2017 Mitsubishi DI-D L200 Warrior Auto Review

Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 Warrior 2017 Review

I tried out the Mitsubishi’s latest L200, the L200 Series 5 Warrior, and here is what I think about this utilitarian pick-up.

What is the Mitsubishi L200 Warrior all about?

I was quite impressed with the sheer, unadulterated practicality and functionality the L200 offers. With the pickup market saturated with a multitude of great picks, it’s difficult to stand out. Can the L200 manage to charm its crowd over?

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Most of the stylistic choices remain the same. Compared to other prominent choices in this sector, the L200 boasts more dynamic aesthetics while other pickups of the same segment favour bulky, brutish looks.

While many may not like the choice of a practical cargo hauler, it’s a good, new and refreshing look in its own right.  The test car, ‘Amazon Green’ is an intriguing yet pleasant shade of green, in a sense it makes the L200 one with the mud and foliage.

Powering the 2017 L200 Warrior is the same diesel engine found in the 2015 model. It’s an all-aluminium 2.4-litre inline-4 turbo diesel that puts out 178 bhp and 430 Nm of torque.

The engine transmits its power to a 5-speed automatic that in turn transfers the power to the rear wheels. Of course, it’s possible to switch the drive to 4WD. Combined, the L200 Warrior pushes from 0-62 mph in 11.8 seconds, onto a top speed of 109 mph.

That engine, despite putting out solid figures, is actually remarkably economical. Touting a combined mpg figure of 39.2 mpg and putting out just 189 g/km of CO2, the L200 sits comfortably on top of the green chart. Of course, if you opt for a manual, Mitsubishi says you can do even better.

How does it drive?

First of all, to move large and hefty loads,  the L200 went with leaf springs at the rear. In addition, it has a lot of torque down low, combined with the relatively light trunk, you can imagine the results.

The torque delivery of the car is immediate. It’s not a quick car, but boy is it entertaining. Overtaking is as easy as a simple throttle mash, and the L200, with a bit of convincing, can be thrown around corners.

With that said, the L200 can be surprisingly dignified and refined around the corners. There’s a noticeable lack of body roll, and the front end of the car has plenty of mechanical grip to make up for the rears.

The L200 has a nicely weighted and relatively fast steering rack that makes corrections a breeze. Most of the driver-induced oversteer can easily be controlled, meaning that the L200 is pleasingly amenable.

What makes the L200 even more impressive is when you kick it to 4WD and low gear. It’ll navigate most typical country and off-road terrain you throw at it. The electronic aids make ascending ravenous terrains a breeze too.

Since the L200 is designed to be a stiff, solid pickup that will deal with over a tonne of payload, it doesn’t have the shock absorption of an S-class to say the least. It’s quite bouncy, especially when dealing with rough tarmac.

Cabin noise can also be quite prevalent under heavy acceleration. The engine does grunt quite a bit, however, once you start cruising, it quietens and settles.

The automatic gearbox does its job, picking the right gears at the right time, while keeping the RPMs low on motorways. Compared to contemporary million-speed gearboxes though, it may appear a bit too spartan.

What is it like inside?

The interior of the L200 remains largely the same as the 2015 model as well. It’s all very monochrome inside the L200, but the tough looking materials chosen by Mitsubishi should stand the test of time.

As part of the Warrior trim level, the L200 offers black leather seats. In the lower end Titan trim though you can expect hard wearing fabric seats, which may be a better choice for workhorses expected to sit under the sun regularly.

The instrument cluster and steering wheel is very normal inside the L200. In addition, you can expect an intuitive sat nav system on the center console. Dual zone climate control also comes as standard.

Passenger space is excellent, with plenty of room, even for tall blokes. It’ll comfortably seat 3 people in the back seat as well, with grab handles for everyone once the going gets tough.

Of course, being a pickup, the L200 can store as big a payload as you can manage. In terms of weight though, it’ll handle a little over one tonne. Furthermore, the L200 can brag about its 3.1 tonne towing capacity for braked trailers.

The Experience

Driving the 2017 L200 was a familiar experience. The L200, while unassuming on the outside, may shock potential buyers with just how impressive it is to drive, on and off the road.

It’s a relatively tall car, meaning that the seating position is heightened. However, visibility is excellent, and the taller ride contributes to a higher road presence. Once you get used to the L200, you can confide in it, and be assertive even in the toughest conditions.

Verdict

While speed may not be one thing that the L200 can attempt to sell on, it has plenty other likable traits. By now, the L200 has been in production for nearly 4 decades, and it’s easy to see why.

The L200 has a lovely on and off the road demeanor. If you are looking for a tough workhorse that’ll shrug off anything you throw at it, the L200 is a worthy consideration, especially considering the competitive price. However, if you rather prefer something more comfy, more driver oriented, you should look elsewhere.

Specification

Mitsubishi L200 DI-D Warrior Double Cab Auto – Series 5

  • Price: £25,450
  • Engine: 2.4-litre inline-4 turbodiesel
  • Power: 178bhp
  • Torque: 430Nm
  • Transmission: 5-speed automatic
  • 0-62mph: 11.8 Seconds
  • Top speed: 107 mph
  • Weight: 1,860 kg
  • Economy: 39.2 mpg
  • CO2: 189 g/km
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Author: Paul Hadley