Mitsubishi Colt
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. A likeable supermini with characterful styling, decent performance and good standard equipment on its side - it's just a bit small when compared to more modern rivals.
Review
The Colt is a talented little supermini, and although it now feels relatively small compared to some more recent segment arrivals, it still makes a strong case for itself with a combination of good standard equipment and a painless driving experience.
The handsome styling makes the most of the Colt's tall construction. For our money it looks far better than its unlamented sister car, the over-priced Smart ForFour, ever did. The cabin is well decently spacious and well finished, although the boot is small. Basic versions feel a bit spartan, but plusher versions have a good level of standard equipment.
It drives pretty well, too. Ride quality can get a bit bouncy over rougher road surfaces, and motorway cruising brings highish levels of road and wind noise, but the reactive chassis is keen to dart into gaps in traffic and it can hold its own down a twisty country road.
The basic 1.1 litre petrol engine really punches above its weight, enjoying being revved and giving the Colt a reasonable out-of-town turn of speed. It's good enough to negate much of the point in picking either the 1.3 or 1.5 litre petrols, although the turbocharged 1.5 litre CZT is an amusing hot hatch companion. The 1.5 D-ID diesel is frugal but a bit crude - only worth considering if you're looking to do the sort of serious annual mileage the Colt isn't really designed for.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Pleasing wedge shape makes the most of the Colt's relatively tall, narrow construction.
Handling
3 star
Reasonable grip and a decent enthusiasm for corners, although
Comfort
3 star
The upright seating position becomes uncomfortable after a couple of hours and the ride quality is a bit heavy-footed too.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Impressively assembled inside and out - with the cabin materials feeling noticeably upmarket compared to some rivals.
Performance
3 star
The basic 1.1 litre petrol engine has an impressive amount of urge - to the extent we can't see much point going further up the range. CZT is quick, if not quite a match for Mini Cooper S.
Roominess
3 star
There's plenty of room for four occupants, although fitting three abreast across the back seat is a squeeze. The boot is tiny, though.
Running Costs
4 star
Strong fuel economy, good residuals and competitive servicing costs makes the Colt impressively cost-effective. Basic versions are cheap to insure, too.
Value for money
4 star
Basic versions offer very good value, although air conditioning is an option until mid-way up the range. CZT is a bargain compared to the Ford Fiesta ST.
