Mitsubishi L200 is an all-wheel drive pickup truck, production of which began in 1978. The unpretentious and easy-to-maintain SUV has become a real "workhorse" for people whose job is connected with the need to get into hard-to-reach places.
Mitsubishi L200The history of the creation of the Mitsubishi L200 III
Mitsubishi L200 III is the third generation of the car, produced from 1996 to 2005. Mitsubishi Motors often entered into tandems with other manufacturers that produced Japanese-designed cars on their own or sold Japanese-assembled cars under their own brands. In addition, for marketing purposes, Mitsubishi Motors itself often released the same car under a different name on the market of a particular country. The L200 did not escape this fate, so in the secondary market it can be found under the Dodge and Plymouth brands, and under a whole galaxy of names: Triton, Strada, Forte, Mighty Max, Rodeo, Colt, Storm, Magnum, Sportero.
The design of the third generation, like the two previous ones, was classic for a pickup, that is, rough and angular, although the influence of the tendencies of the mid-nineties is noticeable in the front part - the rounded corners of the front fenders, the complex shape of the radiator grille, the inflated bumper.
This modification enjoyed well-deserved success due to the successful combination of weight, carrying capacity, reliability, cross-country ability and low price, which made it an indispensable companion for people who have to work in difficult weather conditions in remote corners of the planet, for example, gas pipeline builders from the Far North.
The fourth generation was replaced only in 2005 by the next, fifth modification of the pickup.
Mitsubishi L200 III technical features
In the 1996 version, in addition to external changes, there were some technical innovations. The main engine remained the time-tested Astron 4D56 diesel engine, the power of which was raised to 103 hp.
Exterior
The L200 looks like the archetype of a pickup truck that it is, as this car, along with the Toyota Hilux, has served as a role model for many manufacturers. It is an angular long pickup that looks like a real hunting or off-road vehicle, especially with kenguryatniks, rollbar, roof chandelier and a distinctive protrusion on the hood, which is the air intake for the turbine in the turbo diesel version of the car. In the most complete LE version, the upper and lower parts of the vehicle are painted in two colors (the lower part was usually painted with metallic paint).
Interior
The interior of the car, by all accounts, is somewhat cramped, especially for the rear row of seats, but it seems unexpectedly luxurious for a pickup. It is impossible to compare it with the interior of, say, Nissan Frontier, the second will inevitably lose. The corners of the panels are smoothly rounded, the climate control unit and instrument panel are illuminated in blue, the steering wheel is unexpectedly luxurious. The block of additional devices on the panel is most striking (overboard temperature gauge, inclinometer, voltmeter)
However, after a while, it becomes clear that the salon is extremely utilitarian and is intended for people in work clothes and with tools in their hands - hard plastic is easy to wash, no matter what gets on it, everything fits perfectly and does not creak during long journeys, the fabric of the seats is hard and non-marking. An unconditional minus - the layout of the rear seats, which do not have backrest adjustment and are too far moved to the front ones - it is problematic for a person above average height to get in a car from behind to another city.
Engines
The main engine was a 2.5-liter diesel with or without turbine and intercooler. Turbodiesels of a larger volume TD4 were less common. The top version in terms of dynamics was equipped with a 3-liter V6 gasoline engine.
Transmission
The Easy Select 4WD transmission (which could include either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission) proved itself to be excellent off-road in combination with a diesel engine, a rigid frame and a rear continuous axle providing constant ground clearance. These design features prompted the sports team to use the pickup for rallies. The Easy Select 4WD transmission with a part-time front axle allows you to switch between rear and all-wheel drive modes at speeds up to 100 km / h, without stopping and with a single movement of the transfer case lever.
Suspension
The front torsion bar suspension on double wishbones provides the car with good handling on asphalt and excellent directional stability. Naturally, when driving an all-wheel drive pickup, you need to remember the need to monitor compliance with the speed limit, primarily because the car is high enough. The dependent rear leaf spring suspension allows you to transport loads weighing up to 1 ton in the L200 body.
The specification of the car that participated in the Dacar rally in 2005 differs from the baseline to such an extent that we can just as well say: we have a different car. The 6-cylinder, 4-liter V6 engine with two camshafts is equipped with MIVEC variable valve timing, which monitors the operation of 24 intake and exhaust valves. In addition, a system for changing the volume of the intake chamber of the injection system was installed on the car.
