And now, something different
In the United States, Mitsubishi sells the Raider pickup truck, which is nothing more than a clone of the Dodge Dakota. However, this model is not available north of the border. Yet, it would be in the interest of Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada to exploit this market segment.
But the thing is, we already have a host of big, gas-guzzling pickups. So why not offer a more distinctive model? The European L200 might very well be the answer.
Ford Ranger size
The L200's dimensions are quite similar to those of the Ford Ranger Double Cab, whether it's length (5,000 mm vs 5,123), width (1,750 mm vs 1,763), height (1,775 mm vs 1,722) or wheelbase (3,000 mm vs 3,192).
However, the resemblance stops here. The L200 is really strange-looking, kind of like a Tonka truck that melted on the stove. Yet, it manages to turn heads and grow on you. The cargo box seems to wrap the rear doors and is all but boxy. What's more, the rear overhang is extremely long. As for the rounded cabin, it really embodies the Japanese brand's corporate image.
You would easily be forgiven for thinking that the L200 is a sort of spaceship, especially when stepping inside. The dashboard displays an unorthodox yet well-executed combination of colors and textures. My tester came in Instyle trim, which includes heated leather seats, automatic climate control and a power-sliding rear window.
The seats are fairly comfortable, but the cushions are extremely low, so your legs extend horizontally. Surprisingly, the rear passenger compartment is roomy enough to sit adults. Overall, the cabin feels very spacious for a compact pickup truck. The radio, on the other hand, is average at best.
Fuel-efficient engine
It's been a long time since we've last seen a diesel-powered compact pickup. The L200's 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged mill generates only 136 horsepower but more than makes up for it by adding 232 lb-ft of torque at only 2,000 rpm. Even by diesel standards, though, I found this engine to be a bit noisy.
In the United States, Mitsubishi sells the Raider pickup truck, which is nothing more than a clone of the Dodge Dakota. However, this model is not available north of the border. Yet, it would be in the interest of Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada to exploit this market segment.
But the thing is, we already have a host of big, gas-guzzling pickups. So why not offer a more distinctive model? The European L200 might very well be the answer.
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| Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi L200 is not available in Canada. |
Ford Ranger size
The L200's dimensions are quite similar to those of the Ford Ranger Double Cab, whether it's length (5,000 mm vs 5,123), width (1,750 mm vs 1,763), height (1,775 mm vs 1,722) or wheelbase (3,000 mm vs 3,192).
However, the resemblance stops here. The L200 is really strange-looking, kind of like a Tonka truck that melted on the stove. Yet, it manages to turn heads and grow on you. The cargo box seems to wrap the rear doors and is all but boxy. What's more, the rear overhang is extremely long. As for the rounded cabin, it really embodies the Japanese brand's corporate image.
You would easily be forgiven for thinking that the L200 is a sort of spaceship, especially when stepping inside. The dashboard displays an unorthodox yet well-executed combination of colors and textures. My tester came in Instyle trim, which includes heated leather seats, automatic climate control and a power-sliding rear window.
The seats are fairly comfortable, but the cushions are extremely low, so your legs extend horizontally. Surprisingly, the rear passenger compartment is roomy enough to sit adults. Overall, the cabin feels very spacious for a compact pickup truck. The radio, on the other hand, is average at best.
Fuel-efficient engine
It's been a long time since we've last seen a diesel-powered compact pickup. The L200's 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged mill generates only 136 horsepower but more than makes up for it by adding 232 lb-ft of torque at only 2,000 rpm. Even by diesel standards, though, I found this engine to be a bit noisy.
 |
| This diesel poweplant is great for light duties. |