Mitsubishi's new Colt ClearTec

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Introduction

Apparently, when pushed, Japanese engineers always deliver. So when Mitsubishi's worldwide distributers asked for more efficient models for ever more environmentally conscious customers the Japanese engineers worked so hard that between the preliminary info for the new Colt ClearTec reaching the UK and the actual car itself rolling off the car transporter ship at the docks the CO₂ emissions had improved by around 10%.

What is it?

ClearTec is the new all-encompassing brand name from Mitsubishi that will let everyone know you're driving something a bit environmentally special. It's introduced here in the Colt, its most natural home in the Mitsubishi line-up. Like rival manufacturers' super efficient superminis it uses a stop-start system to cut the engine in traffic to help it return its impressive fuel consumption and CO₂ figures. Unlike many of its rivals though it's powered by a petrol engine. The Auto Stop & Go system, clever alternator, low-rolling resistance tyres and other efficiency measures allow the 1.3-litre petrol unit to return excellent economy and emissions figures without having to fill up at the black pump.

Mitsubishi claims that, at this price point, people aren't keen to pay the extra for diesel engines and that the differential in economy - and crucially that between petrol and diesel prices at the pumps - means you'd have to do a massive number of miles to recoup any savings by opting for a diesel. That's a valid point.

How does it drive?

The ClearTec Colt drives just like its 1.3-litre relative, only when you put it in neutral in traffic and take your foot off the clutch when sitting still the engine goes silent. Push that clutch down again and the engine fires up. Inside, it's huge, the Colt one of only a handful of superminis that you'll genuinely get adult passengers in the rear - comfortably that is. The boot's big, too. The driving position is good, the large glass area making all-round visibility excellent, though annoyingly the steering wheel only adjusts for height and not reach.

The 1.3-litre engine delivers 94bhp and is willing and smooth even when it's pushed. Not that you will be pushing it if you're so economy minded. It rides well, is quiet on the move and the steering is nicely weighted and accurate. The gearshift is a bit ponderous though, and improved as it over its predecessor's, the interior still features too many hard plastics. Overall the Colt delivers a competent drive, which doesn't feel compromised by its ClearTec green status.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

All superminis are gentle on the environment but the ClearTec is gentler than most. Emissions of CO₂ are 119g/km and it'll return 56.5mpg on the combined cycle. Official figures are always pretty unachievable so expect somewhere nearer 50mpg in ordinary driving. Mitsubishi is keen to point out its green credentials on a wider scale too, being one of only a handful of manufacturers with a genuinely electric car on sale and apparently Mitsubishi's other companies are heavily involved in wind farm turbine technology. So if you're the sort that likes your green statement to be more than tokenism then a ClearTec Colt could be just the thing.

Verdict

If you're after a spacious, practical supermini then the Colt ClearTec is undoubtedly a sensible pick. Economy is in the region of 50mpg and CO₂ emissions are in the sub 120g/km bracket making it a tax-efficient buy too. The willing 1.3-litre engine is smooth and quiet and the Colt drives competently and comes well equipped as standard. Throw in a three-year fixed price servicing deal at £295 and good residual values and it makes even more sense.

Kyle Fortune

Wednesday March 25