The box was installed short-stroke, six-stamped. The all-wheel drive system was organized on a permanent basis; the central center differential was equipped with a mechanical lock, and limited slip differentials were located in both axles.
The rear suspension, in the standard L200 dependent, was replaced by an independent one on springs and double levers (upper and lower). As an elastic element, springs were used, the efficiency of which was monitored by shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness, two pieces on each side.
And finally, the front brakes of the car were also modified: instead of the standard working cylinders, six-piston Brembo machines with enlarged brake discs were used.
16.04.2018
Mitsubishi L200 is a K4 class all-wheel drive pickup truck manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. Despite the fact that in our country pickups are not a very popular type of car, the fourth generation Mitsubishi L200 in popularity can even compete with some ordinary cars. Basically, this type of car is preferred by motorists, who are often faced with the need to deliver equipment and other goods to places where other cars cannot reach. The main requirements that potential owners of pickups make, as a rule, look like this: the car must have good off-road characteristics, have a spacious body with good carrying capacity, and, most importantly, be reliable. But how things are with all these points in the fourth generation of the Mitsubishi L200, now let's try to figure it out.
A bit of history:
The first generation of the model debuted on the market in 1978. At the time, it was a small rear-wheel drive truck with a carrying capacity of 1 ton. The novelty was created by the joint efforts of engineers from two companies - Mitsubishi and Chrysler. When developing the car, most of the components and assemblies were borrowed from the "Galant" (Mitsubishi model), but unlike the sedan, the pickup had a frame structure, a two-seater cab and a continuous rear axle with springs. The name of the car changed depending on the market. For example, in the United States, the car was sold as the Dodge Ram D-50, and in Japan and Europe, the Mitsubishi Forte. In 1980, the L200 underwent restyling, during which the front part of the car changed and all-wheel drive appeared. A little later, the car began to be equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The success of this model was amazing - during the release of the first generation of the Mitsubishi L200, more than 600,000 copies were sold.
The second generation of the model was presented to the public in 1986. Unlike its predecessor, this generation of the model is an independent development of engineers of the Mitsubishi Motors concern. Despite this, a large number of structural elements from the previous generation were used in the new product. The new version of the car was offered with a one-and-a-half and double cab, the available list of options offered for a fee was significantly expanded, and a four-speed automatic became available for this model. In the domestic market of Japan, the new product has changed its name to Mitsubishi Strada, in Australia - Mitsubishi Triton, but in the USA the name has not changed. Since 1988, the car began to be assembled at a plant in Thailand, which later became the main enterprise specializing in the assembly of this model.
Production of the third generation Mitsubishi L200 started in 1995. The main differences from its predecessors were a completely new cab, frame, chassis, body and interior design. Starting with this generation of L200, the choice of buyers was presented with two types of 4 × 2 or 4 × 4 drive and different body variations - short, elongated and with a double five-seater cab. In addition, a diesel power unit and a five-speed automatic transmission have become available. In the late 90s, the car was officially sold in most of the CIS markets. The total sales of the third generation cars surpassed the 1,000,000 mark.
The fourth generation Mitsubishi L200 debuted on the market in 2004. For most of the CIS markets, vehicles were manufactured at a factory in Thailand. Also, the assembly of this model was carried out at factories in Brazil and South Africa. In the domestic market, this generation was officially sold with a double cab ( a small batch of cars with a single cab was imported), a five-speed automatic transmission and a turbodiesel engine. When developing this generation based, the emphasis was placed not only on technical indicators, but also on the design of the car itself. Designers made a real handsome man out of this model! In 2011, an updated version of the car appeared on the market, the design of which was made in the style of the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
If the engine began to run at low revs, most likely it's time to clean the air duct of the ill-fated DMRV and the throttle valve. Well, replacing the air filter will never be superfluous. With increased fuel consumption, first of all, you should pay attention to the condition of the mass air flow sensor and the air filter. Also, it is worth mentioning the turbine pipe, which very often flies after the engine runs at high speeds (4000-4500). The problem is solved in 10 minutes if there is a clamp and a key for 10. The timing belt is designed for 90,000 km, but many experts and owners of this car recommend changing it a little earlier - by 70-80 thousand km. The price tag for these works is not small (about $ 400). The fact is that along with the belt, the rollers and the hydraulic tensioner also change, as well as the belt and rollers of the balance shaft.
