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here was a time when having an ashtray on board
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your CV was considered a luxury. such was the basic level of trim expected.
But as we all sat in heavy traffic in the equivalent of a mechanised soapbox, going slightly insane, realisation dawned that there had to be a better way. Manufacturers began to realise this too and started offering outrageous luxuries such as soundproofing and radios that also played tapes—the arrival of air-con was seen as the second coming.
How times have changed. Nowadays a CD player that doesn't have an 1V1P3 facility is sneered at; on some models you can specify the type of chandeliers you want installed and whether the family crest should be stitched into the seat.
A good example of the current state of the nation, in CV terms, is the pickup sector. Where having a vehicle that didn't flip over on the road was once seen as classy,now you can get something approaching a Dubai seven-star hotel. Mitsubishi's sales-leading L2(X) comes in several 'fully loaded' guises headed by the Diamond double-cab auto. As well as extracting 165hp instead of 134hp from the DI-l) 2.5-litre unit, it comes equipped with (deep breath): 17in alloy wheels; traction and stability control;ABS with EB D; air-con; alarm:a 10-disc air-con; alarm:a 10-disc autochanger; cruise control: than capable machil electric windows, doors and sunroof; sat-nav; keyless entry; heated leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver; and more adornments than Pat Butcher. This may all seem a little excessive, and at £22,249 it's not for those on a budget, but in these times of designer flat-screen TVs and phones that do the washing up people seem to want something extra in their lives. In any case, Ford.Nissan.Toyota, Isuzu eta! all provide similarly appendaged machines so luxury is becoming the norm.
Unsurprisingly there's not much to mention options-wise.
However,let's not forget why it's here in the first place: to travel where other CVs fear to tread. With this in mind the L200 conies with Super Select 4WD, which allows shifting between 2WD and 4WD at speeds up to 62mpli with torque split 50:50 between the front and rear axle, as well as 4WD Low for more demanding condi tions.There's also a dashboard-operated, electronically controlled rear diff-lock that works below 7mph.
Mitsubishi's traction technology system goes one step further than the competition with its 4H (full-time 4WD) mode, which adds a viscous coupling centre differential to the equation. In normal driving conditions torque is distributed 50:50 front to rear, but if a loss of traction is detected this will distribute more torque to the axle with the most traction. It can be used at any speed so there's no need to slow down to switch ratios.
Productivity
The Diamond can legally carry 1,045kg in its 2.0m2loadbedlhat's slightly down on Nissan's class-leading Navara, which offers 2.3m2. At 1,325min the L200's load length is also shorter than the Navara's 1,511mm (it's also beaten here by several other rivals). But if your prime need is off-road manoeuvrability this could be a benefit rather than a drawback.
Our test vehicle came with the standard roll cover, which is well designed and easy to use. It pushes back to reveal 90% of the loadbed; its compact design allows you to make good use of the space underneath the shutter housing; and there's a nylon belt to tug it shut without having to stretch across the loadbed.We also like the tough aluminium load floor cover with chequer plate grip to absorb any bashing from cargo and reduce slippage;a series of load lash points further secure the contents.
Servicing is a competitive 12 months/12,500 miles; the warranty is equally impressive at 36 month.s/100,000 miles.
On the road
Road manners and pickups have never been easy bedfellows Granted, most of the wayward characteristics have been ironed out in the latest generation so there's little chance of being caught out when cornering on a wet road. But just in case,Mitsubishi fits something called M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control) in what is said lobe the first use of such technology in this class.
According to Mitsubishi: -It combines the sensors used for the ABS system with measurements of the vehicle's steering angle. G and yaw rates to assess the available grip. If the sensors detect the onset of over/understeer the system will automatically apply the brakes and manage the supply of torque to individual wheels to help the driver retain control."
It can also be switched off, though we can't see why you'd want to because it really works A recklessly taken comer usually leads to some serious arm-twirling to correct the course —or worse. But M-ASTC manages to intervene without interfering dramatically. You can feel power delivery being reduced while the braking of individual wheels allow you to tuck in before it's too lateparticularly useful when you're driving in the wet with a full load.
In reality M-ASTC won't have much to do because the L200's road manners are excellent for a pickup, possibly matching the Nissan Navara's as the best on the market.
It feels nimble and controllable thanks to a composed chassis which fails to be disturbed by undulations and cambers, and it comers with confidence, hanging on with real determination.
There's not much action from the engine in terms of torque until 1,800rpm, though we're inclined to blame this on the four-speed auto which lacks immediate response on the uptake.
Taking the Mitsubishi off road and into 4W1) reveals a more than capable machine which corners and grips with precision, particularly in the low ratios.The suspension isn't as compliant as theToyota Hilux's (that's the payoff for its smart road manners). but you can still progress without trouble.
Cab comfort
For a premium vehicle that parades its status on the outside, this Diamond lacks sparkle when it comes to the interior. Granted, the black leathei seats hint at the potential and there are a few extra buttons to be had, but it feels a little bare for such a high-ranked vehicle.
The curving dashboard is set noticeably far forward, allowing plenty of light in and giving the impression of space, particularly on the passenger side, but it fails to cosset you as you would want from an off-roader. The driving position does benefit from :omprehensive electronic adjustment while :he steering wheel can be raked.This adds up :0 a positive arrangement, even for taller folk Dut the stylish seats,comfortable as they are on he road, might give more delicate posteriors cause for concern if you are constantly :ravelling over rough terrain.
Storage is above average for this type of nachine, with generous door bins incorporating :up-holders:a decent-sized glovebox: two cupiolders tucked in between the front seats: and landy several cubbies.
Rear passenger space is not outstanding Ind certainly not class-leading, but the L200 is smaller than several of its rivals. In vality there's little to separate them when .t comes to overall room and the Mitsubishi an accommodate three peoplefor a time, it least. •