MITSUBISHI 4x4 LCV RANGE 2007

MITSUBISHI 4x4 LCV RANGE 2007
THE MITSUBISHI 4X4 LCV RANGE – QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION

L200 Pick-Up Range

Model	Cab	Manual	Auto	Standard Specification	GVW kg	KW kg	Pay kg
New Model L200
4Work	Single	Ł12,724	-	ABS with EBD, driver/passenger airbags, CD player with MP3, easy select 4WD, 16” steel wheels, manual height adjustable driver’s seat (on club and double cab only)	2890	1770	1120
	Tipper	Ł17,474	-		2890	1987	903
	Club	Ł13,124	-		2850	1790	1060
	Double	Ł14,074	-		2890	1840	1050
4Life	Single	Ł13,974	-	As 4Work plus Manual air conditioning, power windows, keyless entry, central locking, side steps & chrome grille (club cab and double cab only)	2890	1770	1120
	Tipper	Ł18,724	-		2890	1987	903
	Club	Ł14,524	-		2850	1790	1060
	Double	Ł15,474	-		2890	1840	1050
Warrior	Club	Ł16,576	-	As 4Life plus 16" alloy wheels, CAT 1 alarm system, leather seats	2850	1790	1060
	Double	Ł17,474	Ł18,414	As 4Life plus Super select 4WD, stability and traction control, rear electric glass window, climate control, 17” alloy wheels	2910 Auto 2920	1865 Auto 1875	1045 Auto 1045
Animal	Double	Ł19,474	Ł20,414	As Warrior plus standard power upgrade to 165bhp, SmartNav navigation, CD autochanger, Animal exterior and interior accessories	2910 Auto 2920	1865 Auto 1875	1045 Auto 1045
Elegance	Double	-	Ł20,364	As Warrior plus, DVD satellite navigation, leather plus power heated seats, CD autochanger. N.B. Understated exterior with no chrome accessories, sports grille or resin guard	2920	1875	1045
Diamond	Double	-	Ł22,474	As Elegance plus power upgrade to 165bhp, cruise control, electric sunroof, front resin guard with chrome inserts, various chrome and stainless steel accessories	2920	1875	1045
Previous Generation L200
Trojan	Double	Ł15,021	-	ABS with EBD, Air con, 16” alloy wheels, CD/tuner with MP3, side steps, chrome elec wing mirrors with defog, front fogs, central locking, driver & passenger airbags, rear diff lock	2830	1765	1065

4x4 LCV Range

Model	Spec		Man	Auto	Standard Specification	GVWkg	KW kg	Pay Kg
Shogun	Equippe	SWB	Ł19,973.94	Ł21,250.53	ABS & EBD, Alarm, Keyless entry & central locking, climate control, 17” alloys, M-ASTC, CD/tuner with MP3, roof rails, heated elec door mirrors, elec windows, twin & side airbags.	2665	2085	580
Outlander	Equippe		Ł17,224.15	-	Alarm & keyless entry, central locking, Radio & CD/MP3 player, M-ASTC, ABS & EBD, fully auto air conditioning, elec & heated door mirrors, front & rear elec windows, 16” steel wheels, height adjustable driver seat	2360	1655	700

THE MITSUBISHI 4X4 LCV RANGE – QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION

