Mitsubishi's L pick-up series needs little in the way of introduction, having been around in one form or another for over 25 years. The powerplant is the same 2. There are varying flavours of this engine but the one to have is the bhp unit — which is exactly what this Trojan model now gets, a unit with 30 per cent more power than before and 27 per cent more torque, Nm now being on offer. That means you're rarely found wanting for sheer.
The Trojan doesn't boast one of those engines that has you wondering what sort of fuel to put in, the diesel catching with a rasp and settling into a distinctly blue collar back chatter. The independent double wishbone front suspension does a good job of filtering the worst jolts but the heavy duty leaf springs at the back can bounce a little with an unloaded bed. You'll be glad of them when you have the vehicle groaning under the weight of a hefty consignment.
Chassis rigidity has been greatly improved compared to previous generation L models, lessening vibration and boosting handling. Buyers used to smooth SUV passenger cars will probably wish for a little less involvement. The Mitsubishi L doesn't look like many other pick-ups. Curves are not things we're used to seeing on macho pick-up trucks but the L is smothered in them.
The front end, obviously Mitsubishi, is softened with rounded edges for grille and headlamps, plus oval recesses for the circular fog lights.
The rear edge of the cab arcs down and around the vehicle's lower edge, while the compound curves of the tailgate and windows are a world away from more setsquare rivals. It allows the L to be driven in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive mode on the road without the excessive wear and tear suffered by part time systems as a result of transmission wind-up.
In slippery off road situations, a further 4WD mode can be selected which maximises traction by locking the rear differential. Both of the systems are operated by the traditional and rather clunky lever sited alongside the gear stick which seems slightly dated when compared to the dash-mounted dials used by rival manufacturers. This features blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beam, corner sensor and a degree camera. The Series 6 L moves towards a 2.
That means acceptable levels of refinement and fuel economy considering the purpose and weight of the truck, but buyers will now need to keep an eye on the level of AdBlue - the new engine uses it to reduce tailpipe emissions.
Power stands at bhp with Nm torque, enabling mph in Base models get the Easy Select part-time 4x4 set-up that can be engaged manually when required and features a locking rear differential.
It can be set in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive modes for on road driving with the 4x4 mode automatically sending power to the wheels with most grip. It maintains a rear-biased torque split under normal driving to help reduce understeer on the road.
There are then two further off-road modes with the centre differential locked and either high or low range gearing for the really rough stuff. The L has real off-road ability built in, but it's the on-road performance that's going to be more relevant to most buyers. Compared to the other options in the pick-up sector, the Mitsubishi is competent enough on the tarmac with the latest version putting up a valiant fight against the bouncy ride and sloppy handling that tend to afflict models in this market.
The L can still be upset buy bumpy surfaces and big craters send shudders through the cabin, but on good roads the ride is comfortable enough.
Refinement is also strong, the engine rumbles on start-up, but this subsides as it warms up. There's still a loud growl under throttle but it suits the L's character, you wouldn't really want your pick-up truck whispering away like a luxury saloon. At 70mph on the motorway, the engine is sitting at around 1,rpm and the engine is barely audible, although there is a fair bit of road noise. The steering has been given a useful bit of weight, but it is a slow rack and requires plenty of lock and armwork.
The paddles are nice and big behind the wheel too. The cabin of the L is spacious and durable, but changes little in design compared to before. Some of the minor switchgear is dated and the plastics quality wouldn't stack-up well in passenger car company, but the materials are adequate for the pick-up market with some nice detailing thrown in. The neat Super Select 4x4 control dial sits behind the gear lever and there's a clear instrument cluster with a display showing you which drive mode you're in.
A large touchscreen sits in the centre of the dash on higher spec models but it does look a bit too much like an after-market addition.
Passenger space is fine with plenty of headroom and space for a six-foot adult to sit comfortably behind a similarly sized driver, but the low-set seating does mean they have to bunch their knees up a bit. Storage space is limited to a bin between the front seats, some narrow door pockets and a glovebox that can take the manual but little else.
Move up the range, and higher-spec cars get different trim. In reality, the Warrior model is comfortable and well specced, while Barbarian trucks improve the ambience with heated leather seats and illuminated sills, mood lighting and puddle lamps. Cheapest Cheapest vehicles Our 'cheapest' pick is the model with the lowest on the road retail price. Most Economical Most economical vehicles Our 'most economical' pick is the model with the best fuel economy on the WLTP combined cycle.
Fastest Fastest vehicles Our 'fastest' pick is the model with the fastest time for the mph or mph sprint. Skip to Content Skip to Footer. In-depth reviews Home Mitsubishi. Overall Auto Express Rating. More reviews. Load Space and Practicality. Reliability and Safety. Driving and Performance. Cab and Interior. Which Is Best Cheapest Cheapest vehicles Our 'cheapest' pick is the model with the lowest on the road retail price.
See More Stats. Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email. More on L Show me: L Pick-up. Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi L Toyota Hilux 7 Jan Latest versions of the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L pick-ups battle for honours. Ditto my wife and other assorted family members.
Ditto — again — my wife and other assorted family members. With some kind of cover, though, a double-cab pick-up becomes the answer to your load-carrying prayers. Now you might expect to pay a price for such convenience, in the form or a raggedy, rattling van-like drive. It makes you feel kind of, well, manly. If you run your own business, you can claim the VAT back on the purchase.
Ultimately, the benefits of pick-up ownership speak for themselves, and the L Trojan is well worth considering if you want a mid-range example of this sort of vehicle.
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