Mitsubishi is aiming to recover its share of the Irish 4x4 pickup market with the arrival of the new sixth generation L200. Ford has blazed a trail with the Ranger model while Toyota and Nissan have kept pace with the Hilux and Navara. Now Mitsubishi is making a fresh attack to recover lost share and it has expectations that it can achieve up to 20% of this growing market in 2020 with the new L200.

Last week, we had the opportunity to test drive the new Mitsubishi L200 across a range of conditions in the south of Spain. Water testing was not part of the programme; instead, the parched, arid and stony conditions tested its road holding ability, along with rugged off-road capacity.

The biggest changes for the new L200 include a new downsized 2.2l diesel engine that claims better fuel economy and allows the pickup to achieve lower emission figures. While this emission feature is not an immediate concern in the Irish market, where 4x4 pickups are commercial vehicles and pay a standard annual road tax rate, that could be about to change.

The engine is slightly lower in power and torque than its predecessor, now delivering 150bhp versus the previous model’s 181bhp. Mitsubishi claims that even with the lower torque figure, this new L200 has a slightly better payload (+35kg) compared with the older model. Another plus is that the towing rating of 3.1t has been retained, which is lower than most of the competition.

The rear load area dimensions are identical to the previous L200 and tailgate locking is not a standard item.

This new engine is an all-aluminium unit that shaves a little from the overall weight and helps it achieve a lower fuel consumption figure. The engine is designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi exclusively for the L200 and is based on the Outlander’s 2.2l diesel engine, with some modifications to make it more fuel efficient, the company said.

Mitsubishi claims to be the first 4x4 pickup maker to quote WLTP economy figures, and rated the L200 at 8.8 l/100km or 11.4l/km. The previous L200 was the most economical 4x4 pickup on the market, so expect that these engine improvements will allow it to retain that status.

The pickup area dimensions remain identical to last model, and while this new 4x4 pickup is 100mm longer, the fact that it has a similar wheelbase length means that the turning circle remains the same.

The fuel tank capacity also remains the same at 75l. That’s lower than the competition, all of whom offer 80l tanks. Mitsubishi has achieved lower emission levels by using SCR technology in the new L200. That means that an AdBlue tank is now included.

The other new features include two new gearbox options; a six-speed manual version, or a new torque converter-based six-speed automatic version, both of which we drove during the test event. For motorway driving, either gearbox will allow 120km/hr cruising at under 2,000rpm engine revs. That will help with the economy figures.

The most obvious external change is to the front grille section and a higher front bonnet design that aims to give the L200 a stronger look. The Mitsubishi team concedes that Ford has led the way in terms of stronger 4x4 pickup styling and the new L200 is an attempt to give the latest L200 a more rugged look.

The inside of the L200 is less cluttered and there is a new infotainment screen that includes the option of Apple CarPlay or AndroidAuto. The 4x4 engagement system is an electric dial beside a traditional manual handbrake.

The new L200 comes with lots more safety equipment, coupled with Mitsubishi’s off-road drive system that allows it to cope with even the most difficult conditions. The Mitsubishi Super Select II system allows for full 4x4 driving on the road, as well as a differential lock system with a new hill descent and stability system. Trailer sway control is also included in the new model.

Mitsubishi offers three versions of the latest L200 in Ireland. The Business version comes with alloy wheels as the entry model, with prices starting at €35,000 incl. VAT or £27,258 incl. VAT in N. Ireland. This model has a higher specification than before, with 16in alloy wheels on wider 245/70 R16 tyres, while a tow-bar is still on the options list.

The price point for the new L200 is keen, while the specification levels are high. The overall comfort has been improved thanks to better seats. Mitsubishi has managed to retain rear axle leaf springs, with an additional sixth leaf to boost its load-carrying ability.

For me, the automatic version was smooth and the torque converter system allowed for more comfortable road driving, while the higher engine revs were more noticeable off-road when the going got tougher. It was difficult to test Mitsubishi’s economy claims on the Spanish test drive, but we accept the Mitsubishi WLTP figures will mean improved economy.

I’m looking forward to taking the L200 on Irish roads and will appraise it against the Toyota Hilux, which I’ve driven recently. The new L200 styling is refreshing, and the engine performance, when converted to towing ability, will be a true test.