A NEW-LOOK Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck has had its world premiere and will be on the road in Britain late next summer.

The heavily-facelifted L200 was unveiled in Thailand where it will be built for global consumption to be rolled out in the coming months.

It is a major external makeover for the popular truck which was first launched 40 years ago has been restyled inside and out with a bold, new design.

The interior retains its car-like appeal and the new L200 will be fitted with the latest technology and driving aids including blind spot and lane departure warnings, rear cross traffic alerts, forward collision systems which can detect both oncoming vehicles and pedestrians and a device which is designed to stop misacceleration when manoeuvring.

A surround view camera system is also available as are parking sensors.

Four-wheel-drive variants will be fitted either with Mitsubishi's Super-Select system for heavy duty needs or an Easy-Select set up which simplifies switching between drive modes for different road surfaces

Both systems use a new off-road mode which has specific settings for use on gravel, mud, snow, sand and rock as well as having hill descent control.

The new L200 is based on the same ladder-frame chassis as before and in the UK it is currently powered by a 2.5-litre diesel with prices starting from £18,700 excluding VAT.

However, Mitsubishi is yet to confirm its engine line up for the latest L200 and it may also feature smaller engines to comply with European regulations and the company has said it will be fitting six-speed transmissions to automatic versions to replace the current five-speed box.

With Mitsubishi now part of the Renault Nissan Alliance, the facelfited truck is seen as an important step for its UK portfolio which is mainly focused on SUVs. The current model was launched in 2015.

"The new Mitsubishi L200 is one of our most important global strategic models," said Mitsubishi chief executive Osamu Masuko. "Its success will accelerate the momentum of the company's sustainable growth.

"The new model brings enhancements to the durability, reliability and comfort developed over the 40 years since the introduction of the series. I am fully confident the new Mitsubishi L200 will meet the diverse needs and wishes of our customers around the world."

Performance figures, technical data and prices will be revealed closer to the on sale date which is expected to be at the start of the third quarter of 2019.