Without the alloys and leather trim, Mitsubishi’s L200 proves its hard-working truck credentials, says Dan Gilkes.
When Mitsubishi updated its L200 pickup last year, making the move from rounded Series 5 to chiselled Series 6, it unsurprisingly led with the new range-topping Barbarian X model. To date, that high trim truck has accounted for 35% of UK L200 sales.
However, there are plenty of business users who want a truck that can cope with tough off-road conditions, as well as on-road comfort. Those seeking a hard-working utility trim had to wait until November though, for the base 4Life models to arrive.
Mitsubishi no longer offers a single cab model, but the 4Life trim is available in both Club Cab and Double Cab layouts. That makes this Club Cab 4Life truck the entry model in the Series 6 L200 line-up.
Living with the 4Life is no hardship though, as the truck comes with electric windows and mirrors, Auto Stop & Go, Bluetooth connectivity, central door locking and manual air conditioning. It also benefits from a rear differential lock, Trailer Stability Assist and Mitsubishi’s Active Stability and Traction Control. As with all of the L200 models, the 4Life is one of the few pickups that can be driven in four-wheel drive on the road, without winding up its transmission. They all come in with a tare weight below 2,040kg as well, so there are no lower restriction to cruising speed on A-roads.
Though an entry-level model, the 4Life uses the same 2.2-litre engine as other L200s. It has an output of 150hp and a solid 400Nm of torque and drives through the same six-speed manual gearbox as its more luxurious stablemates.
While the output is slightly down on the previous 2.4-litre engine, at least in terms of outright power, Mitsubishi claims that the strong low-rpm torque makes the truck more driveable. Certainly, the 4Life offers reasonably strong acceleration and it cruises easily at higher motorway speeds.
The L200 is also a fairly quiet truck when under way, while its suspension delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride, even when unladen. Talking of which, as a Club Cab, you get a longer loadbed here than with a full Double Cab model, up to 1.85m, with a very healthy 1,155kg of payload. As with other L200 models, the towing limit is 3.1-tonnes on one or two axles, or a full 3.5-tonnes if your trailer has three sets of wheels.
There are two fold-down jump seats behind the driver and front seat passenger, which are very much for occasional use. When folded up, they provide enough space to carry clothing and soft bags within the cab, though a coat hook would be a handy addition behind the driver.
The 4Life models still account for around 17% of L200 sales in the UK, proving that there is ongoing strong demand for a utility-spec truck. In the 4Life Club Cab, that doesn’t have to result in any hardship for the driver.
The Verdict
The 4Life L200 delivers exactly what is expected of it and was certainly worth the wait for those who need a utility truck.
Fleet rating 4/5