Model	Power bhp/rpm	Torque Nm / rpm	MPG (comb)	CO₂ g/km	Towing braked kg	Dimensions
Model	Power bhp/rpm	Torque Nm / rpm	MPG (comb)	CO₂ g/km	Towing braked kg	Exterior L x W x H	Load area L x W x H
NEW MODEL L200
Single Cab	134/4000	231/2000	32.8	228	2700	5040x1750x1775	2220 x1470x405
Tipper	134/4000	213/2000	32.8	228	2700	5190x1760x1785	2405x1650x405
Club Cab	134/4000	231/2000	32.8	228	2700	5115x1750x1775	1805x1470x405
Warrior Double Cab	134/4000	231/2000	32.8	228	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
Warrior Double Cab Auto	134/4000	231/2000	29.7	252	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
Animal Double Cab Man	165/3800	402/2000	31.7	237	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
Animal Double Cab Auto	165/3800	348/2000	29.4	255	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
Elegance Double Cab Auto	134/4000	231/2000	29.7	252	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
Diamond	165/3800	348/2000	29.4	255	2700	5000x1800x1800	1352x1470x405
PREVIOUS GENERATION L200
Trojan Double Cab	114/4000	240/2000	-	-	2700	5010x1775x1800	1500x1470x400
NEW SHOGUN
Equippe SWB	158 / 3800	381 / 2000	30.7	244	2800	4385x1875x 1880	1290x1390x1070
Equippe SWB Auto	168 / 3800	373 / 2000	26.9	278	2800	4385x1875x 1880	1290x1390*x1070
*Width between wheel arches 1090. Rear door height 1010 Roof loading capacity 1000kg Cargo capacity 1919ltrs
NEW OUTLANDER
Equippe	138/4000	310/1750	40.9	183	2000	4640x1800x 1720	1800x1340*x930
*Width between wheel arches 950 Rear door height 930 (tailgate split) Roof load capacity 80kg Cargo capacity 2038ltrs

Mitsubishi Motors offers a power upgrade pack as an accessory on the majority of the models above:

New L200:	Cost Ł696.86 plus VAT and fitting (standard on Animal & Diamond) Power 165bhp / 3800rpm Torque 348NM / 2000rpm (auto) 402NM / 2000rpm (man)
Old L200:	Cost Ł643.85 plus VAT and fitting Power 137bhp / 4115rpm Torque 272NM / 3100rpm
Service intervals: Old model L200 9,000 miles / 12 months
Warranty:	L200 new model, Shogun & Outlander 12,500 / 12 months 3 year / 100,000 mile, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation, 3 year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance

THE MITSUBISHI 4X4 LCV SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES

Mitsubishi Motors is the number one provider of 4x4 light commercial vehicles in the UK. With a range of four models and 22 variants on offer, all business needs can be catered for with vehicles ranging from the legendary L200 pick-up range to the new Shogun and Outlander 4x4 vans.

Everyone now knows the Mitsubishi L200 pick-up success story; over 65,000 examples of the previous generation L200 have been sold in the UK since 1998. “The L200 has dominated a market that has grown 430% from 7,553units in 1998 to 40,103 in 2006,” says Jim Tyrrell, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK. “With the advances in the design of the new L200 and the Benefit in Kind tax system continuing to favour pick-up drivers, even with the rule change now in place, we expect this expansion to continue.”

Although best known for its pick-up range, Mitsubishi Motors UK also offers 4x4 ‘car-derived-vans’ to customers looking for the comfort and drivability of a passenger car with real load-carrying capability. Originally launched in 2001 with Shogun, Shogun Sport & Pinin, Mitsubishis Motors UK’s latest range offers a short wheel base Shogun van along with a commercial derivative of the impressive all-new Outlander. Although a niche market, worth around 800 units a year to the company, these vehicles form an important part of Mitsubishi’s 4x4 LCV offering and are integral to its fleet strategy which involves working with customers with specialist vehicle needs (see page 8 for more details).

Mitsubishi Motors UK converts its Shogun and Outlander 4x4 passenger cars into LCV variants at its import facility at Portbury docks near Bristol. Strict conversion regulations, as laid down by HM Revenue and Customs, are adhered to with specific steps having to be completed in order for the vehicle to gain LCV status i.e. removing the rear seats, permanently destroying the seat belts and mounting points, the fitting of rear opaque glass, disabling the rear electric windows on long wheel base models and the rear window latches on short wheel base models.

2006 saw a 17% growth in the pick-up sector as a whole, and within this Mitsubishi has increased its sales by a massive 22%. Growth has been fuelled by demand for the all-new L200 model launched in March last year as well as the successful continuation of the previous model which is still sold alongside its new brother. The runaway success of Mitsubishi’s 4x4 LCV range looks set to continue in 2007 and beyond with total sales for this year on target to hit 16,000 units.

