The L300 or, more commonly, “L3” has been one of our country’s iconic commercial vehicles. Since its release, it has become a trusted family carrier and a dependable business partner for many Filipinos.
Now fitted with a 2.2-liter DOHC (Euro 4-compliant) engine, the L300 offers enough pulling power without being a fuel guzzler. The diesel mill, which can put out a maximum power of 97hp and 200Nm of torque, is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Supporting the L300 are independent wishbone and coilsprings at the front and a semi-elliptic leaf spring setup at the rear.
The vehicle can carry a total of 1,215kg of payload — whether passengers and/or cargo.
The Mitsubishi L300 is offered at an affordable price of P804,000.
Because of its success, many automakers have challenged its dominance in the segment. Today, we look at other commercial vehicles that compete with Mitsubishi's compact workhorse.
The Kia K2500 comes in as a strong contender against the Japanese carmaker’s compact hauler.
The South Korean automaker’s cab and chassis variant uses a 2.5-liter DOHC, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) engine with WGT. The diesel powertrain puts out more power than the aforementioned L300 with 128hp and 255Nm of torque. It also sports more gears with a six-speed manual tranny.
It offers a 1,235kg load capacity.
Suspension-wise, the Kia K2500 features a torsion bar spring setup at the front and a multi-leaf spring arrangement at the rear.
The Kia K2500 can be had in eight variants so you’re sure to find a model that suits both your family and your business’ needs.
The Hyundai H-100 is another appealing option for those in the market for a commercial vehicle. It sports similar features as its fellow South Korean including a 2.5-liter diesel mill mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Like the K2500, the H-100 also produces 128hp and 255Nm of torque. Load capacity is at 1,335kg.
The H-100 sports double wishbone and torsion bar spring suspensions at the front with semi-elliptical laminated leaf springs at the rear.
Hyundai Philippines currently offers the H-100 in two variants.
One of the most affordable, but still capable, utility vehicles currently available in the commercial segment is the Suzuki Carry.
That said, you get a smaller 1.5-liter engine that can still haul a decent amount of cargo. It puts out 95hp with 135Nm of torque.
Suzuki’s cute compact carrier can haul 940kg of payload.
It’s supported by MacPhersons with coil spring suspensions at the front with an over-slung type leaf spring setup at the rear.
The Suzuki Philippines offered Carry in a single variant.
Photos from Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai, Suzuki
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