The Mitsubishi L300 is Officially Back!

After announcing its return to the Philippine market in a few months' time back in April 2019, the Mitsubishi L300 is officially back in the country, albeit now equipped with a more modern, environment-friendly Euro 4-compliant engine. Following months of testing pre-production prototypes, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) began assembly of the new L300 cab & chassis just last week, the third week of September, at its Santa Rosa, Laguna plant at a rate of 54 units per day alongside other locally-assembled models like the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 subcompact sedan. Currently, MMPC only assembles the L300 in the country as even the cab is shipped into the plant in pieces. The local Mitsubishi office though hopes to have the stamping of the body done here as well soon. As we previously reported, the new L300 is powered by Mitsubishi's turbocharged 2.2-liter 4N14 mill, although this time we can confirm that it's a detuned version of the engine that produces 98 hp and 200 Nm of torque--down in power output compared to other models that use the same engine but, compared to the old 2.5-liter 4D56 engine it used, has "40 percent more power and torque for more payload and pulling power." Traditionalists and L300 fans will still appreciate the transmission as it's still a steering column-mounted five-speed manual. The new L300 is being offered right now as either a cab & chassis model for PHP804,000 or with an FB rear body for PHP998,000. Asked if MMPC will resurrect the popular Versa Van for the market, MMPC Marketing Communications General Manager Mark Parulan sounded very optimistic. "That's what a lot of our customers are asking, if we'll bring back the Versa Van," Parulan told CARMUDI PHILIPPINES. "If there's a demand for it, we certainly hope so. We'll see." "As the saying goes, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it,'" MMPC First Vice President for Sales & Marketing, Alvin Dalida, said at the new L300's launch ceremony. "Its legacy roots from the years of dependable quality performance and affordable cost of ownership that the L300 provides the market. We are very excited for the return of the trusted workhorse as we know that the L300 will once again play a vital role as a reliable vehicle for various transportation requirements. The improved features and fuel efficiency will, without a doubt, be one of the key highlights of this unit that will help drive the Filipino business forward."  

2020 MITSUBISHI L300  (Philippine Specification)
VARIANT		CAB & CHASSIS
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)		4260
Width (mm)		1695
Height (mm)		1895
Wheelbase (mm)		2350
Minimum Ground Clearance (mm)		195
Fuel Tank Capacity (L)		55
Curb Weight (kg)		1260
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)		2345
ENGINE
Description		4N14 2.2-liter inline-four turbocharged and intercooled 16-valve DOHC
Displacement (cc)		2268
Maximum Output (hp/rpm)		98/3500
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)		200/1000-3500
DRIVETRAIN/CHASSIS
Transmission		5-Speed Manual
Steering		Ball and Nut Gear-Type Power Steering
Drivetrain		Rear-Wheel Drive
Brakes	Front	10-inch Ventilated Disc
	Rear	10-inch Leading and Trailing Drums
Suspension	Front	Independent Wishbone and Coil Spring
	Rear	Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring
Wheel Type		14-inch Steel Rims
Tire Size		185/R14