What they said when the Mitsubishi Colt was new… (Jun 15 2004)
IT used to be so simple. Not so long ago a small car came either as a hatchback or a saloon. A straightforward choice, then.
The traditionalists went for a saloon with two or four doors while families and outdoor types who like more versatility opted for the hatch.
Now the small notchback saloon is all but dead. And the rest of the B-segment, as the car moguls like to call it, is subdivided between conventional hatches like the Peugeot 206 and Toyota Yaris and mini people carriers such as the new Fiat Idea and the popular Honda Jazz.
And now Mitsubishi - profitable in Europe for the first time in three decades - has quite literally driven a wedge right through the segment by launching their new Colt which fits neatly between the two established formula.
With the tall, upright architecture of an MPV which therefore provides loads of cabin space, it sets out to appeal to keen drivers with gutsy performance and more agile handling.
But it's a fact that for many potential buyers, the subtle nuances of marketing and design will go largely unnoticed. Their attention will be grabbed by something far more fundamental - price.
And set against the opposition, the new Colt stacks up as a bargain. Cheapest of the new range, which goes on sale in September, is the 1.1-litre which starts at £8,999.
The 1.3-litre begins at £9,999 and topline 1.5-litre petrol with novel AllShift auto box comes in at £12,499. There is also a 1.5-litre direct injection diesel at £11,499.
In addition to the four engine options there are four choices of trim level. Good news is that the basic spec is high - even the base version getting air-con, alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, CD system and alarm/immobiliser.
The fifth generation Colt is the product of an alliance between Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler - a love affair which was broken off before the wedding invitations went out.
Despite the snub, Mitsubishi has found new backers and is back in the black. The new range of engines were designed in Japan and made in Germany, the car itself is built at Mitsubishi's NedCar plant in Holland and the cabin has been entirely designed by Europe - and all the better for it.
When it comes to space, the MPV-style height ensures that the Colt is towards the top of its class, only the Jazz being able to measure up in terms of legroom and cargo space.
But the Mitsubishi has one or two clever tricks hidden up its sleeve - the rear seats not only split, fold and recline but can be removed altogether to expand luggage space hugely. There is also a handy shelf beneath the passenger seat for oddments.
So has Mitsubishi's attempt at positioning the Colt between MPV and racy hatch worked when it comes to driving? Certainly it handles more crisply than most mini . But there's more body roll than a hatch.
The saving grace is the brilliant power steering which is both direct and sensitive. Having electronic assistance rather than working off hydraulics, it is more economical, less complex and produces greater feel.
I spent the majority of miles behind the wheel of the 1.5 petrol - a spirited 16-valver with a healthy 109bhp. With the optional AllShift six-speed box - that works out at just £500 extra - it doubles as a sporty manual or a lazy man's auto.
A bit less smooth than a conventional automatic, it nevertheless takes the strain out of city crawls and the manual, clutchless gearchange is fast and nimble. With a price tag of £12,499 for the 1.5 petrol and £11,999 for the 1.3, each represents a bargain.
Around the 50mpg mark should be an everyday possibility from the 1.5-litre diesel which packs 95bhp. Prices start at £11,499 and this too is available with the AllShift box.
Words: Jonathan Smith
Copyright