New Mitsubishi L200 vs Volkswagen Amarok: interiors
These range-topping pick-ups from Mitsubishi and Volkswagen are workhorses that don't skimp on the luxuries. But which one is the guv'nor?...
Behind the wheel
Driving position, visibility, build quality
As you might expect, you sit suitably far from the road in both of our contenders, looking down on not only hatchbacks and estates but also a good number of SUVs.
The VW Amarok has a more comfortable driving position, though, thanks to its more supportive seat and – if you stump up an extra £168 – adjustable lumbar support. Lower back support is lacking in the Mitsubishi L200 and, due to the relationship between its steering wheel, seat and pedals, you won’t have to be that tall to find you’ve slid the driver’s seat all the way back and still wish it would go a bit further.
Mind you, the L200’s seat has electric adjustment, whereas you have to move the Amarok’s using bicep power unless you fork out an extra £1320. Thanks to its squarer and taller windows, the Amarok is slightly easier to see out of, but while both cars have front and rear parking sensors, the Amarok makes do with a regular rear-view camera, whereas the L200 has a 360deg camera to help you avoid obstacles.
You wouldn’t expect a wealth of soft-touch, upmarket materials in a commercial vehicle, but neither interior feels like it was inspired by the reduced section at Poundland. The Amarok goes the whole hog with full leather to the L200’s half-leather, and the hide on its steering wheel feels that bit softer and plusher.
Infotainment systems
Mitsubishi L200
We won’t beat around the bush: the L200 doesn’t have a particularly good infotainment system. The touchscreen isn’t very bright, it often takes a while to react when you prod it and the operating system doesn’t appear to have been designed with much thought for the user experience. You do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, though, along with a DAB radio.
Volkswagen Amarok
This isn’t VW’s latest and greatest system, but system in the VW Amarok is still a lot better than the L200’s. It’s easier to use and quicker to respond, plus there are physical shortcut buttons flanking the screen that are much easier to hit while driving than the touch-sensitive equivalents in the Mitsubishi L200. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard, although the voice control function isn’t much cop.
