Van Survey
New Van Launches
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2013 - First Drive
New 2013 Sprinter is the first van to comply with Euro 6 and safety features are a high priority…
Ford Fiesta Van 2013 - First Drive
Launched at the beginning of 2013, the new Fiesta Van has been restyled inside and out and gets the new 1.5TDCi engine…
Ford Transit Custom - First Drive
Ford’s all-new one-tonne Transit, the Custom, is a very different proposition to its predecessor…
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford…
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We have just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal…
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
VansA2Z has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 for long-term appraisal and editor Neil McIntee couldn’t resist the temptation to immediately go and try out the four-wheel drive system. Not content with that he then ran it down a hideous section of test track, just to make sure that everything was bolted on properly. It was, we are pleased to report, and there will be sighs of relief all-around at Mitsubishi’s Cirencester headquarters. We opted for a Club Cab in 4Life trim as it provides the best of both worlds. A load bed 1.8 metres long — 300mm more than on a Double Cab — while providing occasional seating for an additional two passengers behind the front seats. Alternatively, and probably a more likely scenario, the space can be used for secure storage for tools and equipment.
Gross payload is a healthy 1,060kg and it’s capable of towing a braked trailer up to 2.7 tonnes. Our test vehicle, however, is not fitted with the optional tow bar.Power is provided by a 135hp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.5-litre Di-D Euro 5 turbodiesel which is capable of developing punchy peak torque of 314Nm. Selectable four-wheel drive is provided by Mitsubishi’s Easy Shift system which comes with a locking rear differential as standard for when the going gets really tough. It’s engaged via a facia-mounted switch.
4Life specification brings with it remote central locking, electric windows, side running boards and manual air conditioning. Sounds are provided by a good quality Kenwood radio/CD player, complete with USB and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs, and a removable facia. The only optional extra fitted is a full load-liner kit.No problems to report so far and although the L200 doesn’t look quite as butch as some of the competition, it is more than capable of holding its own in the rough stuff. The four-wheel drive system on the 4Life is totally mechanical and old-school, but it remains one of the best off-roading pick-ups on the market, while still being more than competent on the tarmac.
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