New Euro 4 compliant Mitsubishi L300, officially launched

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has finally rolled out the new, Euro 4 compliant L300. After months of having been previewed on the trade show circuit as well as on the government’s modernized PUV roadshow, the new L300 with its Euro 4 compliant engine is now officially launched at an SRP of P0.804M for the cab & chassis configuration and P0.998M for the familiar “FB” variant with its passenger body and dual-type air-con. The L300’s updates center on its powertrain, keeping the rest of the vehicle mostly the same except where the cabin-work had to be nudged to make room for its new engine.

The new L300 leaves behind the model’s “Deluxe” short wheelbase chassis, continuing only with the longer “Exceed” 2350mm wheelbase that puts the new, more powerful Euro 4 engine to better use. From a naturally aspirated, conventionally fuel-injected 2.5 liter diesel engine delivering peak power and torque of 69hp and 140Nm, the new L300 switches to a 2.2 liter (actually a 2.3 liter) inter-cooled turbo-diesel with high pressure common-rail direct injection (CRDi) and peak numbers of 97hp and 200Nm.

Engine complexity will be a factor for return customers but this is offset by its smaller displacement burning less fuel while idling or crawling in traffic–the engine turning too slow to spool up the displacement boosting turbocharger. The complex turbocharger and CRDi plumbing do increase the engine’s height, though, and this is what apparently forced them to raise the cab-over cabin higher. Spacers were inserted between the ladder frame and the cabin, keeping ground clearance at its original 195mm but raising the vehicle’s cab and creating more headroom for the engine to the tune of 100mm.

The engine update and cabin raising have caused a 60kg increase in curb weight, from  1200 to 1260kg for the cab and chassis. And, with gross vehicle weight remaining at the original 2345kg, this and the increased curb weight mean a sligthly lessened payload, from 1145 down to 1085 kg.

Specs comparison of 2017 Euro 2 and 2019 Euro 4 L300 models:

MMPC first vice president for sales and marketing Alvin S. Dalida said: “The L300 is one of our products that we are very proud of. Its legacy roots from the years of dependable quality performance and affordable cost of ownership that the L300 provides the market. We are very excited for the return of the trusted workhorse as we know that the L300 will once again play a vital role as reliable vehicle for various transportation requirements. The improved features and fuel efficiency will, without a doubt, be one of the key highlights of this unit that will help drive the Filipino business forward.”