For the second year in succession, Mitsubishi’s L200 pick-up and Shogun 4-Work models have been voted top of their categories in the Professional Light Truck and Van magazine awards. The trophies were presented at a ceremony held last week, following the first-day of the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Once again, the L200 beat competition from the likes of Nissan, Toyota, Ford and Isuzu to take the title of ‘Pick-up of the Year’, whilst the Shogun had its market-leading position confirmed by winning the ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year’ award.

Over the past 12 months, the magazine’s journalists have driven every light commercial vehicle available in the UK. A final assessment is then carried out, which comprises a day with a panel of judges made up of fleet buyers, transport managers, professional drivers and staff from the magazine. After taking into account a range of criteria, the judges decide the best vehicles in each of the 17 categories.

The magazine attributed the success of the L200 to its style and versatility, together with its extensive range of variants. With the option of single, double or club-cab configurations, coupled to differing load area sizes, the choice is far greater than that of any other manufacturer in the pick-up sector.

The magazine went on to say, “When the new L200 was launched, it set new standards in terms of looks and luxury in the pick-up market, but this stylish and comfortable vehicle has lost none of the marque’s renowned practicality.”

Commenting on the Shogun, the magazine said, “Unlike many other manufacturers, Mitsubishi continues to make a very effective ‘commercial’ version of its Shogun 4x4 range which fulfils the needs of a significant sector of the working community, to the extent that others are now seeking to do the same.”

The judge’s assessments were based on a 2006 model Shogun – a factor that makes the award even more significant, as Mitsubishi’s iconic on/off-roader has just been superseded by the new-model Shogun that was launched in February. With the improvements in ride, comfort and equipment that come with the latest version of the Shogun, there is an excellent chance Mitsubishi could win this category again next year.

“I am delighted that our L200 and Shogun models have been voted best in class for a second year,” said Managing Director for Mitsubishi Motors UK Jim Tyrrell. “Commercial vehicles are manufactured to do a job and these awards endorse the durability and versatility of our vehicles.”

Mitsubishi Motors is now the number one provider of 4x4 light commercial vehicles in the UK.  Its range of four models and 22 variants includes the award-winning L200 and Shogun LWB and SWB, plus the new Outlander, which is soon to join the 4-Work fleet.

Whilst the L200 continues to out-sell any other pick-up on the market, Mitsubishi offers its ‘car-derived-vans’ to customers looking for the comfort and drivability of a passenger car together with load-carrying capability – in addition to the ‘go-anywhere’ versatility offered by a Mitsubishi 4x4.