If you want to avoid serious problems with the engine, you need to periodically monitor the condition of the balancer shaft belt (at least once 30-40 thousand km) and change it in time. The fact is that if it breaks, it can fall under the timing belt with all that it implies. Removing the balancer shafts is not a good idea, as the crankshaft can fail at high rpm. The declared resource of the motor is 300-350 thousand km, but as practice has shown, with normal maintenance, the engine can travel more than 400 thousand km.
The more powerful 3.2 diesel unit is equipped with a timing chain drive. The manufacturer claims that the chain is designed for the entire life of the motor, but there are often cases when it starts to make noise after 150-200 thousand kilometers. Other troubles include the unreliability of the crankshaft pulley - it falls apart after 100,000 km of run, as well as the alternator belt - it quickly stretches and begins to whistle (treatment - tightening or replacing). If the car starts to start badly, while the dynamic performance has deteriorated, the high pressure fuel pump is to blame, the low quality of diesel fuel accelerates the wear of its parts. It is worth noting that in Europe, the pump nurses about 300,000 km. Also, due to low-quality fuel, cleaning the EGR valve is required every 40-50 thousand km.
What's longer?
In addition to diesel versions in the secondary market, you can also find the Mitsubishi L200 equipped with one of two gasoline engines. Unlike competitors, this model is presented on the market with two types of all-wheel drive transmission - Easy Select 4WD with a rigid front axle connection and Super Select 4WD with a locking center differential. All this and many other things (chassis, interior, etc.) will be discussed in my article.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your feedback that will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.
Best regards, editors AvtoAvenu
The history of the Mitsubishi L200 goes back 5 generations. The first serial production (1978-1986) was presented in the form of a compact pickup truck with two doors. Its dimensions are quite modest: 4690x1650x1560 mm. However, the height could vary up to 85 mm depending on the markets. The first tuning of the L200 survived in 1982. He is remarkable for the transition to Appearance has undergone minor changes. Mitsubishi L200 of the original assembly is not found in Russia, these cars were intended for the domestic and American markets.
Second generation
In 1986, the company came to the decision to carry out a deep tuning of the L200. The results exceeded all expectations. The updated car now, depending on the configuration, had a body with two and four doors. Although the interior turned out to be nondescript, the Mitsubishi L200 had no competitors in off-road driving. Good lifting capacity, sturdy construction, long travel suspension contributed to the improvement in performance. The second generation was produced until 1996.
Third generation
In the third generation of "Mitsubishi L200" tuning has surpassed all expectations. The pickup has got streamlined body lines, a modernized engine, the interior has become more comfortable. Cars were produced with 2, 3 and 4 doors. The classification remains the same - a compact pickup. The serial production of the third generation Mitsubishi L200 lasted 9 years (1996-2005).
Fourth generation
The production of the IV generation began in 2005, but the car appeared on the Russian market only in 2014. Tuning L200 pleased with fresh ideas. The front of the car has been completely redesigned; it is available in two top versions. The decrease in price has led to the expression of interest from the domestic buyer. The manufacturer has significantly improved the technical characteristics, thanks to which the pickup will pass through the most difficult sections of the road. The fourth generation was discontinued in 2014.
Fifth generation
In 2015, the company introduced a new generation Mitsubishi L200. Here they took care not only of the technical characteristics, but also of the comfort of the passengers. Almost everything has changed, but it was decided to leave a few elements characteristic of the Japanese. They can be called the business card of the car.
Although the pickup body is not in demand in Russia, this does not apply to the Mitsubishi L200. In terms of quantity sold, it overtakes some passenger car models. Mitsubishi is up-to-date and fresh today. The tuning of the L200 was beneficial both aesthetically and technically.
External changes
The cab side lines remain unchanged because this design allows for the most interior space in the cab. The angle of inclination of the rear seat back is also provided at 25 0. The rear window can no longer be opened. But space was freed up for additional payloads. The tools can fit there freely.
The increased rear profile of the body immediately catches the eye. The cargo platform has become larger by several centimeters in width and even in length. The opening tailgate is capable of supporting a weight of no more than 200 kilograms.
