Japanese submachine guns: Mitsubishi Colt CZT

CZT, long way. Gone are the glories of the 90s and 2000s, when between the 3000GT, FTO and Lancer Evo, the desire to go fast shone through the entire “Mitsu” lineup, the CZT, upon closer inspection. one of the latest birthday games of a Japanese brand. The secret is in the engine, a simple but invincible engine, especially when used in small vehicles, such as a car. three meters and 80 centimeters of Colt CZT. And here, in fact, Mitsubishi has avoided any effort.

Turbospinta. What distinguishes the CZT is the presence of a turbocharged four cylinder 1.5. 150 horses 6.000 rpm and 210 Nm maximum torque of 3,500: an engine using MIVEC technology, i.e. variable valve timing, similar to the multi-victory and iconic Evo In short, the guarantee of a very high level of performance is confirmed, indeed the CZT does not disappoint. and the numbers that, in 2004, the year the car was launched, had the right of minority “same class”. From 0-100 in less than 8 seconds, up to maximum speed of 210 km / halso thanks to the mass contained in only 960 kg.

Important changes. Designed and built at the request of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, the CZT is different from its five-door sister: from the more inclined windshield, to the short rear overhang, it is also low, while remaining, at 1.51 meters, visually. more like a small crossover than a “hot hatch”. The wheel and track, however, are unchanged, as is the suspension arrangement: MacPherson strut in front and torsion beam in the back, with reinforced springs and 205/45 tires on 16-inch rims; four disc brakes. These unique details are not enough however, despite the presence of side skirts, three air intakes and a spoiler on the tailgate, sparks spark between enthusiasts. Even inside, despite the sports seats, the leather covering the steering wheel and the special design with the gear change gaiter, the aluminum details – as well as the good pedals – there is nothing that makes the heart beat.

But on the road… Everything changes, however, when you turn on the power button and the CZT starts moving, and a turbo that pushes gradually, without giving the impression of “hanging”. After all, it is an engine that lends itself without difficulty to be modified, and which pleases the driver, thanks to the important sound from the turbine, which, together with the “chatty” exhaust, gives the car a certain drive. the subject of the meeting, at least from the point of view of acoustic sensations. It was not the best seller, CZT, to put it mildly, at least in our country, although it cost 18,420 euros. A price that, compared to the current small sports cars that remain on the price list, makes you smile. That’s why it probably makes sense to hurry up and put one in the garage, taking advantage of the reduced road tax on the first, clean twenty-year-old models.