MITSUBISHI has announced an increase in towing capacity to 3.5 tonnes for its big-selling L200 pick-up.

The company says the latest improvement in pulling power takes the capability, practicality and appeal of the L200 to new levels with the best-in-class total carrying capacity when towing at the maximum weight.

The L200 is also the only pick-up that can tow 3.5 tonnes on Tarmac in four-wheel drive.

Extra strengthening has been added to key load-bearing areas of the chassis with the result that 3.5-tonne towing capacity is now possible with three-axle braked trailers.

The towing limit is 3.1 tonnes with one or two-axle braked trailers and 0.75 tonnes is possible regardless of the number of axles or whether or not the trailer is braked.

Mitsubishi says with more tyres in contact with the road, three-axle trailers offer improved straight line stability while braking ability and weight distribution are also enhanced, as is low-speed manoeuvrability and controllability in the event of a tyre blowout.

Mitsubishi has also developed a new heavy-duty towbar for the L200 to cope with the new load limit.

The latest L200 is now offered with a touchscreen and a voice-controlled smartphone link display audio infotainment system which allows the driver to make and receive calls, access text messages, listen to music and use the phone's satellite navigation systems for up-to-date mapping and traffic information.

The L200 also integrates the vehicle's reversing camera display to assist when hitching up a trailer.

Priced from £19,000 excluding VAT the Mitsubishi L200 is available in single, club and double cab body styles.