Road Tests: Mitsubishi L200 Club Cab

There must be something about the L200, in all its guises, that keeps it surging ahead in the sales charts. But having driven its rivals away we're left wondering what it is. While certainly not a turkey it doesn't stand out from the crowd in any specific area. The engine is old and unrefined compared with the Toyota Hilux's smooth unit and this shows up in its poor fuel consumption. Its inadequacies are further highlighted by a driveline that jerks and snatches - there doesn't seem to be a happy mediuim of cruising at a set speed - and a chassis that is fidgety, even on smooth roads. To comdemn it completely would be unjustified: it's wlel built - a quality that's needed if it's to cut it off-road - has a proven 4x4 system and is competetively priced. But the CLub Cab will be primarily used as a working vehicle, unlike the more glamorous road-bound double-cab Warrior which can justify its existence due to its appealing looks. On that basis it needs to be improved on in most areas if it wants to be taken seriously.