Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Test Drive

The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian arrived at motoring.co.uk HQ and for a split second I felt that I was the owner of a successful and wealthy building company. This vehicle looks far too nice to be throwing bags of cement and bricks in the back.

But the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is a working vehicle, it is rugged and handsome looking and this particular model has extra chrome features all over it which ensures it stands out from the crowd. Overall the L200 is the biggest selling pick- up in the UK and popularity will increase as this pick-up can double as a work vehicle and passenger car. A double cab interior means at the weekend this vehicle can be used for family requirements.

Feeling more like a car to drive and able to achieve 0-62mph in 13 seconds the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is a comfortable ride. The engine in the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is a four cylinder 2.5 Diesel, there is also an optional five speed automatic gearbox with sports mode that provides smooth gear changes. Maximum speed is approximately 109 mph and for the long motorway journeys a more relaxed drive can be achieved with the cruise control buttons mounted on the black leather wrapped steering wheel. In fact the interior is very luxurious with Barbarian leather seats and leather wrapped gear knob. There is climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone system and a reversing camera. I would imagine for the working week in the Barbarian the reversing camera would be very useful especially for reversing onto a trailer (thankfully something I have never had to do). The L200 Barbarian has electric windows at the front and rear and door mirrors electrically adjustable that are heated and foldable.

Research informs me that the front suspension system of the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian has been adapted from the Shogun and at the rear of the vehicle there are tough elliptic springs fitted ensuring the one-tonne payload can be safely supported. The double walled load bed with tailgate is of a good size capable of loading a quad bike at the weekend to working tools for the week, the load bed cover is easy to pull over and is lockable with key so tools are safe. I took a short trip to my local tip and as I sorted my cardboard from plastic I found the Barbarian was drawing a crowd other tippers peering into the cabin and many admiring glances.  This new L200 Barbarian really does turn heads.

Potential owners of the L200 Barbarian won&rsquo t be disappointed with what it has to offer a glance at the accompanying pictures will tell you the Barbarian looks a million dollars this is a comfortable working vehicle that provides excellent performance that can also double up as an all round family performer.

By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk