Mitsubishi has taken the wraps off its 2019 L200 pick-up in Bangkok, Thailand in its worldwide debut.
The 1.0-tonne truck is the latest version of a model that is celebrating its 40th Birthday this year, and is produced at the Laem Chabang plant in Thailand.
The vehicle is a global strategic model, which, following its Thai launch on 17 November, will be rolled out to other markets, including the UK and mainland Europe in the summer of next year. Eventually it will be sold in 150 countries around the world.
The new L200 (badged Triton in other markets) has been developed to embody Mitsubishi’s ‘Engineered Beyond Tough’ slogan. Its updates include an enhanced 4WD system and the latest in active safety and driver assistance systems.
The truck is available in single or double cab versions and has over 2,500 design changes to its exterior compared with the 2015 version.
Trevor Mann, Mitsubishi COO, told WhatVan? in a roundtable interview at the global launch. “It has a sportier and tougher image. The previous generation has had its time as market trends were different then. The new L200 has a rugged and tough image and is dynamic, to meet our customer needs.”
This is thanks to the new ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept that features on the truck. The lighting and bumper parts also embody the tough design, framing the front and rear and adding visual width.
The L200 is fitted with either Super-Select or Easy-Select four-wheel drive systems, depending on the variant grade and market region. Both offer a new Off-Road Model with Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, and Rock settings. When engaged, off-road mode controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip and maximise all-terrain performance.
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is set to carry over from the existing model. Mitsubishi will continue to offer the L200 with a six-speed manual gearbox but the five-speed auto will be replaced by a six-speed transmission.
The model also features improved advanced active safety and driver assistance systems including forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and an ‘ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation’ system which reduces accidents resulting from improper use of the accelerator when moving off or reversing in confined spaces.
Mitsubishi plans to sell some 180,000 units worldwide of the new and current models this fiscal year. The company sees it remaining as a core global strategic model and the second-biggest seller for the brand following its Outlander SUV.
At the world premiere, Mitsubishi’s CEO Osamu Masuko said: “The new Triton/L200 is one of our most important global strategic models. Its success will accelerate the momentum of the company’s sustainable growth. The new model brings enhancements to durability, reliability and comfort developed over the 40 years since the introduction of the series.”
