Mitsubishi L200 Trojan Double Cab
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 12 November 2012
If you are a tradesman, or you simply want to get your hands on an affordable, tough as old boots, grown up version of a Tonka truck, then Mitsubishi’s L200 Trojan is for you.
It’s practical, it’s comfortable and with 4x4 ability it’ll get you on and off mud-ridden building sites or farm fields with utter ease. Not only that, the pickup does what it says on the tin – it’ll be your best friend when it comes to picking up loads and, when the cargo area is full, it’s the perfect vehicle for lugging a laden trailer around.
Mean and Handsome
The L200’s looks aren’t bad either. It’s mean and handsome – in a rough sort of way. The double cab means there’s enough room for four, so when the Trojan isn’t tackling off road areas or hauling heavy-duty merchandise around, it’s a handy family motor, especially kitted out, as my demo was, with a luscious leather interior.
Behind the wheel, the Mitsubishi is slightly unwieldy. It takes some getting used to - in the sense that you can’t just takes bends with one finger on the wheel – as you might lazily do with a normal family car. No, this pickup will take corners wide if you don’t discipline it.
Also, be aware that the Trojan only has five gears in normal rear wheel driving mode. Reverse is where sixth normally is – so it’s easy to go into gear-grating territory when you first drive it. Other than that, all controls are laid out in an ‘idiot’s guide’ fashion.
Improvements
Pace, although it’s not the first thing you think about when you buy a pickup, isn’t an issue on the L200. There’s a reason for this: the 2012/13 Trojan has had some improvements - such as 30 percent more clout, with an increase in engine power from 134 bhp to 173 bhp and 27 percent more torque.
The result is that the Mitsubishi gathers pace like an angry rhino - when it does get rolling you feel it’s like an indestructible road-train. Good job, then, that the pickup has first-rate brakes to scrub off any unwanted speed.
Red and Black
If you want individuality, forget it. The mighty Mitsubishi is available in two colours only; Aztec Red and Cosmos Black. But, seeing as the vehicle is largely aimed at supporting the UK’s recovering building, plumbing, electrician and agricultural markets, the L200 Trojan is a great option for business users who demand resilience, versatility and performance.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Tough
- Comfortable
- Practical
- Powerful
CONS
- Unwieldy
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 111 mph
- 0-62 mph: 12.1 secs
- Combined mpg: 35.8 (unladen)
- Engine: 2477 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 173 at 4000 rpm
