YOU wouldn't think it by looking at them but the Smart ForFour and the Mitsubishi Colt share 60 per cent of their components and are built at the same plant in Holland.
For while Smart opted for an extremely quirky look, Mitsubishi's Colt is much more mainstream and all the better for it.
The sporty little Colt is sleeker and sharper and offers an amazing amount of space inside. This offering is the sixth generation of Colt and is easily the best.
It offers everything you would expect from a modern supermini and is also keenly priced in an effort to give Mitsubishi a foothold in a tough market.
The designers have produced an attractive little motor which has a long wheelbase and wide tracks to maximise space. There is no doubt they have succeeded, as there is plenty of head, leg and shoulder room.
The design also allows for excellent all-round visibility and load carrying is truly flexible thanks to the 60/40 split rear seats which can individually slide, recline, fold or be removed completely.
The modern dashboard and driving controls are well laid out and neatly packaged and it is fairly simple to select a decent driving position.
The quality of some of the trim could be better, but you have to remember that costs have been trimmed to produce an affordable little number.
The 1.3-litre 94bhp unit which is made in Germany is a willing worker and has a claimed top speed of 112mph, although I wouldn't like to be sitting in it at the time.
The sprint to 62mph takes all of 11.2 seconds but feels quicker and it cruises quite comfortably at motorway speeds.
Safety features are well to the fore with twin front airbags and ABS with electronic brake distribution as standard. Three-point safety belts are also fitted for every passenger.
The ride and handling is as good as any of the competition and the little supermini copes well in most conditions.
The test car was the Elegance model which included leather upholstery, front foglamps, audio controls on the steering wheel, additional side airbags, immobiliser, electric heated door mirrors, CD player, air conditioning, central locking and ofcourse a must-have chromed exhaust.
Not a bad package for £11,499 but I am sure you could negotiate an even better deal if you pushed the right buttons.
The little Colt is up against some really tough opposition but it does offer an alternative to the models from larger manufacturers. It will certainly provide reliable transport at an affordable price.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 Elegance 5dr
Price: £11,499
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,332cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.1 secs
Combined mpg: 47.1
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 143g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust; 6yrs paint