Mitsubishi L200 – The Silent Burner

•Mark MusutuIf I asked you to list four bakkies, it’s very unlikely that the Mitsubishi L200 will be on your list. It’s more like a forgotten treasure, or a least likely contender that goes on to win a much-coveted trophy. It’s a quietly brilliant unsung hero.

First introduced in 1988, the L200 has been a bakkie to reckon with in terms of comfort, performance, utility, off-road ability, durability, affordability and style.

Make no mistake about it, the L200 is firstly a commercial workhorse, then it’s clothed with features of comfort.

It is one of the strongest in its segment and has the lowest running costs. Certainly most of us have come across the adage “still waters run deep”, or “barking dogs seldom bite”.

Indeed, the new L200 is of such character, a silent burner and an action man, ordinary in appearance but awesome. I liken it to a creature that looks harmless but is extremely deadly, more like something found on the ocean floor.

While its competitors look as good as they perform, the L200 doesn’t look as macho or classy or pretty but it delivers, maybe even better in some ways than some of its rivals.

The L200 has a list of claims under its belt. Among them are class-leading performance, economy, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, carrying capacity, four-wheel drive ability and maneuverability. These claims are not too far from the truth.

When Top Revs reviewed the Isuzu KB weeks ago, we said that each bakkie has been directed at a specific demographic, meeting distinct preferences and orientations. The L200 is not made for everyone and anyone, it is very conservative and strong in character; it is cut out for those who mostly value utility, durability and low price. It’s the most utility- and commercially-inclined in its segment.

The L200 is not charismatic, neither is it classy, but it’s impressive in its own right. It’s a car aimed at the kind of person who moves with a measuring tape on his belt, or never leaves behind his tool box.

It’s the ultimate commercial duty vehicle with touches of style and comfort.

When it comes to appearance, the L200 is not attractive neither is it repulsive. I’ll give it 60%.

It’s certainly below segment average in terms of looks and I seriously doubt that Mitsubishi were trying to build a macho or good looking vehicle because they have taken a more conservative and Japanese contemporary approach and nevertheless, what it has lost in terms of form, it makes up in function.

For example, it is certainly the most aerodynamic in its class.

I am saddened when I remember the graceful L200s of the past – the Colt, Rodeo. I really wonder if they will ever make L200s with such charisma again.

The interior is simple with touches of class such as aluminum trim. It’s also covered with plastic which goes with its workhorse character.

The L200 has a full house interior, and for a bakkie, leaves nothing or very little to be desired.

Features include: Dual zone climate control, sat nav, all round leather seats, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth functionality, DAB radio with CD player, driver powered seat, seven airbags, lane departure warning and trailer sway assist.

In its engine bay is a newly developed 2,4-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control system) engine.

It has power ratings of 152bhp and 178bhp, and is coupled to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox.

It’s a very modern unit for a pick-up with variable valve timing plus extensive use of aluminum and other lightweight materials. The weight savings help it achieve 42,8mpg on the combined cycle with 173g/km CO2 emissions.

When I hit the open road, I took it for sprints and I found it to have quite a peppy take off, 0 to 100km/h in about 10 seconds.

I further did sharp turns, diving and some hard braking, I found it to be full of composure, very impressive and perfectly comfortable with car like handling.

We tackled a terrain that I have never seen a bakkie take on, I actually asked my test drive instructor if he was sure when he directed us to drive through a very muddy terrain.

I had never seen a bakkie take on a muddy trail where it has no bottom (belly) clearance.

The long suspension travel, 205mm ground clearance and 30-degree approach angle means there is very little that the L200 can’t tackle.

The ‘Super Select’ 4WD system, which incorporates Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (MASTC), has four settings for different terrains and few can stop it.

It falls at the bottom of its segment’s price list and it’s above average all round.

Although its utilitarian nature makes sacrifices that are costly, I can confidently say that it’s very good and is one of the most capable off-roaders I have ever driven.

The L200 experience reminded me to never judge a book by its cover.

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