The current generation of the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 pickup was unveiled back in 2015 and after receiving a comprehensive facelift in 2018, the Japanese automaker has started the development of its successor. A mule of the one-tonne pickup was spied during winter testing in the Arctic Circle, showing hints of the next model.
As is the case with early mules designed to test the new
chassis, the pickup is not wearing a production body but instead, it borrows
most of its exterior and interior panels from the current Triton/L200. What is
weird though is that the headlights have been replaced by the halogen units of
a pre-facelift Mitsubishi Mirage/Spacestar from 2012. The unconventional
headlights are mounted on the bumper of the L200 together with additional
foglights.
Other than the weird lighting setup at the front, the
camouflaged body appears to be identical to the dual-cab facelifted L200,
including the interior arrangement. What is different is the longer wheelbase
that is evident from the mismatching rear wheel arches, and the new location of
the exhaust pipe coming out from the bespoke rear bumper. There is also a Euro
pallet and a metal cage strapped on the rear bed, likely for testing the
loading capabilities and the weight balance of the pickup.
The next-generation Mitsubishi Triton/L200 could be launched
as early as 2023 or 2024, likely with an updated version of the ladder-frame
chassis and a completely new design. Following the current trend in the
one-tonne pickup segment, the L200 is expected to get more technology and
comfort features as most buyers will be using it for both work and leisure.
Additionally, a long-rumored off-road focused variant could be coming as a
future rival to the Ford Ranger Raptor.