MITSUBISHI has been making tough pick-up trucks for over 40 years and the latest generation of the L200 arrived back in the summer.

Now in its sixth generation, the new model has striking good looks as well as all the features of a rugged 4x4 pick-up.

Its aggressive looks and size give it a real presence and its completely new front end brings it right up to date.

The Series 6 also has a new 2,268cc turbo diesel powertrain with AdBlue, along with an upgraded automatic gearbox with six speeds to give it even more appeal.

Buyers can select from trim levels called 4Life Club Cab, Double Cab, Warrior, Barbarian and Barbarian X with all models apart from the entry-level 4Life Club Cab having double cabs with four doors.

I recently sampled the top-of-the-range Barbarian X with automatic gearbox delivering 150PS and 400Nm of torque and featuring the new transmission which certainly impressed.

And I managed to do slightly better than the claimed combined fuel efficiency of 29.1mpg although I was not off-road at any time which obviously helped.

Priced from £32,200 plus VAT the new L200 certainly looks the business. The dramatic new front features a new clamshell bonnet, narrow LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and Mitsubishi's distinctive Dynamic Shield grille.

At the rump there is new metalwork, bumpers and LED taillights. Squared off wheel arches, running boards and fresh 18-inch alloys complete the handsome look.

Climbing into the cab takes a bit of effort and you have to make use of the side steps to avoid unwanted mud marks on your clothes. Once inside you will find an interior and tech that rivals just about anything else in the class.

It wants for nothing and this top-of-the-range model gets unique Barbarian X upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system and even a heated steering wheel.

You also get smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, DAB radio, air conditioning, mood lighting, Bluetooth, front and rear USB ports, Barbarian X leather seats, parking sensors, plus a very useful 360-degree camera system.

The new L200 is also much better to drive and a great deal more comfortable than its predecessor.

In the last model you felt every bump in the road but a stronger chassis and new springs mean that the ride quality is much improved. It now feels much more refined for a full-sized pick-up and new brakes mean that it is also easier to stop when you have built up a head of steam.

The new engine provides bags of power and decent acceleration and the automatic gearbox offers smooth changes and if you want you can use the steering wheel mounted paddles to control the changes and get more fun.

The 4WD gives the pick-up lots of grip and enables the L200 to deal with rough terrain and muddy building sites and all the other tasks that a vehicle of this type is expected to do.

Used as a workhorse this open-backed model can carry a payload weighing up to 1,075kgs and tow a trailer of up to 3.5 tonnes.

It is capable of wading through 600mm-deep water, has a ground clearance of 205mm, an approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 22 degrees. It also has the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD and back again while on the move, at speeds up to 62mph.

The Barbarian X is also packed with safety features. Included are Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, a reversing camera, Hill Descent Control and Off-Road Mode, a 360-degree camera system, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Auto High Beam, LED front fog lights, plus front and rear parking sensors.