Driving in winter can be challenging with a combination of wet and icy roads in conjunction with dark skies appearing in the middle of the afternoon. Vansdirect investigates what makes the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian the perfect pick-up van for winter!
The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is equipped with a Super Select 4WD system, which makes the L200 stand-out as the only new pick-up van which can drive in 2WD or 4WD on any terrain. Standard 2WD mode is perfect for smooth and economic performance on motorways and city roads. Super Select allows you to alternate between drive modes on any surface, with 4WD and a locked centre differential leading to improved traction and manoeuvrability on snow or other challenging conditions. 4WD with low range provides a lowered gear ratio providing you with increased torque for extreme weather conditions such as powering through deep snow. Whatever the weather and road conditions this winter, the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian can cope with help from its Super Select 4WD system.
Perfect in assisting you in icy and snowy conditions, active stability control works with sensors that can detect unstable movement in the new van. Hence if the new van undergoes lateral slippage or sliding, then the Stability Control function automatically controls the brakes and engine output to stabilise the pick-up van.
The traction control also works with sensors, if these sensors notice wheel slip when taking off on slippery surfaces such as a snow-covered road or icy road, then the Traction control function automatically brakes the slipping wheel and allows the engine output to provide a smoother and safer start.
It is easy to picture lateral slippage under heavy breaking on slippery and icy surfaces in winter, with the rear wheels of your pick-up van locking up. However the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Anti-Lock braking system (ABS) can reduce this by governing the hydraulic pressure of the brakes. The L200 also uses Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) to adjust the braking force of the rear wheels to adapt to any situation.
Visibility of the road ahead is of paramount importance under the dark and challenging conditions associated with winter. The Mitsubishi L200 offers this equally as well as any other new van with the combination of Bi-Xenon headlamps complete with washers and Front fog lamps.
Under icy and snowy conditions you need to be aware that your braking distance will tend to increase and the Mitsubishi L200 takes that into account by automatically warning vehicles behind of heavy braking with the Emergency Stop Signal System.
Mitsubishi vans claim that the new manual gearbox is more responsive than ever and it is hard to disagree, with the new transmission reducing shift length during gear changes and renowned for its low-ratio, perfect in snowy and icy conditions. The Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian is also available with a highly responsive automatic transmission with electronic control to adapt to the conditions.
Rain sensors can detect any moisture on the windscreen and will automatically activate the windscreen wipers, whereas dusk sensors switch head and tail lamps on and off automatically depending on the light levels outside, providing the best level of visibility in any conditions.
Looking for a new pick-up van this winter? Look no further than the Mitsubishi L200 from Vansdirect! We have a wide range of models in stock including high spec Warrior and TOP SPEC Barbarian models with both manual and automatic transmissions, with prices from ONLY £165pm and cheap van finance options including: van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase. Interested? Call Vansdirect on 0845 021 0444 or enquire online for a free no obligation quote.