Who would buy a car like that? This was the question I was asked more than any other when people saw the Mitsubishi L200 complete with its special "tweaking," courtesy of Enstone-based Walkinshaw Performance.

On the face of it, I suppose they had a point. The already aggressively-styled pickup is huge by comparison with a modern hatchback.

Add the jet black paintwork, checked transfer kit and raucous twin exhausts and you could argue it falls between a boy racer's dream and the everyday workhorse the standard vehicle has become for farmers, builders and anyone who wants to regularly carry up to a tonne of equipment.

But of course it stands apart from the crowd and heads turn everywhere it goes. If you fancy something genuinely different but still supremely practical, then this is the vehicle for you.

So it was with a slight sense of trepidation that I climbed into the cab of the L200, but I need not have worried.

Inside it is remarkably car-like and the double cab configuration means there is plenty of room for rear seat passengers too, with four large doors allowing easy access.

The driving position is good with excellent visibility over the long bonnet which inspires confidence.

Turn the key and the idea that this is just like any other car is reduced by the audible growl from the 2.5 litre diesel engine.

It's not harsh but it is a lot louder than the diesels you find in most modern cars and that is partly down to the twin exhausts fitted by Walkinshaw Performance, which, I am assured, add another ten brake horsepower to the vehicle.

Former racing driver and Formula One boss Tom Walkinshaw himself developed the car by testing it on his farm next to his factory.

There is masses of torque at low revs which makes it absolutely ideal for crossing muddy fields, fording streams or towing large caravans or trailers, helped by the four-wheel drive system which is operated manually and offers high and low ratios.

All this power is allied to a relatively straightforward five-speed gearbox, with a large van-like gear lever that just adds to the impression that you are driving a vehicle that can go just about anywhere.

On the road acceleration appears a little sluggish at first but squeeze the throttle and the L200 surges forward and the power for overtaking never seems to run out, even at motorway speeds.

The handling is also sharp and that is in no small part due to the addition of coil springs at the rear by the Walkinshaw team, coupled with Koni dampers in place of the traditional leaf spring layout on the standard car.

This helps the vehicle corner without significant roll and adds greatly to grip, which is also helped by the 20-inch alloy wheels - also non-standard fit.

But despite this, the L200 does not let you forget it is ultimately a truck and despite those coil springs, the ride quality is not up to car standards and led to a few complaints from rear seat passengers.

Despite that it is quite happy around town and the excellent turning circle can get you out of tight spots, although Oxford's Worcester Street car par on a busy Saturday afternoon was a challenge I would not like to repeat!

Out on the open road the L200 is a pussy cat and as soon as drivers see it in their mirrors, they are happy to move over.

Inside, the specification is standard for the Warrior variant and features climate control with a particularly good heater, while the cloth seats are comfortable enough and the controls straightforward.

Who would buy this car? Well, of course it will appeal to the farmers and builders but the Walkinshaw Performance additions make it a driver's car and don't be surprised to see a few of these turning up in streets near you.

You won't see them advertised in dealerships, but they are available in certain places if you ask nicely.

The extra £2,595 on top of the very reasonable list price (£4,495 with the wheels) will be an investment in something just a little different from the norm, especially if you persuade the tax man it is for business use only, and claim back the VAT.