The sixth generation of the Mitsubishi L200 is now available in Ireland at a starting price of €35,000 for the entry Business grade, writes Brian Byrne.
With a new engine, a range of new driver assist technologies, and a completely new styling that gives a very edgy presence, the Irish distributors are aiming to return the model to the top three position in Irish pickups sales.
The new 2.2 diesel has the same 150hp power as the older 2.4, and complies with the very latest EU emissions regulations under WLTP. The Superselect AWD offers four settings to deal with different terrains, and an optional electromagnetic rear differential lock is available on all grades in the Irish market.
At the international launch of the new pickup in the south of Spain, we heard that the best selling L200 is expected to be the Intense grade, priced at €37,850 for the manual and €39,950 for the version with the new 6-speed automatic.
A new Instyle grade tops the range, and includes leather seat trim and other extras at €41,935.
The new L200 is 40mm higher than the outgoing model which has been on sale in Ireland since 2016. Among the changes are higher headlamps, designed in conjunction with the higher driving position to offer better night visibility in all terrains as well as improved protection for the lights themselves.
Inside, there's a more integrated setup in terms of controls and instruments, the latter with more colourful graphics. There's an extensive use of soft-touch materials, and the seats have larger side bolsters. There's more storage than on the fifth-generation L200, and four USB sockets are standard.