Mitsubishi L200 2.5 DI-D Barbarian DC Auto
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 16 August 2010
MITSUBISHI’S L200 looks a bit of a bruiser at first sight. But once behind the wheel you soon realise that it’s a bit of a softy at heart.
The rugged, yet refined pick-up has been revised with a new look inside and out with more standard equipment, better performance and improved economy and emissions.
The flagship Barbarian double cab, on test here, replaces the popular Animal model and comes with a 175bhp 2.5-litre Di-D turbodiesel engine.
That's 13bhp more than its predecessor, but it's no rocket ship, taking 13 seconds to get from 0-62mph.
On the outside, a unique body kit includes a chrome highlighted front resin guard with sports grille and bold Barbarian graphics. On the inside, illuminated door entry guards, leather seats, Kenwood in-car entertainment, a reversing camera, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and satellite navigation all come as standard.
Every L200 features a four-wheel drive system but operated in two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive reserved for tough terrain.
All L200s are also fitted with anti-lock brakes and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) as standard, providing strong, stable braking performance whatever the vehicle load.
But the Barbarian goes further and benefits from Super Select 4WD, which allows it to be driven in four-wheel drive at any speed. It makes a valuable contribution to traction and safety, especially when towing or driving in difficult weather conditions.
It is also equipped with Active Stability and Traction Control which automatically applies the brakes and controls the supply of torque to individual wheels to enhance traction and stability both on and off-road. This is the first time this technology has been offered in the pick-up market - nice touch Mitsubishi!
Like its predecessor the new L200 is available with a single, club or double-cab body option, but what is really handy about Mitsubishi's pick-up is that it has been designed specifically for the European market. This makes it shorter and narrower than its key rivals – ideal for the UK’s cramped road conditions.
The Barbarian model caters for buyers who enjoy the versatility of a modern pick-up but aren't willing to compromise on comfort, refinement, performance or convenience.
It comes as no surprise then that the L200 offers best in class comfort for passengers with 810mm of rear legroom.
Always among the best selling vehicles in the toughly-contested pick-up marketplace the L200 was the best selling pick-up in 2009 and is largely responsible for the enormous growth in the pick-up market in the UK in recent years. I'm not surprised; I liked the Barbarian because it's a bullet-proof 4X4 load lugger with all the comfort of a car - and it's affordable.
I reckon lots of people will go for the L200, Barbarian model or not. I'd say 2010 and beyond looks equally as rosy for the mighty Mitsubishi.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Towing
- Room
- Fun
CONS
- Slow off the mark
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 109 mph
- 0-62 mph: 13.0 secs
- Combined mpg: 30.1
- Engine layout: 2477cc Diesel, electronic common-rail injection
- Max. power (bhp): 175 at 4000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb.ft): 350 at 1500 rpm
- Max. braked towing weight (kg): 2700
- CO2: 248 g/km
- Price: £26,935.70
