Mitsubishi COLT BLACK
Mitsubishi introduce an entry-level launch edition for their feisty new Colt. Steve Ghosley Reports
Previous versions of the Colt supermini have not been big sellers for Mitsubishi so this new car is seen as the model to change this depressing trend for the company. Thats not to say that previous incarnations of the Colt were particularly bad, it was all due largely to lack of brand recognition and totally uninvolving drive charcteristics. Mitsubishi claim to have resolved the latter and have embarked upon an £8million integrated advertising campaign, the biggest in the companys history, to address the former.
Although Mitsubishi have had some lean years in terms of European sales, the UK importers somewhat confusingly called the Colt Car Company have seen sales double over the past four years. If Mitsubishi can capitalise upon our natural predilection for the three diamonds, the Colt is set fair to give rivals in the supermini class something to think about. Aimed fairly and squarely at Hondas Jazz, the Colt is one of the latest breed of long and tall superminis that accentuate cabin space. To maximise interest in their new baby, Mitsubishi have created the special edition Colt Black.
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This entry-level model is priced at £7,999 on the road and as its name suggests, it only comes in one colour, that of black. This could prove to be quite a clever move by
Mitsubishi as it will make the cheapest model in the range highly desireable both in terms of looks and enconomics. Built in Holland at Volvos former Nedcar plant, this Colt is the sixth generation car to bear the name. If you think the proportions look vaguely familiar, you may well be onto something.
Smarts ultra trendy forfour is based on the same chassis and running gear and shares several of the Colts body panels, albeit smartened up to fit the corporate look and feel. If youre looking to cut a dash outside the gym, the
smart will probably be your choice. If youre sufficiently mature to dispense with the gimmickry, youll save a pot on the Colt and end up with arguably the better car.
"The Colt feels a good deal more assured on the road than that high rise styling might suggest."
Available in five door form only, the Colt Black is offered with a 75bhp 1.1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine allied to a five speed manual gearbox. The unit develops 74bhp at 6,000rpm, propelling the lively Colt to a maximum speed of 103mph. The sprint timing from 0 to 62mph in 13.
4 seconds is reasonable, if not spectacular, for a car of this size. The Colt shares 60% of its parts with the smart forfour but youd be hard pressed to guess this when seated behind the wheel. Everything is neat but sensibly styled with no dials sprouting from the fascia top. Its certainly a major leap forward from the uninspiring Colt interiors weve been accustomed to.
If you expect supermini dashboards to be fussy, cheap and cluttered, the elegantly minimalist Colt fascia will be a very pleasant revelation. This entry-level Colt has a few extras to tempt the buyer and set it apart from the other models in the range, namely remote central locking, front powered windows and a radio CD player along with standard safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags. But the visual difference is the sporty-looking red upholstery of the seats that complements the contemporary design of the interior. Mitsubishi can claim the crown for most interior space in this market sector and theres little doubt that for a supermini at least, this car has been generously cut.
Even with a six footer at the wheel, theres enough room in the back for all but the rangiest adults and the boot is a prodigious size. A long wheelbase and compact suspension set up Macpherson struts up front and a low volume torsion beam arrangement at the rear help to maximise available space, the 2,500mm wheelbase being a good deal longer than a
Renault Clio or a
Fiat Punto. The Colt feels a good deal more assured on the road than that high rise styling might suggest. The suspension is fairly firm but on rutted city streets, only the worst that local government negligence can throw at it will upset its uncanny composure.
The flipside of this is that the Colt offers a surprisingly generous dose of entertainment with decently weighted steering and better than adequate body control. The brakes are discs up front and drums at the back. Anti-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard on all models, as is electrically assisted power steering. By giving the Colt Black its very own distinctive style, Mitsubishi are looking to create a demand for the entry level car from which the other models in the range should benefit.
Its an interesting stategy and one that deserves to succeed. This Colt is a big improvement on its previous generations and a car that should see its sales increase over the long term. If the Colt Black works its magic, then the vast advertising budget may yet still prove to be money well spent.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mitsubishi Colt Black
PRICES: £7,999 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 5E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 135g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 13.4s / Max Speed 103mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [combined] 49.6mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Front airbags, ABS with EBD. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE? Overall length mm 3870
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