The Mitsubishi L200 will have tough new looks when it arrives in 2019, giving it the visual might to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ford Ranger, Mercedes-Benz X-Class and Volkswagen Amarok. Seen for the first time at its reveal in Thailand, where the pickup is built, the sixth-generation L200 might be based on the same platform, but it’s radically overhauled.
MITSUBISHI L200 TOUGHENS UP FOR 2019
Gone is its curvy nose, replaced by a chiselled and upright lower bumper with silver skid plates for an off-road look. This is topped by a horizontal chrome grille that’s the latest evolution of the ‘Dynamic Shield’ theme seen on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Wide wheel arches wrap around from the front bumper, sitting high above its chunky wheels and adding weight to Mitsubishi’s ‘Engineered Beyond Tough’ slogan for the pickup.
In comparison, the slim headlights take up hardly any space, while the interior has undergone a more modest transformation. More soft-touch upholstery has been added to satisfy private buyers more used to SUVs, along with new stitching, armrests and a redesigned parking brake.
The L200’s hardware has also been upgraded, with two new four-wheel drive systems called Super-Select 4WD and Easy-Select 4WD. The latter should make it easier to switch powertrain modes on the move, while both also get an ‘Off-road Mode’ that can control the engine power, transmission and braking to reduce wheel slip and help keep the L200 moving forwards in tough conditions such as mud and snow. Hill Descent Control will also be offered to help negotiate steep and slippery slopes.
Mitsubishi has taken safety more seriously too, adding autonomous emergency braking that can detect pedestrians as well as vehicles, lane assist and blind-spot warnings and alerts if you reverse out into traffic. A new system will also mitigate accidental bursts of acceleration in car parks. To make parking the L200 easier, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system will be included in Mitsubishi’s Multi Around Monitor.
No information has been released about the engine or its specifications, but it’s likely to be an evolution of the sole 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel unit currently offered in the UK. Mitsubishi has confirmed it will ditch the five-speed automatic in favour of a six-speed transmission, while beefing up the front brakes and enlarging the L200’s rear dampers for an improved ride. A single cab isn’t expected here due to low demand, with the vast majority of interest in the family-friendly double cab.
