TEST YOURSELF. Mitsubishi Colt 1.0 Benzin MPI Invite

TEST YOURSELF. Mitsubishi Colt 1.0 Benzin MPI Invite

The Mitsubishi Colt is celebrating a surprise return – after a hiatus of more than 10 years. We get behind the wheel of the new compact and test the economical 49 kW/67 hp variant in the Alika equipment variant. Does the newbie live up to his cult status? We will clarify this during a detailed test.

First of all, the entry-level model of the 4.05 m city car currently costs less than 18,000 euros, making it one of the used cars on the Austrian car market. The current Colt Model 24 is very modern, shiny and has a black finish. But that fits the Colt’s overall look, because it wants to score points for its beauty and charm. The Mitsubishi logo is proudly displayed on the back of our test car painted in Arctic White, and LED lights front and rear are also installed as standard on the regular Colt. A classic design feature: the rear door handles are cleverly integrated into the C-pillar and are therefore invisible.

Colt offers a lot of space in the interior, very comfortable in the front and “air space”, the leg room is a little tight in the back, not surprising due to the short overall length of more than 4 meters. The trunk volume is at least less than 400 liters, and The double loading floor proves to be an important detail. The tasteful interior is detailed, the black and gray seats reflect the good character of the Colt. The equipment list is extensive, in the test car we were treated to: heated steering wheel, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, wireless charging, 4-way electric windows, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, phone integration smart, LED interior lighting in the front, cruise control and many other support systems, etc.

Operating data is displayed via a 7-inch digital instrument cluster; all important operating data can be read quickly and easily. Close to it in the middle is the sound of the display of the 7-inch link of the smartphone, which is also placed at eye level – easy to use is Colt’s belief.

Power is provided by the naturally aspirated 49kW/67 hp 1.0 liter MPI three-cylinder engine, but this takes care of the Clio’s 1,149kg curb weight very quickly. The transmission of power through the 5-speed manual proves to be useful in practice and since the shifters are well defined, the gears can be easily arranged with two fingers. This Colt is not a sports car, nor does it need to be. But, especially for short distances, it’s a very efficient, economical city car. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 17 seconds is hard to believe, because the Colt looks alive and the 1-liter gasoline engine loves high speed. The usual strong three-cylinder sound that occurs at the same time does not provide driving comfort. Instead, it gives the Colt a bit of playfulness. Even on the highway, the Japanese driver drives well in the left lane at a speed of up to 160 km / h, so the engine power is enough to reach the chosen destination further away.

When it comes to fuel, the Colt is always stingy: thanks to the automatic suspension system, the Mitsubishi does not consume 5 super liters per 100 km, even in city traffic – without any electric assistance.

Photo: © slz

Conclusion: Mitsubishi Colt, now in its 7th generation, was introduced to the car market at the right time because it meets an important need: more car for less money! In addition, contrary to expectations, it offers a lot of space and equipment, has the usual power of Mitsubishi and is easy on the wallet with low maintenance costs. This means that the new Colt does not need to fear another loyal “fan”, the success story continues!