A more detailed breakdown of sales figures is provided on the next two pages.

4x4 LCV SALES INFORMATION

TOTAL 4X4 LCV SALES BY MANUFACTURER

Manufacturer	Year End 2006	Year End 2005
Mitsubishi	15,303	12,747
Nissan	12,925	9,724
Ford	6,985	7,016
Land Rover	4,406	4,588
Toyota	3,566	2,518
Isuzu	1,947	2,389
Mazda	362	1,094
Ssangyong	83	9
Santana	101	79
Kia	51	12
Chrysler Jeep	18	73
Others Western Europe	0	0
Total	45,747	40,249

4x4 LCV SALES BY MODEL

Manufacturer	Model	Year End 2006	Year End 2005
	L200 New Model	10069	0
	L200 Old Model	4572	12,026
Mitsubishi	TOTAL L200	14641	12,026
Nissan Motor	Navara	12386	4,785
Ford	Ranger	5476	7,016
Toyota	Hilux	3566	2,518
Land Rover	Defender 90	2330	2,337
Isuzu	TF	1944	2,262
Land Rover	Defender 110	1127	1,265
Land Rover	Freelander	732	848
Mitsubishi	Shogun	553	588
Ford	Ranger New Model	1509	0
Mazda	B Series (Un)	362	1,094
Nissan Motor	Terrano	320	326
Nissan Motor	Pick Up Old Model	219	4,613
Land Rover	Defender 130	217	127
Mitsubishi	Shogun Sport	109	85
Ssangyong	Rexton	83	9
Santana	PS10	101	79
Kia	Sorento	51	12
Chrysler Jeep	Cherokee (Kj)	18	73
Others West European	Other W.Euro	0	0
Isuzu	Trooper	3	127
Land Rover	Discovery	0	11
Mitsubishi	Shogun Pinin	0	48
TOTAL		45,747	40,249

PICK-UP MARKET GROWTH 1998 – 2006

L200 SALES TOTAL 1998 – 2006
Model	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Single	1225	897	443	497	369	262	792	765	943
Club	0	0	0	0	0	0	1030	1016	270
Double	133	204	256	486	1077	1777	908	1003	1,879
High Series	199	717	1,231	3,093	6,695	10,535	9,449	9,242	11,549
TOTAL	1587	1818	1930	4076	8141	12574	12179	12026	14,641

MITSUBISHI L200 MARKET SHARE – RETAIL PLUS FLEET
	21.0%	21.4%	17.9%	33.8%	40.1%	45.5%	36.1%	35.0%	36.5%

TOTAL UK PICK-UP SALES
	7,553	8,507	10,811	12,053	20,313	27,611	33,742	34,314	40,103

Total pick-up market rose 17% compared to 2005
Mitsubishi L200 total sales rose 22% compared to 2005

New L200 Sales Total March – Dec 2006
Single Cab	542
Club Cab	244
Double Cab	1,404
High Series Double Cab	7,879
Total	10,069

Old Model L200 Sales Jan – Dec 2006
Single Cab	401
Club Cab	26
Double Cab	475
High Series	3,670
Total	4,572

High Series Model Sales Split
Animal	2,979
Warrior	3,640
Elegance	1,260
Total	7,879


High Series Model Sales Split
Trojan	2,709
Warrior	413
Animal	548
Total	3,670

4X4 LCV FLEET SALES & SPECIALIST VEHICLE PREPARATION

In the specialist market – where Mitsubishi vehicles are adapted for a variety of commercial and emergency rescue uses – bosses celebrated a hat-trick. By the end of December sales had doubled for the third year in a row.

Mitsubishi’s national fleet manager Andy Wertheim praised this achievement. “Our 4x4 LCV sales continue to go from strength to strength, and last year’s growth was driven by the launch of the new L200. It highlights what a massively important element of the business this is.

