Mitsubishi Colt 1.6 HEV (2024) model review

Perhaps not the most intelligent idea of Mitsubishi: at the press introduction of the new Colt, they showed all the previous generations in the field. Six examples of cars that you remember ‘from the past’, which were once around everywhere and each had its own identity; from the original angular Colt from 1978 to the ugly little ball from the 2000s built by NedCar. And then beside it the number seven… a Renault Clio with a revised nose.

You can question it, but it’s very simple: right now it’s either this Colt or no Colt at all. Mitsubishi has no models in Europe and cars borrowed from the ‘alliance’ are a great way to fill gaps in the range quickly without incurring high development costs. You’ll get that profit if you sell hundreds of thousands of cars a year, but Mitsubishi doesn’t do that here.

Playing borrowed money from Renault is not a bad thing

Maybe the next generation can be given its face earlier in development, but for now you have to make do with this Cliolt. Is that bad? Not really, because the foundation has not changed – and that means that Colt, like Renault, is a big deal. The nose of the Mitsubishi doesn’t even look bad on it.

We drive the version with a 1.6 liter hybrid powertrain, which previously caused shock at Renault because of its construction: four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motor. So a lot of manual work happens while driving, but the only thing you notice is that the gasoline engine sometimes starts suddenly when you didn’t think it was necessary.

Four cylinders are not very stable, but the flexibility that joins the work of the car is found again. Moreover, the electric motor seems to be able to do this on its own for a long time, even on steep slopes or during sudden acceleration from a standstill.

The interior of the Mitsubishi Colt is a little dark

Inside the Colt everything is dark and the door panels are clearly visible, even in our top version. Fortunately, there is a small strip of mood lighting on the center console. Renault drivers will recognize graphics on two screens, from navigation to the ‘My Feeling’ flower. All information is beautifully presented; you see a normal battery charge when you brake.

The automatic gear lever has a B position for more revs, but there is no option to shift gears manually. Awkward when the engine sits in high revs, which sometimes happens. It also makes your driving tests less difficult, as the Colt with its electronic boost accelerates quickly and can be launched into a bend without forcing you straight out of your seat on bumpy road surfaces.

Colt is cheaper than Clio

Compared to the Clio, the Colt has several advantages, such as a lower 1,000 euro entry price in the Netherlands – for the base version without a turbo and a five-speed gearbox that Renault does not offer. Mitsubishi also gives us a longer warranty: eight years compared to Renault’s two. On the other hand, the full version tested here is more expensive than the Clio.

And what you can see as a disadvantage is the fact that you are driving around a car wearing a mask. Similarly, if the assumed identity of your mode of transport does not appeal to you, you can now find a good deal at a Mitsubishi showroom.