In the world of functional 4 x 4 trucks, the Japanese lead the way by some considerable margin. The fierce competition between Nissan and Mitsubishi’s 4x4 truck range is testament to the value of the market, and competition for market share has never been so strong.

Mitsubishi wants the L200 range to be seen as real honest work tools, just like a hoe – but now it’s got a bit of ‘glam’. Even the L200’s sponsorship of ITV’s boxing coverage goes for the brainwash tactics and encourages viewers to get more information on the range by ‘texting’ the potentially divorce-inducing word ‘hard’ to one of those expensive 8222-type premium rate numbers. Imagine trying to explain that one away when it’s found in your sent items? The idea is that we’re dealing with a tough range of vehicles designed for tough people.

But the L200 seems a bit more civil partnership than shotgun wedding. It might have gone a bit too far?

The L200, keeping pace with our superficial times, has had a makeover. And, as far as Fleet Times could make out, if it has been overhauled to be more appealing to drug dealers and pimps it’s ticking all the right boxes. This became apparent when I innocently found myself ‘cruising’ through Manchester city centre with a couple of my ‘homies’ at 11 o’clock on a Thursday night (and as we all know, Thursday’s been the new Friday for a while now.) The Warrior 2.8 HD I was driving turned more than a few heads in all the wrong parts of town – But at least I finally felt like I had myself some bling. Something tells me that this might not have been the original idea.

The driving position gives a feeling of power and control, but you’re soon brought back down to earth as you watch the fuel gauge fall like a rumbled Stool Pigeon during sustained periods of acceleration. In environmental and economic terms, the Warrior should be used sparingly.

Of the good points, the handling was impressively light and easy, so after a hard day’s graft it would be a pleasure to go home in. The double cab, with leather interior, wasn’t the most comfortable environment to spend any prolonged period of time, but I’ve experienced much worse in the world of 4x4s, and for that Mitsubishi should be commended.

The Warrior wasn’t a bad truck, indeed it feels like it could drive through walls and keep going forever, but there is nothing exceptional about it. It can’t be compared favourably to cheaper 4x4s if it’s purchased purely for off road heavy work and it doesn’t seem right to own it for working around a town. It may now be the best looking truck of the options, but that’s not guaranteed to cut any ice in the market place it’s operating in.

Style over substance in the world of 4x4 trucks, honestly!