Prior to the launch of our ambitious specialist 4x4 LCV fleet sales strategy in March 2001, our specialist sales were essentially at zero. For 2007 we’re confident of breaking the 400 barrier for the first time. It’s been a great year for us.”

Mitsubishi has the largest range of 4x4 LCVs of any UK company and dominates the combined 4x4car-derived LCVand 4x4 pick-up sector. Because of this Wertheim’s team isn’t resting on its laurels, and believes there’s still considerably more growth to be achieved. He said: “We’ve recently added another specialist fleet sales manager to our team and with the launch of commercial versions of facelifted Shogun and new Outlander plus L200 Tipper, there’s no reason why we can’t significantly increase our total again in 2007.”

Wertheim believes the wide range of commercial vehicles on offer has been key to the success. “It’s a bit of a cliché but there really is something to suit every customer, from the three-door Shogun SWB as an entry point, to the practicality and comfort of the Outlander and four versatile versions of the L200 pick-up.”

Mitsubishi’s 4x4 LCV fleet sales strategy has been a simple one – to offer exceptional vehicles designed to meet the individual business needs of every customer, and back it up with a class-leading service package. “Our vehicles rarely ever go wrong, but if they do it’s an example of where we try to go the extra mile for the client,” explained Wertheim.

The initiative has been a successful one; from the first major specialist vehicle contract in 2002, when the Environment Agency began ordering around 120 Shogun Commercials and L200s per year, Mitsubishi’s 4x4 LCV business has experienced consistent growth. In 2006 the Highways Agency began taking Shoguns for use by its new civilian motorway patrols and the RNLI recently began swapping all its beach rescue vehicles to L200s. This latter contract is worth up to 50 specialist vehicles per year.

The communications industry has also been another big customer, with BT, Orange and Vodafone all now exclusively using Mitsubishi commercial vehicles for their 4x4 work. In addition, more than 50 per cent of UK police forces are now running Mitsubishi 4x4 vehicles, including Shogun and Shogun Sport (plus a few Evos for pursuit work!).

“This is obviously excellent news for the brand, and the halo effect of our cars being seen getting this sort of use is significant”, concluded Wertheim.

In addition to 4x4 specialist vehicle sales, L200 pick-up contributed an additional 3,400 fleet sales in 2006.

THE MITSUBISHI 4X4 LCV RANGE IN BRIEF

N.B. detailed figures on performance, dimensions, load carrying etc can be found in summary tables on page 1 & 2 and in specification sheets provided with this press pack

4x4 CAR DERIVED VANS

Mitsubishis Motors UK converts its Shogun and Outlander 4x4 passenger cars into LCV variants at its import facility at Portbury docks near Bristol. Strict conversion regulations, as laid down by HM Revenue and Customs, are adhered to with the following steps having to be completed to qualify the vehicle as LCV status:

Rear seats removed
Seat belts removed and mounting points permanently destroyed
Cover fitted to rear load area with lip behind front seats
Rear opaque glass fitted (optional metal panels)
Rear electric windows disabled on long wheel base models
Rear window latches disabled on short wheel base models

New Shogun Commercial SWB

With its stylish monocoque bodyshell and versatile rally-bred suspension, the mighty Shogun still leads the way in off-road ability and rugged chic. With a host of revisions and upgrades the latest model Shogun, Launched March 2007, brings a new level of refinement to the sector.

More than a face-lift, the revised Shogun is an ‘evolution’ of the current model with over 70% new external and internal parts with the primary areas of improvement being:

Extensive changes to the interior including new contemporary dashboard
Revised 3200cc 4-cylinder 16-valve Euro IV 3.2 DI-DC engine with common rail technology is faster more economical and cleaner than previous version
Engine noise levels reduced by 4 decibels
Upgraded and stiffened body shell improving NVH, rigidity and rust proofing
Exterior styling changed to be more visually striking returning to a more traditional design

The three-door machine has been specifically designed to appeal to commercial users needing excellent carrying capacity for loads up to 1,290mm long. Total storage space in the rear is 1,919 litres with a 580kg payload limit. Power for SWB Shoguns comes from Mitsubishi’s impressive 3.2-litre DI-D engine, smoothly delivering 158bhp and 281 lb ft of torque with manual transmission or 168bhp and 275 lb ft when mated to the five-speed automatic. box. Selectable all-wheel drive means this car is equally at home on motorways or mud. Fuel economy is 30.7mpg combined (26.9 with Auto) and top speed is 106mph.

