THE smallest engine in the Mitsubishi Colt range is only a 1.1 but it produces a very good 74bhp.
In such a light car this makes it nippy and full of fun while it sounds brilliant when pressed up the rev range.
It's the pick of the range for me, despite the fact that the model is also available with 94bhp 1.3 and 107bhp 1.5 petrols, plus a 94bhp 1.5 turbodiesel.
The Colt is a much better looking clone of the ugly smart forfour which has now gone out of production.
Mitsubishi has kept new prices well down so that the cheapest Red is one of the least expensive superminis on the market.
So although second-hand prices hold up well, these are still quite an affordable choice.
Add in Mitsubishi's legendary reliability, very tidy handling and road holding, excellent power steering and good comfort and you have a fine small car.
Interior
There is little roll and the front seats hold well even in the cheapest models.
Although the ride can be lumpy in town, it is good at speed over longer trips.
The rear seat slides to make more boot or people space which gives excellent versatility for a small car.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Colt 1.1
Price: An '01 51-reg 1.1 Classic 5dr should be £5,000, an '05 55-reg CZ2 1.3 3dr should be £6,800 and an '04 54-reg 1.5 DiD Equippe will be £6,400.
Mechanical: 74bhp, 1.1-litre, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 103mph
0-62mph: 12.9 secs
Combined mpg: 49
Insurance group: 3
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Nissan Micra, Ford Ka