The fifth generation L200 was launched in September this year and is currently only available as a double cab (a single cab is due next year). It comes in four trim levels: 4-Life, Titan, Warrior and Barbarian. The Warrior, with rearview camera, sat-nav and leather heated seats is likely to be the most popular fleet choice and is the latest addition to our test fleet. 

Although exterior looks are similar to its predecessor, the new model is all-new from the ground up and Mitsubishi claims significant improvents in 330 areas, arguably the most important ones for fleets being emissions and efficiency. 

Our Warrior is powered by a completely new engine – a 2.4-litre unit with the new six-speed manual transmission offering 178hp and 317lb-ft of torque. Claimed fuel economy is 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, which is an impressive 20% better than the old model. This is also better than existing rivals. 

Emissions are lower, too, ranging from 169g/km of CO2 for the 4-Life up to 189g/km for the Barbarian automatic.

In the past months that I have put the L200 to work, covering just above 2,000 miles, it has proven to be a capable and quiet motorway cruiser. At 65mph the engine, which is spinning at just 1,500rpm, is barely audible and an average 40mpg is easily acheived. It’s worth noting that the rear canopy fitted to our test truck will no doubt go some way to improving mpg figues over an open bed truck. Towing a 1.5-tonne caravan drastically reduced the indicated average mpg figure to 23, which is something to be aware of if your fleet does a lot of towing.

The interior is solidly built and the seats are very comfortable over long journeys. The entertainment system is not as intuitive as most, but I managed to pair my phone with the sat-nav which has proved as able as any.