Aimed at commercial users with a demand for off-road and towing capability, Shogun delivers a well-equipped, reliable and cost-effective vehicle with proven all-wheel-drive ability utilizing state of the art all-wheel-control technology.

Key to the Shogun’s exceptional off-road ability is its AWC all-wheel control system, complemented by Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4 II transfer case. The system incorporates a center differential lock and auxiliary transmission for unbeatable off-road performance. With torque split 33:67 front:rear as standard, the planetary gear type center differential uses a viscous coupling to continuously balance torque split over all surfaces and deliver high traction and stability together with excellent handling characteristics.

Available in Equippe specification the manual variant is priced at Ł19,973.94.15 and automatic at Ł20,928.74. Standard equipment includes alarm & keyless entry, climate control, CD/tuner with MP3, 17” alloy wheels, stability & traction control, roof rails, heated electric door mirrors, ABS with EBD, electric front windows, central locking and twin & side airbags.

New Outlander Commercial

The all-new Outlander Commercial combines the lofty ground clearance and commanding driving position of an off-roader with driver-friendly dimensions, a small on-the-road footprint and generous cabin space with the driver dynamics and low centre of gravity of a saloon car.

Outlander is powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 1968cc intercooled turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. Featuring an advanced pump-jet injection system and a variable geometry turbo charger, it produces 138bhp at 4000rpm and a healthy 310Nm of torque at 1750rpm – enough power to accelerate the Outlander to 62mph in 10.8seconds and onto a maximum speed of 116mph. Naturally, it meets demanding Euro IV emission regulations.

This engine also delivers exceptional economy and low emission levels. It returns 40.9mpg on the combined cycle economy and posts a tax-effective CO2 figure of 183g/km – without compromising its performance and refinement.

The Outlander’s rally-inspired AWC All Wheel Control four-wheel drivetrain has been designed with enhanced on-road stability and safety in mind. With a simple twist of a rotary drivetrain mode selector mounted on the cabin’s centre console, the driver can electronically select three driving modes – 2WD front-wheel drive, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock.

In 2WD front-wheel drive all torque (in normal driving conditions) is delivered to the front wheels for nimble and economy-biased every day driving. In 4WD Auto torque is instantly and effectively transferred to the wheels with the most grip up to a 70:30 front:rear split – an ideal option for unsurfaced roads. And in 4WD Lock, torque is split up to 50:50 between front and rear axle as and when required when driving in more difficult off-road conditions.

Practical and versatile, the Outlander’s cargo area’s vital statistics are 1,800mm long, 1,340mm wide and 930mm high with an impressive load area of 2243litres and a towing capability of 2 tonnes (N.B. width between wheel arches is 950mm). A split tailgate adds another level to Outlander’s practicality.

Available in Equippe specification only, the Outlander Commercial is priced at Ł17,013.85 OTR

L200 PICK-UP RANGE

L200 Double Cab

Put simply, it’s the most sophisticated, spacious, strikingly styled, comfortable and manoeuvrable pick-up on the market. Every version of the L200 comes with ABS brakes with EBD, limited slip differential, twin front airbags, plus a CD player with MP3 compatibility. Add in the car-like driving dynamics, Mitsubishi’s legendary 4WD pedigree and there’s no reason not to buy. Prices start at only Ł13,812 CVOTR, and business users can choose from the entry level 4Work though to 4Life, Warrior and Animal. Even the range-topping Diamond, priced at Ł22,474 is available, with DVD sat-nav, leather interior, CD autochanger and powered heated seats.