Salon transformation
The interior has acquired modern features, and the appearance has become more beautiful. The previous version of the design was much simpler. Although the plastic is neat and well-fitted, the materials are inexpensive. The steering wheel is multifunctional. ergonomic, there is a 7-inch monitor, climate control, heating and much more. The only drawback that can be noticed is the hard plastic on the torpedo.
Despite the innovations, the salon has not gotten rid of simple utility. Rear seating for a tall person will be uncomfortable for a long trip. In the middle configuration, passengers will be able to fit in the number of three people in the second row. This is facilitated by the absence in the middle of the tunnel.
Useful options
Climate control has been transferred to this model from the Outlander. And the radio tape recorder now has a touchscreen display. But finishing it in a pickup truck with lacquered panels cannot be considered practical. There is a high chance of scratches. The base has a USB connector. There is also a lacquered panel around the gear lever. Looks nice but impractical. The transmission is now controlled by a selector lever that can be turned by hand. There was a feeling of greater adaptability to the gearbox control system.
There is a spacious glove compartment. The instruments were left with mechanical arrows on a monochrome screen. The steering wheel can now be adjusted in height and depth. For tall people, the landing will become much more comfortable.
Specifications
The frame and springs remained the same, which may indicate a shallow modernization work. Engines have changed for the better. Now a new 2.4-liter diesel unit. The block is made of aluminum and there is a plastic valve cover. Forcing for the buyer is prepared for 154 and 181 liters. with. A box for six gears, there is a mechanic and an automatic.
If you are not satisfied with the proposed characteristics, you can do the L200 chip tuning yourself. This will make it possible to equip the unit with a variable-phase turbine for gas distribution. As a result, the power and other parameters of the car will increase.
The ride in the Mitsubishi L200 remained familiar and tough. But on the rear springs, the mount has changed. The main purpose of the model is to drive on a dirt road and off-road. Therefore, softness is not needed. For less "shaking", it is worth adding speed, this will compensate for the grooves. If you load about 200 kg of cargo, you get a noticeable smoothness of the ride.
It is possible to use off-road inter-axle differential locks and rear inter-wheel locks, as well as electronics responsible for the front axle. Off-road mud capability is increased if there is a load in the rear to counterbalance the weight of the front engine.
In the maximum configuration, you can get 181 liters. with. The dynamics is low, but for this pickup, high speed is unsafe. For trips outside the city, the car will be indispensable. Fuel consumption will reach 7.5 liters. A large margin of safety allows you to constantly use the model in rural areas. The price has slightly increased. And the base now costs from 1350 thousand rubles, the top version - about 2 million rubles.
"Mitsubishi L200": tuning with your own hands
If you do the tuning yourself, you can purchase various linings, deflectors, sills, moldings, etc. Install LED underbody lighting, change the headlights to xenon ones. Such a solution will help you stand out from the general flow of cars on the road.
Of course, the most common tuning parts are the grille and bumper. The latter can be modified using all kinds of overlays. The radiator grill is being purchased fundamentally new. The salon changes to the taste of the owner: replacement of seats, modernization of the dashboard, etc.
A utility truck, a workhorse? Yes, but the concept has changed somewhat - now it's the Ultimate Sport Utility Truck. And since "sport", then the first acquaintance with the new pickup takes place on the race track. Instead of the familiar in every sense of the Okazaki training ground, where Mitsubishi usually presents new models, we were brought to the Sodegaura Forest Raceway. Fourteen cars were rolled out for tests. Contrary to expectations, there are only two right-hand drive vehicles, half of them are all-wheel drive, and the version for Russia is one. But what ... Against the background of rear-wheel drive puzoterok for the European market, our Mitsubishi L200 looks like a real robber car: Are you Gangsters? - No, we are Russians. Only the "Russian" pickup is painted in Pyrenees Black, only it has a formidable lid with a spoiler above the cargo platform, and only it has wheels of the most aggressive design. What do the Japanese think of us? Or is this a joke?
The snubbed and pointed rear end of the new L200 is expected: last year this was the Mitsubishi GR-HEV concept. From now on, the pickup really looks like a tailed amphibian, justifying the name Triton, under which it is sold in a number of markets.
Bridging the gaps with the updated Mitsubishi L200
Drive has published tests of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV, built on the basis of the L200. But hands did not reach the pickup itself. Better late than never. The reason for acquaintance is the appearance of a richer version of the L200 with a powerful engine, slightly modified appearance and expanded equipment.
