2019 Mitsubishi L200: First impression

Pickup trucks are no longer mundane-looking boxy structures. Companies are spending a lot of time, money, and manpower to revolutionise these vehicles. Today, pickup trucks have become more mature, technologically advanced, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before.

Abiding by the changing trend in the segment, Mitsubishi has recently launched its new L200 pickup truck in the Middle East. This is the fifth-generation model of this highly popular vehicle. So popular that since its debut in the late 70s, Mitsubishi has sold over 4.7 million units across 150 countries. Mitsubishi has made certain changes in the 2019 L200 to make it more appealing and good looking. Here is our first impression of the latest L200.

Exterior

We are familiar with Mitsubishi’s latest Dynamic Shield design philosophy. The company is implementing this design in most of its products. The new 2019 L200 also gets the Dynamic Shield treatment, and we’re glad that it does. This new design has enhanced the overall appearance of the L200.

The front fascia of the L200 features a pair of very sleek headlamps with striking-looking LED daytime running lights. The headlamps are connected to each other by a grey front grille which has two thick horizontal slats. It also carries the brand logo at the centre. The front bumper of the new L200 is also a new unit. It is larger than before and features the tooth-like vertical chrome slats that merge into the headlamps. This is the signature of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design and we have to say, it is a very rugged and stubborn look.

The side profile of the new 2019 Mitsubishi L200 hasn’t changed much. Thanks to the flanked wheel arches, the pickup truck looks a bit more muscular from this angle. We can say the same about the rear end as well; it’s more or less the same and gets vertically stacked taillights and a large bed which is 57.8 inches wide and 18.7 inches deep, the same dimensions as that of the previous model.

Interior

Mitsubishi didn’t make any major changes in the interior of the 2019 L200. Most of the elements here are carried forward from the previous generation model. What is new here is the use of better quality and nicer materials. For example, the centre console gets a softer material treatment, there is a new centre armrest, and an improved infotainment system. Mitsubishi has also added electrically adjustable driver seat. The rest of the cabin is the same. There is sufficient space for all the occupants and seats are comfortable. The outside view is decent too.

Engine and performance

Just like the interior, the other thing that remains unchanged in the 2019 Mitsubishi L200 specs sheet is its engine configuration. The new model is powered by the same 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 178 horses. Mitsubishi says it has tweaked the suspension and drivetrain in the new L200 to enhance its performance. There are new dampers to accompany the new suspension setup.

There is also a new 4WD system that the engineers at Mitsubishi have developed especially for the new model. This system offers 2 different driving setups - Super Select 4WD/Easy Select 4WD. There are 5 new driving modes as well - mud, gravel, snow, sand, and rock. Thanks to the bigger disc brakes and callipers, the braking performance of the 2019 L200 has improved many folds.

The new Mitsubishi L200 looks promising. It offers the same reliability and performance as the predecessor but comes with a more attractive and aesthetically pleasing package. The L200 price is  AED 66,900 and the pickup was unveiled at the Habtoor Grand Resort, Al Habtoor Motors.