Every L200 features a four-wheel drive system as standard. 4Work and 4Life models are fitted with Easy Select 4WD plus limited slip differential; rear diff lock is also available as an option. The vehicle is normally operated in two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive reserved for tough terrain. All L200s are also fitted with anti-lock brakes and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) as standard, providing strong, stable braking performance whatever the vehicle load.

High-specification (Warrior upwards) L200’s further benefit from Super Select 4WD, which incorporates a viscous coupling centre differential and allows the L200 to be driven in four-wheel drive at any speed. It makes a valuable contribution to traction and safety, especially when towing or driving in difficult weather conditions. Vehicles equipped with Super Select 4WD also benefit from M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control). This system automatically applies the brakes and controls the supply of torque to individual wheels to enhance traction and stability both on- and off-road. This is the first time this technology has been offered in the pick-up market.

Selling 13,428 units in 2006 (14,641 total L200 sales) the L200 in double cab form accounted for 38% of Mitsubishi’s total vehicle sales in 2006.

L200 Club Cab

The Club Cab is arguably the most practical model in the line-up for business users. The Club Cab is marked out by its practical load bed, which is longer than the Double Cab’s, and its ample space for two passengers behind the front seats. The two-door vehicle embodies the multi-purpose appeal of the new L200 range, and is the perfect combination for a working vehicle.

The spacious and versatile cabin is borrowed from the equivalent Double Cab model, and the design team’s ‘attention to detail’ philosophy is clearly visible. The sweeping dashboard, with all the major switchgear falling easily to hand, creates an excellent man/machine interface, while the white-on-blue instruments give a smart and modern chrome edge.

But the Club Cab’s two trump cards – which boost is versatility over the rest of the L200 range – are further back, starting at the load bed. At 147cm wide and 40cm high, two of the interior dimensions of the L200 Club Cab’s cargo space are identical to the Double Cab. But its advantage is its length; at 183cm from end to end there’s an extra 33cm which boosts its versatility as a working tool.

The second reason for the Club Cab’s appeal is its four-seater cabin. Hidden behind the front chairs is a second row bench – also known a jump seat – which is ideal for customers who need space for occasional passengers. There’s room for two adults for short journeys, and the driver’s seating position isn’t compromised by the passengers behind. The rear occupant’s hip point is 4cm above the driver’s, allowing for good forward visibility.

Maximum power output of the 2.5 DI-D Club Cab with manual transmission is 134bhp at 4000rpm, with 314Nm of torque at 2000rpm. Performance is equally impressive; 0-62mph takes 14.6 seconds and the top speed is 103mph. Combined fuel economy is 32.8mpg with 228g/km CO₂ emissions. Unladed ground clearance is 200mm and towing capability is 2,700kg.

The Club Cab is available in 4Work, 4Life and Warrior variants. The 4Work is for business users who want a practical workhorse machine, and comes with ABS brakes with EBD, rear diff lock, twin front airbags, CD player with MP3 compatibility, Easy Select 4WD, manual driver’s seat height adjustment and 16-inch steel wheels. The 4Life gets extra comfort features including manual air-conditioning, power windows, keyless entry and central locking. High-end business users are the target of the flagship Warrior, which gets 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a Thatcham Category One alarm system.

CV on-the-road prices for the Club Cab start at Ł12,862 for the 4Work. The 4Life is Ł14,262 while the flagship Warrior is Ł16,576. Insurance ratings are Group 8E for all but the range-topper which is 9E. Mitsubishi sold 593 units by the end of 2006, and expects to sell 1,500 units during 2007, it’s first full year on the market. The Club Cab is covered by Mitsubishi’s three years/100,000 miles warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty and three-year pan-European breakdown and home and accident assistance.

