America's favourite way of getting about, the pick-up, is gaining groundhere. Andrew Hamilton looks over the Mitsubishi L200.
We have to be frank. We really don't like the American way of life in things automotive. Mostly we have been insulated but, of course, there are the exceptions such as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Jeep Cherokee.
Why then, have we not come across the pick-up truck which rules even in trendy, affluent cities and status-conscious suburbia across the most powerful continent in the world?
The good - or bad news - is that it's here. The more observant among you may have noticed an increasing number of big pick-ups with two rows of seats, just like cars, on our roads. The good news is that most of the pick-up people are not posing as cool, young dudes at an Oklahoma party: they are far more interested in the space and practicality that is offered.
Amazingly, it has all to do with a more benevolent attitude from our Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, who in other spheres, is giving very little in the way of concessions these days.
Enter then the Mitsubishi L200, the leader of this new brat pack that indicates the American automotive way of life. Paddy Murphy, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors, explains this strengthened appeal due to a decrease in Vehicle Registration Tax.
"There was a drop in price from almost €36,000 to €29,000," he says. "As a result, sales of this vehicle have rocketed from around 200 units per year to over 900 in the first half of 2002, making it the market leader in this segment in Ireland."
Nissan, Toyota and Mazda are other Japanese makers offering double-cab products on the Irish market but Paddy says being in first is what matter. "This is a product that's very much suited to the Irish scene - a family car and a work product. In many situations it obviates the need for two vehicles."
WE drove the L200 double-cab recently and, after a while in the city getting used to its enormous bulk, we retreated to its natural country habitat. There's a tough ladder-frame chassis from the Pajero and, of course, the four-wheel-drive credentials are also standard.
The Mitsubishi double-cab is as spacious and comfortable as any off-roader, once you're in the front. As with its rivals, the rear seats are almost bolt upright and have to be accessed through narrow doors which make them best for smaller passengers.
On dry roads, the 115bhp 2.5 litre turbocharged diesel was stable enough and predictable to drive but, without the back end loaded in the wet, these vehicles can be tail happy if you press the accelerator too hard out of junctions or roundabouts.
We found the L200 double- cab cruised reasonably quietly. Indeed there were times we forgot it wasn't a real car without an appendage. Maximum pull from the engine comes at 2,000rpm so you aren't forever changing gear.
The Mitsubishi double-cab comes with alloy wheels, easy select part-time 4-wheel-drive, central locking, ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbag, and power windows among the standard fittings.
Double cab pick-ups have been the flavour of the times in the US for a long time, but they are now catching on in Britain where sales are 50 per cent up on the same time last year. The Mitsubishi L200 is a dominant force there, having won the What Car? Gold award for the best pick-up of 2002.