There are changes in the rear of the car after the update, but it is difficult to notice them. If you don't put the old and the new cars side by side and don't know where to look, then the increase in body length and side height is almost imperceptible.
Finding out where the Russian off-road can lead
Oh, and it's fun in the city in summer! The concrete blocks of houses are like mushrooms growing from the asphalt. A behind-the-window industrial landscape, painted with smoke from factory chimneys and clouded with car smog. Daily one and a half hours of dungeons from home to office, methodically interspersed with a nightmare of traffic jams upstairs. In a word, horror. Head spin! And now we, or rather - me, had a wonderful opportunity ... For three! For three whole days, forget about all your duties and escape from the stuffy dusty metropolis into the bosom of nature. And not just escape, but take part in an interesting motor rally.
Sales market: Russia.
The Mitsubishi L200 all-wheel drive pickup is a multipurpose vehicle adapted for use in Russia: a powerful off-road frame chassis, an engine suitable for a cold climate (fuel filter heating, two batteries and a diesel starting aid, a generator and a high-power starter), reinforced front protection crankcase, engine compartment and transfer case and anti-corrosion coating on the underbody and hollow spaces. Externally, the car looks like a real SUV - high ground clearance, running boards, large side mirrors, impressive wheels and long-travel suspension with large gaps between the body and the wheels in the arches. Mitsubishi L200 was produced in three versions. The simplest is the Single Cab, with a double cab and a long cargo compartment. Club Cab - with two doors and an extended cab. And the most popular is the Double Cab with a short cargo bay and a full four-door cab. This generation of the model was produced from 1996 to 2006. Machines made in Japan were offered on the Russian market.
The standard equipment of the Mitsubishi L200 "Invite" includes an additional rear heater, audio preparation (2 speakers, wiring and a radio antenna), an electronic immobilizer, a centralized locking system, and a rear fog lamp. In the “Invite +” version, the side mirrors have chrome-plated bodies and an electric heating function, in addition, the car is distinguished by a chrome-plated decorative grille and moldings, an air conditioner, electric heated front seats and electric windows. The "Intense" version is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels with ventilated disc brakes, headlight washers, wheel arch extenders and wide front and rear mud flaps, inside - improved interior upholstery, a block of additional instruments (overboard temperature gauge, inclinometer, voltmeter) on the front panel and a center floor console with a glove compartment.
In Russia, cars were officially offered, equipped only with a 2.5-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 100 hp. and a five-speed manual transmission. The cylinder block of the 4D56 engine is made of cast iron, the block head is made of aluminum alloy. In addition to the timing belt drive, the engine has a balance shaft drive. The engine, albeit not the most powerful in the engine range (in other markets, diesel power units from 2 to 2.8 liters and a gasoline 3-liter V6 were offered), but in terms of the ratio of dynamic performance and fuel consumption, it has an optimal set of characteristics. Maximum power is achieved at 4000 rpm and torque (240 Nm) at 2000 rpm.
A powerful frame and Easy-Select 4WD all-wheel drive system are the key to the off-road qualities of the L200. The base frame, among other things, is also the main element for providing a decent payload (1200 kg) - yet the legacy of light trucks is taking its toll. The main drive is rear. The front axle of the car can be connected while driving at speeds up to 100 km / h. The self-locking rear differential further improves flotation and stability on slippery roads. Even taking into account the long base, the impressive ground clearance allows the Mitsubishi L200 to move confidently on any road.
The standard equipment of the Mitsubishi L200 includes a driver's airbag, optionally - a front passenger airbag, ABS with EBD. Other standard equipment includes three-point seat belts, belt tensioners, safety bars in the doors. When it comes to crash testing, pickup trucks take a slightly different approach than passenger cars. For example, the Mitsubishi Triton twin model passed the ANCAP test with a three-star rating, and this is considered a good indicator.
In the used car market, pick-up trucks are in high demand due to significant price reductions. However, when choosing, it should be borne in mind that the Mitsubishi L200 and analogues are used to perform a variety of tasks and often have difficult operating conditions, especially if the car was actively used as an SUV. Heavy loads can affect the condition of the chassis, so the car should be checked for the condition of the suspension assemblies, frame geometry, and the absence of serious damage. The 4D56 diesel engine is one of the most common and well-researched, which makes it easy to service and find parts.
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