L200 Single Cab

If you need a hardcore everyday pick-up with maximum load space, impressive towing ability and excellent room for two occupants, the Single Cab has all the answers. Under the bonnet there’s the powerful 2.5-litre DI-D turbodiesel engine, plus the vehicle has great all-round visibility and a tight turning circle. At the business end there’s a large, double skinned cargo bed made from galvanised steel with a tailgate that’s released by a single, central catch. What’s more, there’s two variants, 4Work and 4Life, and with prices beginning at just Ł12,462 CVOTR it’s outstanding value. Practical details on this workhorse variant include: Length 5040mm Width 1750mm Load length 2220mm Load width 1085/1470, Payload 1120kg and Towing ability of 2700kg.

L200 Tipper

The new Mitsubishi L200 Single Cab Tipper takes the current model’s enviable reputation for flexibility and quality to a whole new group of customers. Designed to appeal to business users who need a more versatile loadbed, the rear of the pick-up can be raised via a centrally mounted, chrome plated, underfloor ram. Remote controls cleverly fitted to a wander lead allow the user an excellent view of what’s happening at all times.

The L200 Tipper has been created in conjunction with one of the UK’s most respected conversion companies, Southampton-based VFS. Using a standard L200 Single Cab as their starting point, VFS’s expert engineers remove the flatbed and replace it with their own high quality version.

The new component has been specially designed to seamlessly integrate with the L200’s unique styling. Made from high-strength steel with aluminum side panels, it features a hard-wearing powder coating to cope with the toughest cargo, plus six lashing points for extra load stability and security. A stowage tray is mounted in the rear subframe. And, unlike some other tipper pick-ups available in the UK, the flatbed is long enough to accommodate a 2,400mm builder’s plank. The payload is 903kg.

Power for the two-seater comes from Mitsubishi’s acclaimed 2.5-litre DI-D in-line four-cylinder DOHC common-rail turbodiesel engine with intercooler. The unit meets Euro IV emissions regulations. Maximum power output is 134bhp at 4000rpm, with 314Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Performance is equally impressive; 0-62mph takes 14.6 seconds and the top speed is 103mph. Combined fuel economy is 32.8mpg with 228g/km CO₂ emissions. Unladen ground clearance is 200mm and towing capability is 2,700kg.

The L200 Tipper is available in two specifications, 4Work and 4Life with the difference between them being cabin equipment. Standard kit on both models includes Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD system, rear diff lock, ABS brakes with EBD, twin front airbags, front skidplate, engine immobiliser and MP3-compatible audio system. In addition, the 4Life features remote central locking, manual air-conditioning and electric front windows. A rear differential lock, alloy wheels and metallic paint are available on both cars, and an alarm is a dealer-fit option. Like every L200, the Tipper comes with excellent car-like driving dynamics, a tight 5.9-metre turning circle, and impressive approach and departure angles for outstanding off-road ability.

Prices begin at Ł17,474 (CVOTR) for the 4Work rising to Ł18,724 (CVOTR) for the 4Life model.

A TAXING ISSUE: THE BENEFITS OF THE MITSUBISHI 4X4 LCV RANGE

What tax will employees pay on their company van or pick-up?

From April 2005
- There will be no chargeable benefit where employees have
to take their van/pick-up home and do not use it for any other private use

- A £500 (£350 for older vehicles) charge will remain for unrestricted private use

From April 2007
- There will be no chargeable benefit where employees have to
take their van/pick-up home and do not use it for any other private use

- A £3000 benefit charge will be introduced for unrestricted private use

- A £500 charge for employer supplied fuel will also apply if used for private use

Even after the changes come in to effect in April 2007, Mitsubishi commercial vehicles will still attract significantly less tax than an equivalently priced car, even if the vehicle has unrestricted use.

VAT

Pick-ups with a payload over 1000kg are treated as a commercial vehicle for VAT and personal tax benefit purposes. All Mitsubishi pick-ups comply with these regulations. Car derived vans are also treated as a commercial vehicle if it complies with Revenue & Customs build regulations. All Mitsubishi car derived vans meet the criteria required.

Vehicles that are classified as a commercials means a VAT-registered company or trader using it for relevant business purposes can reclaim the 17.5% VAT.

CP170707