A FAMILIAR name on our road for some years, the Colt from the Mitsubishi stable is in a new generation and this spirited model is intended for taking life at the gallop.
No dreary yesterday styling here. The latest Colt is a feisty in-your-face hatch that is unashamedly aimed at the younger generation.
This hatchback has come a long way since the original of the 1970s, but to my mind it is very underrated, being overshadowed in the massive list of choices by more popular products.
This is the sixth generation model and is a different animal to other more conservative Colts of the past.
It is more like a mini MPV in shape than a hatchback and is designed to introduce more comfort and style into the lives of buyers.
If you imagine it is built in Japan, then think again because the Colt CZ is turned out at Mitsubishi's NedCar plant in Holland which used to make the Mitsubishi Carisma for UK customers .
The petrol options come in 1.1-litre three cylinder 74bhp unit, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder 94bhp engine or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder.
But interested eyes are on the diesel, a perky DaimlerChrysler-developed, 1.5 turbocharged three-cylinder unit which develops 94bhp and returns around 59mpg.
All models come with twin front airbags and ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) while security facilities include deadlocks and remote central locking .
The three-door 1.5 DI-D CZ3 model I drove was a typical nippy hatch with a diesel engine that had a beat to it.
Three-cylinder engines often sound more sporty than they are, but in this case there is definitely muscle behind the roar.
With a 9.9 second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 112mph the diesel Colt is quite an inspirational drive.
It holds the road beautifully and has plenty of room for five.
There is very much the designer touch inside with luminous control buttons and the like. In fact it was a bit too futuristic for my taste but created a pleasant atmosphere in the dark.
If I have a moan about this car it is that the diesel noise is just too loud and does need some insulation.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 DI-D CZ3 3dr
Price: £11,164
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,493cc, 3cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 58.9
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 126g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 6yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust