Description
In 2008 Mitsubishi refreshed its smallest vehicle in the lineup, the Colt. Based on the success of Lancer Evo story, the Japanese carmaker adopted the same front design for the Colt. Another important improvement to the car was the introduction of the 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine in the “Ralliart” version. By 2008, that engine was only available on the three-door version.
Besides the existing engine lineup, with power ranging from 75 hp to 109 hp, Mitsubishi introduced a special version named “Cleartec”, which had an automatic “Stop&Go” function and regenerative braking for charging the car's battery and thus improved the fuel-efficiency with a claimed 10%.
To improve pedestrian safety, which started to be taken into account for the five-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating, Mitsubishi installed new front wings, grille, and hood to obtain more points for that measurement. It also had a new front bumper installed. At the back, a slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, new liftgate stamping, and a more elaborated bumper design visually lowered and widened the car considerably (5-door only).
For the interior, most of the materials and design were unchanged. That said, the rear seat arrangement and modularity were modified in order to obtain a bigger maximum trunk space, from 854 l (30.1 cu-ft) from the previous Mitsubishi Colt to 1032 l (36.4 cu-ft) to 2008 Colt.
Press Release
Following 267,000 units of the first generation Colt Mitsubishi Motors has wished to capitalize on this success and follow up with a grown-up (only ± 35% carry-over parts) but still distinctive product:
- more in line with the brand's identity (sharper new design & signature "Jet Fighter" grille)
- more in line with its positioning (new 3- and 5-door Ralliart sporty models)
- more in line with the latest market trends (forthcoming 1.1 and 1.3 Clear Tec variants)
- more consistent (less distinction between Mitsubishi Colt 3-door and 5-door variants than before)
- more mature (perceived quality, cargo flexibility, comfort features, NVH, driving dynamics)
Junior Lancer
In that sense, the next generation Mitsubishi Colt gets closer to its sharp Mitsubishi Lancer siblings introducing an exterior design thoroughly refreshed by Mitsubishi Design Europe.
Trading the MPV-like high stance of its predecessor for a lower and wider attitude, it first strikes with the adoption of a rather in-your-face full "Jet Fighter" grille together with all-new body panels fore the A-pillar, all contributing to a stronger on-road presence, but also to an improved level of pedestrian safety.
Mitsubishi Colt 5-door (2009)
2009 Mitsubishi Colt 5-door
The side view offers a more elongated window line thanks to black sash foils applied on the C- and D-pillars (D-pillar only for Mitsubishi Colt 5-door body) and blacked-out sills.
At the back, a wrap-around and slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, a new liftgate stamping and more elaborated bumper design add character whilst visually lowering and widening the car considerably (5-door only).
Signature
In line with Mitsubishi's brand heritage & positioning, a new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.
Compared to the previous Mitsubishi Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.
Clear Tec
In parallel to the existing petrol engines (1.1 / 75ps, 1.3 / 95ps, 1.5 / 109ps), Mitsubishi will introduce new "low CO2" variants of the next generation Mitsubishi Colt, under the umbrella name of "Clear Tec".
They will feature - amongst others - "Automatic Stop & Go" (AS&G) and regenerative braking technologies, leading to an improvement of over 10% in terms of CO2 emissions (according to variant/engine - figure subject to final homologation).
A dedicated "Flex Fuel" (FFV) variant will also be part of the Clear Tec program for Mitsubishi Colt.
Considering the rather low volume of Diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of Diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, Clear Tec packages will replace the previous Diesel powertrain in the Mitsubishi Colt range.
Grown Up
The next generation Mitsubishi Colt is also a better / nicer place to spend long hours of driving with changes driven by customer feedback over the past 4 years, including lower level of NVH (Noise - Vibration - Harshness), redesigned dashboard, new higher quality trim, enhanced equipment and revised rear seating flexibility leading to an increased cargo volume (from 854 l for the previous Mitsubishi Colt to 1,032 l now).
