Mitsubishi unveils Euro 6b engines in the Series 5 L200 line-up. Dan Gilkes reports.
SECTOR Pick-up PRICE €19,425-€21,920 FUEL 6.9l/100km CO2 180g/km
Mitsubishi launched its Series 5 L200 pick-up in two stages, starting with the most popular double cab models just over a year ago. Now the company is filling out the range, with the introduction of single and Club extended cab models.
Of more note however is the introduction of the firm’s Euro 6b emissions solution, which has been achieved without the need for AdBlue. The 2.4-litre diesel engine first seen last year uses a close-coupled Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and a NOx trap in the exhaust system, to achieve Euro 6 standards without the need for SCR or an exhaust additive.
The single and Club cab 4Life utility models use the lower powered version of the 2.4-litre diesel, delivering 151hp with 380Nm of torque. All come with the new 6-speed manual gearbox.
While undeniably less powerful than the full-fat 178hp version found in the higher trim models, the 380Nm of torque on offer provides enough torque to keep the L200 pulling strongly. Standard Auto Stop-and-Go technology also contributes to a combined fuel figure of 6.9l/100km, with CO2 down to 180g/km. Service intervals are unchanged for both engines, at one year/20,000km.
Though perhaps falling behind the more luxurious double cab leisure models in terms of specification as well as horsepower, the range of 4Life trucks are well equipped for working vehicles. They use Mitsubishi’s Easy Select four-wheel drive system, with a rear differential lock for maximum off-road traction. They also come with Hill Start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and Active Stability Traction Control as standard too.
The trucks have manual air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, remote central locking and steering wheel-mounted controls for the stereo and mobile phone control. Club and double cab models get 16” alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear lever covers, side steps and seven airbags in double cab models.
Unlike the previous Series 4 L200, but similar to competitors like Ford’s Ranger, the Club cab uses rear-hinged doors to access the occasional rear seats.
Single, Club and double cab 4Life models all have payloads in excess of 1,000kg and the single cab can pull a 3-tonne trailer. The double cab and Club models have the same 3.1-tonne towing capacity as the higher trim double cab leisure line models.
Mitsubishi’s 4Life trucks have been aggressively priced against the competition, particularly when you consider the improved specification. However, Mitsubishi has some way to go to meet the warranty terms offered by some competitors.
High trim level double cabs have become the bread and butter business for pick-up manufacturers these days, with some firms hardly bothering to offer more utilitarian trucks. Mitsubishi has not forgotten its working roots however, and the latest 4Life models continue to offer a comfortable, well equipped truck for farmers, construction workers and other trades that require on and off road performance.
What we think
The ability of the 4Life L200 to meet Euro 6b standards without AdBlue makes it a strong contender for any fleet considering a true working truck.
