Why the Mitsubishi L300 is Here to Stay

Mitsubishi's obsession with retaining the L300 brand every year is akin to Filipinos' obsession with Voltes V.

It's long-standing, occasionally feel-good, sometimes head-scratching, and full of nostalgia.

Most local folks feel the same about the Japanese diamond star nameplate. However, the spartan sturdiness of the all-purpose hauler made it a hit (especially in the provinces), so why mess around with a swinging act?

The L300 platform can be configured depending on business needs. A ladder frame skeleton, leaf spring rear suspension, and a two-box body (think: single cab and chassis) were the reason for the workhorse's carrying versatility. With a ladder frame as the main building block, one can separate the actual box where occupants reside (known as the cab) and use the area aft of the box for light lifting. Also, the components and processes used to make ladder frame automotive underpinnings are less expensive than other chassis, which allows Mitsubishi to peddle the L300 in a Php 813,000-Php 998,000 range.

The sub-Php 1 million entry price is also reflected in the hauling versatility. Since Mitsubishi in the Philippines runs both light utility vehicles and heavy-duty utility vehicle selling operations (including custom rear box fabrication), multiple business tools are available. The rear section can turn into a perishable goods container (with the rear box higher than the cab), an open bed (great for hauling fresh produce straight to a market), or a people container. That lattermost ability can also be tailored so that people sit opposite each other (like on Philippine public utility jeeps) with or without standard airconditioning or use the L300 as a pure passenger van (with seats facing forward).

The suspension should be up to the task with the versatile hauling ability. This is where the tried-and-tested leaf spring damping put up shop beside the L300's rear wheels. Yes, the leaf spring setup is relatively ancient, having seen action since pre-World War Two times. Also, leaf spring road comfort tends to be on the bouncy side when there's little load. But the method of piling on long, thin steel rectangles at certain angles renders adequate shock absorption without adding to the overall cost, thus keeping L300 prices to less than seven figures. Try doing that with coil springs; the L300 might likely shoot up to a Php 1.2 million-P1.3 million tag.

If there is one L300 item that was appreciated by the motoring public, it was the upgrade to the diesel powerplant. Using common rail direct injection (to efficiently cram more fuel into the 4N14 mill), turbocharging (to increase pulling effort), and an intercooler (to reduce the temperature of forced air coming into the combustion chamber), the 99 ps/200 Nm 2.2-liter straight four seemed to show that it was a replacement for displacement.  Plus, it's Euro 4-compliant too.

For comparison, the previous 74 ps /147 Nm 4D56 2.5-liter straight four engines in the L300 didn't have a turbo, direct injection, or an intercooler for nearly five decades. One may argue that the 4D56 had a larger displacement, but hearing that engine asthmatically wheezing beyond 2,000 (especially on inclines) was embarrassing. With the 4N14, you are assured that the mill slightly atop the front axle doesn't sound like it's always on its last legs.

Then there's the fun part of using a stick shift placed on the right side of the steering column. That manual transmission setup results in no transmission "hump" between either front occupant. That frees the driver's right leg and right foot to modulate the throttle pedal easily. However, those used to driving a floor-mounted stick will have to familiarize themselves quickly with the L300's unique "H" pattern shifter. The hauler's manual 'box doesn't exactly appreciate rapid shifts.

Last, the cabin toted a few much-needed upgrades. The gauge cluster retained the same three-readout setup (speedometer, engine temperature, fuel) as its 1980s ancestor but now toted more aesthetically pleasing fonts and graphics. The body was raised some 100 mm for additional ride height, which helps when the back is fully loaded. There is a storage bin under the front passenger side of the dashboard, likely as a stowaway area for essential papers, smartphones, and loose change. Retained were the ubiquitous umbrella handle parking brake at the four o'clock side of the steering column, a long throttle pedal, and a two-spoke steering wheel design that hasn't changed since Philippine actress Maricel Soriano first gave a dance interpretation of "Rico Mambo."

Any good act swings and the L300 is definitely a good act. Mitsubishi stuck to its axles and rims by going with what made the L300 a top choice for business utility – and never messing around with the success formula. Given the Filipino's propensity for nostalgia, the Japanese diamond star never felt the need to replace a proven seller.