Mitsubishi L200 Animal

Dec 21 2009 Ian Johnson

MITSUBISHI has elevated the design of the double-cab 4x4 pick-up leisure vehicle into almost an art form.

A sweeping statement but you only have to take a look at the unusually named Animal model to see why.

Its bodywork is decorated with imagery and the whole package comes across as one of the most visually interesting vehicles around.

It's almost as though Mitsubishi has realised that the macho naming route it was taking with some L200 variants, such as Raging Bull and Warrior may have been a little over the top to some, so the Animal paints a picture of a trendy, though still vibrant and tough leisure vehicle. Anyway, it certainly seems to work.

This long-bed whopper is a real eyecatcher and with the optional truckman top, its double-cab seating arrangement can swallow five people and leave a massive amount of room for luggage because with the lockable top, this option becomes what has to be the world's largest estate car. Granted you can't reach into the back because the top is a separate unit, but this is a small price to pay for such enormous space and sheer versatility. And to ice the cake even further, the double cab boasts best in class rear legroom.

Mitsubishi was very astute when it saw the spread of the 4x4 pick-up craze from North America and was quick to develop its 4x4 commercial models into some quite startling lifestyle vehicles which caught on is a big way in the UK. So much so that they have reached almost cult status.

Like the rest of the L200 range, the Animal boasts the interesting curved-down rear cab styling and the whole vehicle is inspired by Mitsubishi's Pajero Evolution, which has won the gruelling Dakar Rally on no fewer than 11 occasions. It has also been designed specifically for the European market so there is definitely an element of the best of the wild and the tamed in this Animal.

The Animal boasts a premium specification. A standard 165bhp power upgrade appeases any animal instincts a driver may have, while a DVD sat nav with seven inch colour screen, leather trim and a CD autochanger pander to their softer-side.

Under the bonnet is Mitsubishi's latest diesel, a 2.5-litre common rail turbo. It gives much more torque than its predecessor plus a 26% improvement in fuel economy a combined consumption of over 31mpg plus full compliance with Euro IV emissions regulations.

Fully independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs harmonises with above-the-axle type leaf springs at the rear with four-wheel-drive system as standard. The vehicle is normally operated in two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive in reserve for tough terrain. And if you do have to venture off road, the Animal's attack and departure angles are exceptionally good.

If I have a criticism of this vehicle it is that the seats could be more supportive. They are a reminder that although the Animal is a class leisure act, it has not quite forgotten its commercial roots.

FAST FACTS

Mitsubishi L200 Animal

Price: £21,649

Mechanical: 165bhp, 2,477cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 105mph

0-62mph: 11.3 seconds

Combined mpg: 31.7

Insurance group: 9

CO2 emissions: 263g/km

BIK rating: 35%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 100,000 miles