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If you’re already wondering where the new Barbarian version of the hugely successful L200 double-cab pick-up fits into Mitsubishi’s line-up, the simple answer is that it’s the replacement for the previous Animal model. But it represents more than that, because if you specify your Barbarian with automatic transmission (as fitted to our test vehicle), it’s the first L200 to come with the five-speed set-up ‘borrowed’ from the Shogun. And, just as importantly, it also comes with permanent four-wheel drive – a novelty for those buyers more used to the tail-happy antics of an unladen truck with only a part-time system. Inevitably, you pay a hefty price for such improvements, with the Barbarian Auto coming in at £22,924 plus VAT – quite a penalty, considering the five-speed manual version is listed at £21,649. And that’s not the only area where you’re punished for choosing the auto, thanks to an official ‘combined’ fuel consumption figure of 30.1mpg compared with 34mpg for the manual, plus CO2 emissions of 248g/km versus 218. Taking all that into account, your first thought might be to dismiss the auto out of hand and save money all round by opting for the manual. But we’ve a feeling you’d regret that, given the way the new five-speed auto transforms the L200 driving experience. It’s a smooth system, giving you the choice of fully automatic or sequential gear changes depending on your mood. We tended to let it do the work for us, and at all times it impressed – there’s none of the harshness or truck-like feel that you might expect as it works its way up and down the cogs. Of course, it helps that the Barbarian is fitted with the more powerful (175bhp) version of Mitsubishi’s 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine, producing a balance of power and torque (258lb.ft. at a mere 1500rpm) that perfectly suits the five-speed auto transmission. It allows for smooth and surprisingly rapid-feeling progress when unladen, so don’t be deterred by the official 0-60mph acceleration time of 13 seconds for the Barbarian Auto – it feels a lot livelier than that, as well as reaching a perfectly respectable 110mph flat out. On the road, the Barbarian is top of its class when it comes to handling and roadholding. Mitsubishi’s Super Select all-wheel drive system keeps the back end under control when you’re not carrying cargo, and even makes the Barbarian fun to drive on a fast A-road. But don’t expect it to offer the same ride quality as a similarly-priced SUV, as the Barbarian still features a separate chassis and retains both the leaf-sprung back end and live rear axle that you’d expect from a pick-up. By class standards, however, its ride is relatively smooth and comfortable. Equipment-wise, this latest Mitsubishi doesn’t disappoint, with such goodies as 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, a reverse parking camera, CD player, Bluetooth, electric windows and a superb touch-screen sat-nav system all fitted as standard. And when it comes to space, the latest L200 is also worthy of praise, with more rear legroom than you’ll find in the back of a Ford Ranger or Mazda BT-50 once the driver’s seat is set for a six-foot driver. When it comes to practicality, the Barbarian is a star. It will carry up to 1045kg in a load bed measuring 1505mm in length and 1470mm in width (or 1085mm between the rear wheel arches). And for towing, the Barbarian is one of the top trucks in its class, being capable of hauling a braked trailer weighing up to 2700kg – which means easy work for any jet ski owner. If you intend using your Barbarian off-road, you’ll be glad of its 205mm ground clearance, with approach and departure angles of 33.4 and 23.8 degrees respectively. And, like all the current-generation L200s of the last four years, it’s genuinely capable out in the rough. The Super Select all-wheel drive (with traction control) gives you a choice of three different settings – and with 4LLC selected, you’ll find plenty of low-down torque for slow but steady progress through tough terrain. In short, we’re convinced this is today’s best double-cab truck for today’s ‘leisure’ users, particularly when ordered with automatic transmission. The big question is whether you’re willing to stump up nearly £27k (with the VAT) for a pick-up… |
The Mitsubishi L200 has a new range-topping version on sale, going by the name of Barbarian.
So is this now the best double-cab for jet ski owners? Asks Paul Guinness.