TAKE a moment to look at the latest generation of the Mitsubishi Colt and I defy you not to be impressed.
From the 'jet fighter' style grille to the radically altered rear end light cluster this is a supermini that has a sporty style that appeals.
It is bigger with sharp lines, smart alloys and a redesigned interior that makes the most of the Colt's tall construction. This gives the car major plus points in the battle to secure sales in one of the most competitive sectors of the market.
But there's one crucial omission that stops the Colt joining the elite - and it is the boot. There is barely enough room to swing a mouse, let alone a cat. Try and get a set of golf clubs in the back - something top superminis can accomplish with ease - and you'll come up short.
And that is a shame because in most other respects this is a car that is choc full of good ideas and nice touches.
The ClearTec model I drove is extremely efficient using neat stop/start technology to reduce the pull on the purse strings. The model boasts average fuel economy in excess of 56mpg, while low carbon dioxide emissions help lower the tax bill and running costs are further reduced by a low insurance rating.
The stop/start operates by turning the engine off when you put the car in neutral - restarting it when the clutch is depressed. As well as saving fuel it also stops the car pumping out pollutants which gives the Colt decent green credentials.
The cabin is a pleasant place to be as the latest Colt has more head and legroom for passengers so there's plenty of room for four occupants - although fitting three across the back seat is a squeeze if you want to carry five.
The plastics used in the cabin are hard to the touch but should prove durable over time while the interior features plenty of cubby holes and drinks holders.
The Colt has four trim levels, CZ1, CZ2, CZ2 ClearTec and Ralliart and is available either as a three or five door.
Three engines are available - a 74bhp 1.1-litre, a 94bhp 1.3-litre and a turbocharged, 147bhp 1.5-litre engine in the range-topping Ralliart model. As far as performance goes the 1.3-litre engine is sprightly, but the emphasis is on economy rather than hot hatch status so don't expect to set the world on fire in the Colt.
That said Mitsubishi's supermini is pretty decent to drive as the reactive chassis makes the car eager to nip into spaces in traffic while also holding its own on a twisty country road.
With a starting price of £7,999 the new Colt is priced to sell in large numbers, while the ClearTec five-door at £10,099 offers diesel-like economy with a high specification that includes a raft of safety equipment such as assisted emergency braking and a system which gives the most power to the wheels with more grip if you start to skid. In emergency braking situations the hazard lights flash at double speed to warn other drivers.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 CZ2 ClearTec 5dr
Price: £10,099
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,332cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 56.5
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 119g/km
BiK rating: 10%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage