The 4x4 pickup market will get a fresh impetus this year with new models and improved economy. Mitsubishi started the process this week with the European launch of the new L200 double-cab 4x4 pickup with new engines and significant improvements in economy. Mitsubishi got in ahead of Toyota and Nissan, both of which will have new models before the end of the year. Next year, Renault and Fiat will join the market, followed by Mercedes-Benz in 2020.

The L200 will set new standards in fuel economy, cutting fuel usage by about 20% compared with the current model, as well as the best of the competition. Mitsubishi has done this through a combination of a new, lighter and more efficient four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and changes to the L200’s structure. To shave weight, it is using more high-tensile steel in the new panels, which will also bring the bonus of a good Euro NCAP safety test result, due soon. The end result is impressive, as I found during a test drive at the European launch across mountain trails in the south of France.

Fuel economy is difficult to assess on a European first test drive, but on paper, the new L200 economy figures at 15.2km/litre (6.6l/100km or 43mpg) look impressive. It has retained the fuel tank capacity at 75 litres; that means a good range of close to 1,000km. The fact that Mitsubishi has replaced the five-speed gearbox with a six-speed unit means road speeds of 100km/hr are possible at under 2,000rpm – a real benefit for fuel economy.

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Mitsubishi achieved the leading economy results by developing a new engine for the L200, based on the current 1.8- and 2.2-litre diesels. The engine block is now fully aluminium, shaving 30kg off the weight. Other design changes to the chassis mean the new model is claimed to be 50kg lighter than the current model.

The engine is smoother and quieter than before. Mitsubishi is using a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in place of AdBlue to achieve the latest European emission standards.

Road holding was impressive driving across winding hillside roads. The interior look is significantly improved and Mitsubishi claims to have given drivers and passengers better seats. This was reflected in a very comfortable driving position. There is more space in the rear for passengers and the doors seem bigger. The headroom slopes a little to the rear; overall, this is a more spacious machine.

On a practical front, the pickup area is bigger and the sides are higher to carry a bigger load, although the Mitsubishi specifications show that the payload remains unchanged at 1,045kg. I was disappointed that Mitsubishi hasn’t fitted a lock to the tailgate; that’s a significant omission, as tools cannot be properly locked. It is standard on the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara.

The new L200 has improved towing ability, now rated at 3,100kg. That puts it close to the class leader, the bigger engine Ford Ranger.

For most farmers buying a 4x4 pickup, the ownership costs can be significant, so getting commercial tax at €333 is a bonus. So, too, is the extended service interval from 15,000km to 20,000km. Another is the ability to bring four passengers, and those with smaller children get the benefit of Isofix systems for child seats.

The overall value offer for the L200 sets a new standard; the others are expected to follow suit. Ford’s Ranger is the new threat; Toyota has held the dominant position for years, but now the Ranger is making progress and the new stronger look to the L200 will help it to compete.

Entry prices are expected to be about €500 more than the current models, starting at €33,250 including VAT. The standard kit is much better with reversing camera with sensors, touchscreen audio display, hill start assist, trailer stability assist, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone air-conditioning and new 17in alloy wheels.

There is value in that offer when there’s a 20% fuel economy benefit along with new levels of driving comfort, better towing ability and a stronger Mitsubishi L200 look.

Mitsubishi L200

Engine 2.4L diesel

Engine power 1 81hp

0-100km/hr 10.1 seconds

Economy 15.2km/litre

Fuel tank capacity 75 litres

CO2 emissions 173g/km

Road Tax Comm (€333)

Main service 20,000km/ 12 months

Safety rating NA

Towing rating 3,100kg

Warranty Five years/ 150,000km

Entry Price €33,250

NI Price N/A