The Vauxhall Tigra will come under severe pressure this spring with the launch of the new Mitsubishi Colt CZC pictured here. Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show, the third derivative of the Colt line-up appears to offer more equipment and performance than the equivalently priced Tigra, and the Colt even has two occasional rear seats.

Unlike the extensive Tigra and Peugeot 206CC ranges, Mitsubishi will offer just two models in the UK. The entry-level CZC is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre unit outputting a good combination of 107bhp (at 6000rpm) and 107lb.ft of torque (at 4000rpm), enabling the Colt to hit 62mph from rest in 10.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 114mph. The top of the range Colt CZC Turbo is fitted with the turbocharged version of this engine, as found in the Colt CZT junior hot hatch. This engine produces 147bhp and 155lb.ft of torque, imbuing the little convertible with decent hot hatch pace: 0-62mph in a claimed 8.4 seconds and a less relevant top speed of 126mph. Both engines are mated to the Colt's standard slick five-speed manual gearbox.

Of as much interest to buyers in this segment of the market will be the neat new folding hardtop. Roof up, the CZC looks as good as any of its rivals, though it is at its best with the roof stowed. Despite the diminutive proportions of the Colt, Mitsubishi has managed to squeeze rear seats in. No matter how tiny they are, we suspect the lack of any rear space turns buyers off, so their inclusion is a good move.

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