ANY vehicle carrying a name like Warrior or Barbarian needs to be able to deliver on its promises.

Big, bold and brash, Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up is a load-lugger with a dash of Wild West attitude.

And this self-confident 4x4 is continuing to prove to be a popular choice, outselling every other pick-up in the country last year.

Mitsubishi has recognised that a large number of modern pick-ups are bought for recreational use, so the range has been split into two distinct groups.

Priced from £13,249, the 4Work offers a straightforward, hard-working no-nonsense business tool, with steel wheels and a simple, functional interior. The comfier 4Life models add features such as manual air-conditioning, power windows, keyless entry and central locking.

Then there are the Warrior and Barbarian models, for buyers who want the versatility of a rugged modern pick-up, but refuse to give up any of their home comforts and bling. So everything has been thrown in, from leather seats and air-conditioning, to a satnav system complete with colour screen.

And even this, the toughest of the Japanese car maker’s models, is being made greener with improvements in both fuel economy and emissions.

On the open road, the 2.5-litre, 175 horsepower turbo-diesel Barbarian is a surprisingly competent long-distance cruiser, with an excellent quiet ride and an advanced 4x4 system that allows the L200 to be driven in four-wheel-drive at any speed. The linked stability and traction control system automatically applies the brakes and controls the supply of pulling power to individual wheels to enhance traction and stability both on- and off-road.

At 17ft long, even with a best-in-class turning circle, the Barbarian can prove a headache in supermarket car parks, although the in-built reversing camera proves a boon.

The L200 has had a gentle makeover for 2010, with a new front grille, projector-type headlamps, revised instruments, aux-in audio and a new centre console and armrest. A key change with the latest model is the addition of an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic gearbox, replacing the previous four-speed unit.

The double cab version puts greater emphasis on people space, with the longest cabin length in the sector and the most rear legroom. Driver and passenger airbags are standard across the range and a passenger airbag deactivation switch is located in the glovebox, allowing a child seat to be safely installed. Double cab models also feature ISOFIX child seat mounting points.

Make no mistake, despite the name and the bling, with a payload capacity of more than a tonne, 2.7 tonnes of towing ability and a double-walled, galvanised cargo bed, the Barbarian is one tough cookie.

Price: £26,935 inc VAT Insurance group: 10E Fuel consumption (Combined): 30.1mpg Length: 518.5cm/204.1in Width: 181.5cm/71.5in Loadspace length: 150.5cm/59.25in Loadspace width: 147cm/57.9in Payload allowance: 1045kg Fuel tank capacity: 16.5 gallons/75 litres CO2 emissions: 248g/km Warranty: 3 years/100,000 miles