Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab Titan 2.4 MIVEC turbo diesel
What is it?
DOES Mitsubishi’s fifth-generation L200 still shine in a mid-spec trim? We try the game-changing pick-up in Titan trim to find out.
What’s hot?
- The L200 Series 5’s styling might look familiar, but styling cues such as the curvy and distinctive ‘J-Line’ curve to the roof, sharper contouring down the side and the new nose with the chrome grille and Xenon headlights mark it out.
- The Titan is one up from the entry-level 4Life Series 5 L200 trim, but from the outside you wouldn’t know it with the chromed grille, wing mirrors, door handles, side steps and a smart set of arch-filling 17-inch alloys.
- Inside, like the outside, the Series 5 L200 doesn’t look a massive step forward over the still available Series 4. Look closer and there are new front seats finished in hard-wearing cloth on the Titan. Other additions include the neat twistable Super Select 4×4 control that’s behind the gearlever to engage different four-wheel drive modes. Plus, even our entry-level Titan had a touch screen CD/Stereo system plus lots of classy piano black trim.
Titan’s tidy cab
- Titan is almost the entry-level L200 trim, but we were still impressed with the level of standard equipment. Keyless go, remote central locking, electric windows and auto wipers are fitted as standard.
- The standard kit on the L200 Titan is impressive, but this is not at the expense of safety systems, as active stability and traction control, seven airbags, brake assist and a lane departure warning system are all included. The Super Select four-wheel drive system makes it easy and quick to switch from two to four-wheel drive.
- It’s a bit of a step up to get in the L200’s cabin, but once you’re there, you are met by an attractive, modern-designed dashboard with logically-placed switchgear. Double cab pick-ups sometimes have a reputation for space being tight in the back, but we were pleasantly surprised as kids and adults could get equally comfortable in the back of this Mitsubishi pick-up.
- Usually if a pick-up is great off-road it’s disappointing on it – not so with the Series 5 L200. The refined ride is what you notice first, although it can’t quite match the car-like comfort found with the independently-suspended new Nissan Navara NP300. Driven sensibly, the composure in corners is impressive considering how tall the L200 is.
- Mud-plugging more important? Well, the Super Select, which is new to the L200, has been fitted to the Shogun for some time – so is proven and has two low range settings, a torque-sensing Torsen differential and ASTC active stability control. We also like the fact you can go between two and four-wheel drive at up to 62mph. Towing? Well, four-wheel drive on the L200 isn’t all about the off-roading, as the 40:60 rear-based torque split can give more stability and help with the handling when towing.
- The Series 5 L200 is powered by an all-new 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine producing 178bhp. A state-of-the-art engine, it boasts variable valve timing – the first in this sector to have it and extensive use of aluminium in its make-up. No fire burner, smooth and torquey is the best way to describe this engine and it is well matched to the reasonably slick six-speed manual gearbox. Although you can also have it with a six-speed auto, with steering wheel-mounted paddles.
- Despite the keen drive, this L200 is still capable of 42.8mpg on the Combined Cycle, with CO2 emissions of 173g/km. The L200 has recent history as a tax dodging company vehicle, so we think the lower fuel consumption is clever future-proofing by Mitsubishi against possible CO2-based taxation, expected for light commercial vehicles soon.
- This is a pick-up and you’ll be pleased to know that the bed is 1,470mm long and wide, which is a 15mm increase on the Series 4 and should you need to make it a more practical load area, Mitsubishi are offering loads of covers – we suggest you check out the accessories section!
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