Mitsubishi L200 - The right pickup for Europe
The L200 belongs to the line of authentic 4x4s that established the Mitsubishi Motors name in Europe. It is no surprise then that it owes much of its design inspiration to the most stunning of all, the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept / Pajero Evolution racer.
This approach already gave birth to New Colt (from the 2001 CZ2 concept), to Grandis (from both the 2001 CZ3 Tarmac and Space Liner concepts) or to "i" (from the 2003 "i" concept), as it will lead to an all-new 2007 C-segment sedan (from the 2005 Concept-Sportback).
The L200´s nearly identical sharp lines, Mitsubishi "Mount Fuji" grille and firm stance remains clearly visible, but adapted to production, regulations and real-life driving conditions. Such is the reason for a more rounded edge of the bonnet in order to provide L200´s driver with an unobstructed view of the road. It also contributes to L200´s lowest Cd in its segment (0.46 to 0.51 according to versions, vs. 0.58 for the current L200) for lower fuel consumption and lower wind noise level.
With 30% of current L200 owners mentioning design as their first reason for purchase, MMC designers also approached the pickup concept with fresh eyes. Even more than with the outgoing truck, they turned the bed into a bold styling feature, fully integrated in the overall design theme - instead of a mere box - through a dramatic body/bed split line, matching the curved window line.
he driving machine
Whilst L200´s dimensions (500 cm x 180 cm for Double Cab) are well suited to a European environment (narrower roads, crowded cities, tight parking), Mitsubishi Motors´ new truck will prove a comfortable place to sit in for its occupants with for instance, the longest cabin length of the segment (215,3 cm / Double Cab for instance). Consistent with this approach, L200´s drivers will appreciate, amongst other:
* the 5.9 m class-leading turning circle,
* the fast panoramic windshield positioned away from the instrument panel, for a more relaxing cab forward-like driving position,
* the good all-around visibility provided by this windshield and by a low beltline,
* the no non-sense transfer case lever (with shift-on-the-fly capabilities), as opposed to the currently fashionable rotating switch.
On the move, the new L200 will also add a high level of active safety to the one-tonne pickup equation, with:
* Active stability & traction control systems with ABS,
* Pajero-like full-time "Super Select" 4-wheel drive system, a feature unique in this segment, which allows the driver to drive in 4wheel drive in all circumstances w/o being confronted with excessive wear.
* New double A-arm independent front suspension with coil springs, for better on/off road stability.
In parallel, the new L200 will offer a more powerful - and now with Direct injection and Common Rail technologies - 2.5 Diesel engine:
* With 100kW / 136 ps @ 4,000 rpm, 314 Nm @ 2,000 rpm and a competitive 13.8kg/ps weight/power ratio it will offer a level of performance right at the heart of the segment.
* It will also be the only Euro-4 compliant Diesel engine in its class, either mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox or to an electronically controlled 4-speed gearbox.
* Its target fuel consumption is set to be the lowest in the segment,
* Lastly, its service interval is now every 20,000 km.
The L200 belongs to the line of authentic 4x4s that established the Mitsubishi Motors name in Europe. It is no surprise then that it owes much of its design inspiration to the most stunning of all, the 2002 Pajero Evo 2+2 concept / Pajero Evolution racer.
This approach already gave birth to New Colt (from the 2001 CZ2 concept), to Grandis (from both the 2001 CZ3 Tarmac and Space Liner concepts) or to "i" (from the 2003 "i" concept), as it will lead to an all-new 2007 C-segment sedan (from the 2005 Concept-Sportback).
The L200´s nearly identical sharp lines, Mitsubishi "Mount Fuji" grille and firm stance remains clearly visible, but adapted to production, regulations and real-life driving conditions. Such is the reason for a more rounded edge of the bonnet in order to provide L200´s driver with an unobstructed view of the road. It also contributes to L200´s lowest Cd in its segment (0.46 to 0.51 according to versions, vs. 0.58 for the current L200) for lower fuel consumption and lower wind noise level.
With 30% of current L200 owners mentioning design as their first reason for purchase, MMC designers also approached the pickup concept with fresh eyes. Even more than with the outgoing truck, they turned the bed into a bold styling feature, fully integrated in the overall design theme - instead of a mere box - through a dramatic body/bed split line, matching the curved window line.
he driving machine
Whilst L200´s dimensions (500 cm x 180 cm for Double Cab) are well suited to a European environment (narrower roads, crowded cities, tight parking), Mitsubishi Motors´ new truck will prove a comfortable place to sit in for its occupants with for instance, the longest cabin length of the segment (215,3 cm / Double Cab for instance). Consistent with this approach, L200´s drivers will appreciate, amongst other:
* the 5.9 m class-leading turning circle,
* the fast panoramic windshield positioned away from the instrument panel, for a more relaxing cab forward-like driving position,
* the good all-around visibility provided by this windshield and by a low beltline,
* the no non-sense transfer case lever (with shift-on-the-fly capabilities), as opposed to the currently fashionable rotating switch.
On the move, the new L200 will also add a high level of active safety to the one-tonne pickup equation, with:
* Active stability & traction control systems with ABS,
* Pajero-like full-time "Super Select" 4-wheel drive system, a feature unique in this segment, which allows the driver to drive in 4wheel drive in all circumstances w/o being confronted with excessive wear.
* New double A-arm independent front suspension with coil springs, for better on/off road stability.
In parallel, the new L200 will offer a more powerful - and now with Direct injection and Common Rail technologies - 2.5 Diesel engine:
* With 100kW / 136 ps @ 4,000 rpm, 314 Nm @ 2,000 rpm and a competitive 13.8kg/ps weight/power ratio it will offer a level of performance right at the heart of the segment.
* It will also be the only Euro-4 compliant Diesel engine in its class, either mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox or to an electronically controlled 4-speed gearbox.
* Its target fuel consumption is set to be the lowest in the segment,
* Lastly, its service interval is now every 20,000 km.
