Mitsubishi L200 pick-up to cost £36k when brand returns to UK
Japanese brand is to return to the UK market for the first time since 2021 with two models from its previous line-up...
On sale May Price from £36,295 (excl. VAT)
The Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck will be the first model from the Japanese brand to go on sale in the UK as it returns to the market this year — and it will undercut the Toyota Hilux on price.
Indeed, Mitsubishi will bring its seventh-generation L200 double-cab – known in some other markets as the Triton – back to the UK for the first time since the brand pulled out of the market back in 2021. Powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the new version will be more powerful than its predecessor thanks to its reworked power unit. No power outputs have been revealed yet.
The new L200 will also be capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes, and will be able to carry more than 1000kg in its load area, according to Mitsubishi. For reference, most versions of the Ford Ranger can tow the same, and can carry at least 1039kg.
Two trim levels will be available: Titan and Barbarian. Full specifications have yet to be revealed, but top-spec Barbarian trim will come with Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system, which allows drivers to choose between seven different driving modes and between two- or four-wheel drive, depending on the situation.
A Commercial version of the L200 pick-up truck will also be available, designed for farmers and tradespeople. Unlike the regular version, the Commercial version only has two seats, with the rear seats replaced by a hidden load compartment. According to Mitsubishi, the L200 Commercial is benefits from 100% plant and machinery allowance and a flat benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rate of £4020.
For private buyers, the price of a new Mitsubishi L200 starts at £36,295 (excl. VAT), with Barbarian models raising the price to £39,995. That makes it more expensive than the entry-level Ford Ranger, which costs from £30,800, but it's cheaper than the Toyota Hilux, which starts at just over £40,000.
Commercial variants will start at £37,495 and £41,195 for Titan and Barbarian trim respectively.
The L200 will later be joined by the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (pictured above), which will be the second model in Mitsubishi's comeback line-up. It will be larger on all fronts than its predecessor, and it'll be powered by a plug-in hybrid system with a 2.4-litre petrol engine alongside a battery. Two electric motors will sit on the front and rear axles, allowing for four-wheel drive.
When it arrives, the Outlander PHEV will be available with up to seven seats, and will take on the likes of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Upon its return to the UK, Mitsubishi's cars will be imported by Midlands-based International Motors, which is responsible for the sales and servicing of GWM, Isuzu and Subaru models in the UK.
There's no word yet on any further models Mitsubishi may pull from its global line-up outside of the two already announced, but we could see the electric Eclipse Cross (pictured below) make its way over here from the European market.
With an emphasis on four-wheel drive, it seems unlikely the slow-selling ASX or Mirage will make a return.
Despite ending its sales operations in 2021, Mitsubishi still supports a network of more than 100 service and repair centres, and is in the process of appointing a number of new dealerships. It’s possible some of these may already sell GWM, Isuzu or Subaru models.
Mitsubishi’s European boss, Frank Krol, said: “Our upcoming models represent the very best of Mitsubishi Motors’ core technologies in performance, four-wheel drive, and much more. We look forward to a successful introduction in the UK – a market where our brand continues to have a deep emotional connection with loyal customers.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
