The Mitsubishi Colt is back in Europe after a 10-year hiatus. The Japanese automaker has unveiled the all-new Colt, a compact hatchback that promises to offer a low price, a high range, and a sporty design. The new Colt is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform and is developed by Renault. It will be manufactured at Renault’s Bursa plant in Turkey and will hit the Mitsubishi showrooms in Europe from October 2023.
What’s New in the All-New Colt?
The all-new Mitsubishi Colt is the seventh generation of the Colt nameplate, which debuted in 1962 and has sold more than 1.2 million units in Europe between 1978 and 2014. The new Colt features a powerful, sporty appearance that is at home in European cities. The front face echoes the Mitsubishi Motors Dynamic Shield design concept and combines slim, full LED headlights on the upper part with L-shaped LED daytime running lights below for a sharp expression. In the rear, the width-emphasizing bumper provides an agile look with a sense of stability.
The new Mitsubishi Colt comes in two powertrain options: a full hybrid (HEV) model and a gasoline engine model. The HEV model combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors (an alternator-starter and a main motor), an automatic, multi-mode gearbox, and a 1.2 kWh battery. The gasoline model provides the option of a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 1.0-liter gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The all-new Colt also offers a premium interior that is equipped with a Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) at the center of the instrument panel. Using a 7-inch or 9.3-inch display, the driver can access the Multi-Sense system, which allows the personalization of the driving experience, such as the drive modes (My Sense, Sport, or Eco mode), engine and steering response, and ambient lighting. Furthermore, the Bose premium sound system allows for an immersive audio experience while driving. An array of advanced safety features also assists the driver in safe, secure driving.
How Does the All-New Colt Compare to Its Competitors?
The all-new Mitsubishi Colt competes in the crowded segment of compact hatchbacks in Europe, where it faces rivals such as the Renault Clio, the Peugeot 208, the Volkswagen Polo, and the Ford Fiesta. According to Panorica, an online automotive magazine, the Colt has some advantages over its competitors in terms of price, range, and design.
The new Mitsubishi Colt has a starting price of €14,990 ($17,500) for the gasoline model and €19,990 ($23,300) for the HEV model. This makes it one of the most affordable compact hatchbacks in Europe, undercutting its rivals by several thousand euros. For instance, the Renault Clio starts at €16,800 ($19,600) for the gasoline model and €22,100 ($25,800) for the HEV model. The Peugeot 208 starts at €17,000 ($19,800) for the gasoline model and €26,100 ($30,400) for the electric model. The Volkswagen Polo starts at €17,300 ($20,200) for the gasoline model. The Ford Fiesta starts at €18,000 ($21,000) for the gasoline model and €24,000 ($28,000) for the mild hybrid model.
The Mitsubishi Colt also boasts a high range of up to 900 km (560 miles) on a single tank of fuel for the HEV model. This is significantly higher than its competitors’ ranges, which range from 500 km (310 miles) to 700 km (435 miles) for their hybrid or electric models. The all-new Colt’s range is especially impressive considering that it has a small battery capacity of 1.2 kWh compared to its rivals’ battery capacities of 9.8 kWh for the Renault Clio HEV, 50 kWh for the Peugeot 208 electric, and 48 V for the Ford Fiesta mild hybrid.
The new Colt also stands out with its sporty design that reflects its heritage as a rally car. The new Colt has a dynamic silhouette with sharp lines and curves that give it an aggressive look. The front grille features a prominent Mitsubishi logo that is flanked by sleek LED headlights. The rear bumper has a dual exhaust system that adds to its sportiness. The new Colt also offers various color options, such as red, blue, black, white, and silver, as well as alloy wheels and roof rails that enhance its style.
What Do the Experts Say About the All-New Colt?
The Mitsubishi Colt has received positive reviews from some of the experts in the automotive industry. Auto Reporters praised the new Colt for its low price, high range, and sporty design. He said that the new Colt is a smart move by Mitsubishi to revive its presence in Europe and to attract new customers who are looking for an affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive compact hatchback.
Gilbert also noted that the new Colt is a result of the collaboration between Mitsubishi and Renault, which are part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. He said that the new Colt benefits from the shared platform, technology, and production facilities of the alliance, which allow Mitsubishi to reduce costs and increase quality. He added that the new Colt is a good example of how the alliance can leverage its strengths and synergies to create competitive products for different markets.
Gilbert also commented on the future prospects of the new Colt in Europe. He said that the new Colt has a good chance of succeeding in the European market, where there is a high demand for compact hatchbacks that are eco-friendly and economical. He said that the new Colt’s low price and high range will appeal to many customers who are looking for a practical and reliable car that can also offer some excitement and fun. He said that the new Colt could help Mitsubishi regain its market share and reputation in Europe, which have declined in recent years due to various challenges.
Conclusion
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt is a compact hatchback that marks the return of Mitsubishi to the European market after a 10-year hiatus. The new Colt offers a low price, a high range, and a sporty design that make it an attractive option for customers who are looking for an affordable, efficient, and fun-to-drive car. The new Colt is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform and is developed by Renault. It will be available in Europe from October 2023 with two powertrain options: a full hybrid and gasoline engine models. The new Colt has received positive reviews from some of the experts in the automotive industry, who praised its value, performance, and style. The new Colt could help Mitsubishi revive its presence and image in Europe and compete with its rivals in the crowded segment of compact hatchbacks.
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