Back to the Future

The new L300 is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine which has 40 percent more power and torque than the previous model

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That in the photo is a brand-new Mitsubishi L300 delivery van that just rolled out of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) Santa Rosa plant. It does look like the L300 that you’ve known since the 1980s, but with a couple of changes to make it more suitable to 2019.

First and foremost is a new Euro-4 engine. The 2.2-liter turbodiesel outputs 99ps and 200Nm (at 1000-3500 rpm), reportedly a gain up to 40 percent more power and torque. The diesel now features electronic common-rail injection system, and a DOHC, 16-valve cylinder head. Payload of the L300 is 1085kg, or up to 17 passengers (including the driver) with the optional rear body.

The cab height and rear body height were increased by 100mm, and the instrument cluster now features a digital odometer. Otherwise, the L300 carries the familiar components: independent wishbone front suspension and leaf sprint rear suspension, ball-and-nut steering, 14-inch steel rims, and 10-inch front disc brakes and 10-inch rear drum brakes.

From right, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Inc. president, Yoshiaki Onomura (Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Division) and Yasuki Maruyama (Senior Vice President, Corporate Division)

Mitsubishi has sold over 190,000 units of the L300. In anticipation of strong demand, the Santa Rosa factory is already doing double shifts to produce numerous units alongside the Mirage G4.

MMPC First Vice President for Sales & Marketing Alvin S. Dalida said that anticipated demand is 1000-1500 units per month.
The L300 will also be MMPC’s entry into the Class 1 of the Modern PUV. Alas, there are no plans to introduce the passenger van version at this time.

According to Dalida, “The L300 is one of our products that we are very proud of. 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 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.”

The new L300 Euro-4 will be available in dealers nationwide with an SRP of Php 804,000.00 for the cab & chassis and Php 998,000.00 with FB rear body.

MMPC First Vice President for Sales & Marketing Alvin S. Dalida

From left, Jason Ang, Miko Hernandez (MMPI Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing) PDI motoring editor Jong Arcano, PDI VP for Advertising Kat Dalusong, Mark Parulan (MMPI Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing), PDI Key Accounts Officer Shyne Quitain and Cherith Joy Yucoco (MMPI Lead PR Officer, Sales & Marketing)