Mitsubishi L200 test… with a trailer!

Design

When Mitsubishi delivered the pick-up to us for this trailer test, it wanted to make it clear to us that these types of vehicles are much more than sober pack mules: they can also be sweeping.

Our Mitsubishi L200 came with an aluminum front bumper, bar and loadspace cover with removable floor and a dramatic neon yellow “brushed metal” effect.

That makes this pickup stand out wherever it goes, but at the same time it means almost 200 kilos of extra fat at the expense of performance and consumption. And this is precisely where the model, a facelift of the fifth generation from the end of 2019, has worse cards than its predecessor: for reasons of exhaust gases, the previous 181 hp diesel called 4N15 had to give way to the smaller 4N14.

Motor

The small engine brings remarkable progress in terms of consumption, both in theory and in real life. And not only alone, but also with the trailer. But driving pleasure and performance have suffered markedly: in both raw data and driving values, the Mitsubishi now sits at the back of its class.

It’s a shame, because in terms of powertrain technology it’s still the best in its class: If we abstract from the base model, all L200 versions have the sophisticated “Super Select 4WD-II”; and combines the benefits of permanent all-wheel drive, especially when driving on slippery or wintry roads, with an effective gearbox for tricky off-road driving or extreme gradients. The system also offers a 2WD mode: some people prefer to drive only rear-wheel drive and on the road.

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Behavior

The engine isn’t particularly loud by comparison, and in the case of the tested unit, it was even drowned out a bit by the rolling sound of the massive off-road tires mounted on 20-inch wheels.

But despite their size, they do not negatively influence driving: it is true that the response is somewhat stiff, but it is something to be expected in a pick-up, and in general it advances safely and with good stability. Only on very bumpy asphalt does the rear end get a bit twitchy.

So towing a trailer doesn’t cause any problems. The weaker engine reacts with a delay to the gas, and the automatic gearbox shifts a bit incomprehensible: sometimes the low gear stays there for an unnecessarily long time, sometimes they don’t want to shift to a lower gear to make things easier .

But even on steep slopes, the load always moves safely and reliably, even if it’s not very fast. And it does it on loose terrain without the rear wheels slipping, thanks to permanent all-wheel drive.

The new assistance systems, by the way, only intervene when they should, and they don’t get to make you nervous. The rear view mirror and rear camera fit perfectly in this car, and especially when towing; And if you don’t like the test car’s rigid hook, you can opt for a removable ball head, or even an interchangeable system to optionally attach a truck ring coupling.