Mitsubishi L300 owner testimonial: 'If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.'

Updated Feb 24, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It just keeps on going.

The Mitsubishi L300. It's an old platform that’s been around for a very long time. And yet, Mitsubishi Philippines is consistently selling a lot of L300 units. As such, we can also assume that many are sold on this van’s capabilities.  

To further elaborate, Mitsubishi itself has interviewed Ric Joseph Incognito, a current L300 owner who swears by the said model’s robustness, utility, and reliability. In fact, he has two L300 FB units which he uses for his enterprise.

A picture of the Mr. Incognito's L300 units parked side by side.

Mr. Incognito's L300 FBs 

According to Mr. Incognito, the powerplant of the L300 is alright for what it's made for. He also added that it is relatively low-maintenance, and it is reliable. On top of that, the engine also does great when it comes to hauling stuff.  He further adds that the L300 is the market leader when it comes to durability. This is very obvious since you can still see very old L300s running around the country even after years and years of service. 

Of note, the current version of the Mitsubishi L300 uses a Euro 4 compliant 2.2-liter inline-4 diesel engine. At most, the said mill can churn out 98 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Coupled with the robust chassis, the L300 can carry up to 1,215 kilograms of cargo. And of course, it can do so even when traveling on rough, unpaved roads. 

Mr. Incognito also said that the tough and sturdy L300 FB is also safe. As such, it can also do well as a family carrier. This is because it uses a chassis that was reinforced with structural adhesives. This is also the reason why it can carry that amount of weight while being able to take on rough roads.

>>> Related: Owner of 1997 Mitsubishi L300 Versa Van shares driving experience

A picture of the Incognito family together with one of their L300s

The Incognito family with one of their L300s

With these qualities, the Mitsubishi L300 has more than proven itself in the Philippine market. For some like Mr. Incognito, it is the standard with which to compare other commercial vehicles. The L300 platform is almost 40 years old. With how old it is, it is impressive how it can more than keep up with the demands of the modern entrepreneur. To this, we can certainly say: “why fix something that isn’t broken?” 

For more automotive news, car reviews, and car maintenance tips, keep reading here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Mitsubishi L300 2024

Mitsubishi L300

The current Mitsubishi L300 2024 by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi is based on the L300 Versa Van. While the latter was more of a family carrier, Mitsubishi has since marketed the L300 FB mainly as a commercial vehicle (CV). In the Philippines market, the L300 FB uses a Euro 4 compliant 2.2-liter 4N14 diesel power plant. At most, this mill can make up to 98 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear via a five-speed manual transmission.

When it comes to dimensions, the L300 spans 4,440 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,915 mm. Also, it gets a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,350 mm and 195 mm, respectively. This Mitsubishi CV is competing in the local market against the likes of Kia K2500, Isuzu Traviz, and Hyundai H-100.

>>> New and used Mitsubishi L300 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Mitsubishi L300 Launch

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) officially launched the refreshed L300 model in 2019. It now has better visibility, and more ground clearance, as well as a new bumper and grille. 

Primarily, the Mitsubishi-made L300 is used as a commercial vehicle. Its leaf springs enable it to carry up to a ton of cargo, and it can also be configured as a refrigerated delivery truck, and a flat-bed truck, among others. 

Mitsubishi L300 Exterior

On the outside, the refreshed Mitsubishi L300 for the Philippines market largely retains its boxy shape. Up front, it is equipped with box-shaped multi-reflector halogen headlamps, and halogen fog lamps. The FB body features a black-colored step for ease of entry, rectangular rear taillights, and dual rear doors. Lastly, the L300 rides on a set of 14-inch steel wheels.

Mitsubishi L300 exterior

Mitsubishi L300 Interior

Most of the interior pieces of the Philippines-spec L300 2024 are made out of plastic. It also has fabric seats, a steering wheel made out of polypropylene, and a manual air-conditioning system. For the driver, the said model provides a turn-key ignition system, a manual adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment, and an analog gauge cluster.

Mitsubishi L300 interior

For the FB type L300, up to seven occupants can fit inside. The rear passenger section also comes with rear AC vents.

Technology & Safety Features

As a commercial vehicle, the Mitsubishi L300 for the Philippines market is spartan. It does get a radio tuner, that's linked to two speakers, and sufficient storage room in its front cabin. 

For safety, the Mitsubishi-made commercial vehicle gets front-impact beams, side-impact beams, and seatbelts.

Platform & Chassis

The Mitsubishi L300 Philippines can either come as a four-door van or as a three-door van. For the three-seater variant, it has a length of 4,260mm, a width of 1,695mm, a height of 1,895mm, and a ground clearance of 195mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,350mm and a curb weight of 1,260mm.

In terms of layout, the L300 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It uses an independent wishbone-type front suspension, and leaf springs for the rear. Braking is handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. For its handbrakes, it uses a manual, hand-operated type.

Mitsubishi L300 Engine & Drivetrain

The Philippine-spec Mitsubishi L300 2024 uses a Euro 4 compliant 2.2-liter inline-4 DOHC diesel engine with a turbocharged intercooler system. This engine can produce up to 98 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels.

Mitsubishi L300 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Mitsubishi L300 Cab & Chassis ₱825,000
Mitsubishi L300 Aluminum No AC ₱899,000
Mitsubishi L300 with FB Body No AC ₱936,000
Mitsubishi L300 Aluminum Single AC ₱944,000
Mitsubishi L300 with FB Body Single AC ₱981,000
Mitsubishi L300 with FB Body Dual AC ₱998,000

Mitsubishi L300 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Cost-effective maintenance
  • Good fuel economy

Cons

  • Not a lot of options offered
  • No significant features
  • Basic interior layout

Mitsubishi L300 FAQs

1. Is the Mitsubishi L300 reliable?

Absolutely yes. The Mitsubishi L300 may not have a standing-out appearance but it has good performance, long durability, and fuel economy. It’s an ideal choice both for business and family use.

2. What is the engine of the L300?

The Mitsubishi L300 owns a Euro 4 compliant 2.2-liter 4N14 diesel power plant which can generate up to 98 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque.

3. How much is the Mitsubishi L300?

The Mitsubishi L300 price ranges from ₱825,000 to ₱998,000 in the Philipine market.

4. Is the L300 good for business?

Yes, it is the top choice for small businesses since the Mitsubishi L300 has seat capacity of up to 14 passengers but its price is cheap. Its fuel economy is also very impressive. In terms of economy, the L300 is really ideal.

5. Does the L300 have automatic transmission?

No, the Mitsubishi L30 is not equipped with automatic transmission. Instead, it has a five-speed manual transmission.

 

₱ 813,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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