RUGGEDNESS and refinement are two words you would not normally use together to describe pick-up trucks.

Favoured by Americans all round, the British horsey set and by the building fraternity worldwide, it has come a long way to become very much a lifestyle vehicle as well as the traditional off-road workhorse.

Mitsubishi's fifth generation of the L200 demonstrates this admirably and with the range-topping Barbarian tested here, a lot of luxury for your cash layout

So whether lugging building materials or farmyard animals, it has the ruggedness to cope. It is capable of carrying and towing a combined 4.090 tonnes, but more than capable of doubling up for ferrying the family around.

It is generuously equipped, has good safety kit and has neat touches like the chrome running boards and classy blue puddle liights and mood lighting.

All models have electric window and door mirrors, air-conditioning, Bi-xenon headlamps, 4x4 system and safety kit including hill-hold, seven airbags, traction control and Trailer Stability Assist to mention just a few goodies.

The Barbarian driven here includes premium leather seats and trim to armrest, doors and dash, illuminated door entry guards, sports mesh grille, rear chrome tail light surround and soft opening tailgate.

It certainly is a spetacular vehicle in both looks and size and its new engine packs plenty of punch.

A fully revised suspension provides improved ride comfort and driving stability. Importantly for this type of car, it retains the tightest turning circle, which proved briliant on a tight muti-storey car park.

The new 178bhp 2.4-litre diesel engine fitted to all models is claimed to achieve an average of just under 40mpg with 189g/km CO2 emissions.

Both figures are impressive for such a big and heavy motor and the economy not ridiculously off the mark.

It hits 60mph from standstill in around 12 seconds seconds, but there is no huge diesel clatter. It is pretty smooth and quiet. Even the five-speed automatic gearbox, although not the most refined, is pretty impressive and it cruises really well on motorways.

It looks impressive with a riot of chrome, eye-catching light clusters and the unmistakeable Mitsubishi three-pointed star dominating the grille.

The bumper provides raised steps on the sides for easier access to the cargo bed, while chromed tube side bars give a sporty look.

The cargo bed has improved usability, with more depth and greater overall volume. For additional strength, it is also reinforced with cross sills connected directly to the chassis frame, and has toughened steel panels around the rear gate pillars to resist fatigue.

Equally at home on roads on the rough stuff it is a full-blown off-roader with manually switchable high and low ratio four wheel drive capacity.

The smart, modern interior features full leather upholstery with memory foam heated seats, dual zone climate control and cruise control. There is a centre screen which controls sat nav, phone audio and climate functons and reversing camera.

The large cabin easily accommodates five with multi adjustable front seats, with plenty of leg and headroom for even the tallest.