine may lack sophistication it does not intrude to any great degree. Motorway driving is relatively relaxing with minimal wind and noise for a vehicle of this type. Forward and side visibility is good, with minimal interference from the A-pillar, while the rear is only slightly obscured by the metal safety frame which helps keep the load out of the cabin. • MITSUBISHI L200 Model: Mitsubishi L200 Club Cab Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors, Watermoor, Cirencester, Glos GL7 1LF Engine: Mitsubishi four-cylinder SOHC charge-cooled turbo-diesel Bore/stroke: 91.1x95.0mm Capacity: 2,477cc Maximum power: 113hp (84kW) at 4,000rpm Maximum torque: 240Nm (177ft1b) at 2,000rpm Transmission: Five-speed manual Gear ratios: 3.91, 2.26, 1.39, 1.00 and 0.829:1; reverse, 3.92:1 Final drive ratio: 4.36:1; transfer box, 1.93:1 Clutch: Hydraulic, single dry plate with diaphragm spring Brakes: Front, 391mm ventilated discs; rear, 269mm drums. Power assisted, tandem booster and load-sensing proportioning valve Suspension: Front, double wishbones and torsion bars; rear, live axle with elliptic leaf springs Steering: Power-assisted, recirculating ball and nut Turns lock-to-locic 3.5 Wheels and tyres: Bridgestone Dueler HT 205/80R16s Fuel tank: 75 litres Electrical system: 12V earth return Battery: 12V, 65 Ah Alternator: 64A Test date MITSUBISHI L200 CLUB CAB CM24 June 2004 FORD RANGER 2.510 CM13 March 2003 NISSAN NAVARA 2.5 CM31 July 2003 TOYOTA HILUX 270 VX CM11 Dec 2003 Payload 1,110 n/a As tested, kg 1,138 1,050 Load space n/a m2 0.0 2.7 1.9 Servicing hdervals Months/miles 12/9,000 n/a 12/6,000 12/9,000 Servicing downtime • Annual total, hours 0.0 7.3 0.0 0.0 Insurance Group/quote £ 14A/466.7 12/466.7 12A/466.7 13A466.7 Contract hire Per month, £ 346 361 500 464 Parts prices Basket of spares, £ 648 581 483 481 Residual value f Three years 4,900 4,450 5,225 4,950 Five years 3,000 2,725 3,200 3,025 Dealers UK 132 n/a 228 n/a walla* Basic cover 3 years/100,000 miles 3 years/60,000 miles 3 years/0,000 miles 3 years/unlimited miles Ust price Basic, £ 12,999 14,795 14,637* 15,325** OPERATIONAL TRIAL RESULTS
With a laden figure of 27.0mpg the L200 falls some way behind most of the competition at the pumps. Test conditions were blustery. MITSUBISHI L200 CLUB FORD RANGER 2.5TD NISSAN NAVARA 2.5 TOYOTA HILUX 270 VX Hiel consumption Laden, mpg (lit/100km) 27.0(10.4) 26.3(10.7) 31.8 (8.9) 36.3 (7.8) Unladen 30.9 (9.1) 30.7 (9.2) 35.0 (8.1) Not tested Average speed Laden, km/h 64.8 68.6 65.5 n/a COMPARISONS: DRIVING
While it may have a strong engine, the L200 lacks refinement in the driving stakes with unsure cornering. Strong steering and braking help to cover its inadequacies. TOYOTA HILUX 270 VX 2min 39sec Baulked 14.0 9.18 9.92 Acceleration seconds MITSUBISHI L200 CLUB CAB FORD RANGER 2.5TD NISSAN NAVARA 2.5 0-80km/h 12.5 13.5 12.8 48-80km/h 7.5 7.8 6.5 64-96km/h 9.2 10.7 19.5 Hill dimbs M20 2mln 49sec 2min 47sec 2min 48sec Titsey Hill lmln 08sec Baulked 1min 26sec Braldng (stopping distance) 32km/h 6.0m 4.9m 5.9m 6.8m 48km/h 12.5m 12.7m 11.7m 12.3m 64km/h 21.6m 21.7m 19.9m 20.3m In-cab noise dB(A) 48km/h 63.8 62.3 63.4 63.7 64km/h 64.1 65.4 64.2 65.5 80km/h 66.2 70.1 66.4 66.9 96km/h 68.6 71.7 68.4 70.0 112km/h 71.0 75.6 68.9 712 Tickover 49.7 52.2 50.6 53.8 DIMENSIONS
A payload of 1,100kg means the L200 can carry plenty of weight and the layout is practical enough to utilise the available space. Seanity feahms Engine immobiliser Alarm Central locking Dead-locking Secure bonnet Locking fuel cap Plated weights GVVV GIW Front axle Rear axle 2,830kg 2,700kg 1,200kg 1,800kg Test weight (with 75kg driver) Kerbweight 1,720kg Net payload 1,110kg Load volume nia 4/ MITSUBISHI L200 Dhnensions (mm) A Overall width 1,695 B Overall length 5,125 C Overall height 1,775 Wheelbase 2,960 E Front overhang 800 F Rear overhang 1,250 G Loadspace width (maximum) 1,470 H Loadspace width (between wheelarches) 1,400 I Loadspace height n/a J Loadspace length 1,500 K Loading height 860 There must be something about the L200, in all its guises, that keeps it surging ahead in the sales charts. But having driven its rivals we're left wondering what it is. While certainly not a turkey it doesn't stand out from the crowd in any specific area
The engine is old and unrefined compared with the Toyota Hilux's smooth unit and this shows up in its poor fuel consumption.
Its inadequacies are further highlighted by a driveline that jerks and snatches -there doesn't seem to be a happy medium of cruising at a set speed and a chassis that is fidgety, even on smooth roads.
To condemn it completely would be unjustified: it's well built a quality that's needed if its to cut it off-road has a proven 4x4 system and is competitively priced.
But the Club Cab will be primarily used as a working vehicle, unlike the more glamorous road-bound double-cab Warrior which can justify its existence due to its appealing looks. On that basis it needs to be improved in most areas if it wants to be taken seriously.