From an aesthetical standpoint, the Mitsubishi Colt is a step forward in the look of the brand. Prior to the new Galant and
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| The Colt is a breath of fresh air, drawing styling inspiration from many European "monobox" cars, but still offering something slightly unique. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
Endeavor, and to some extent the Outlander compact SUV, the rest of the world dealt with mundane looking vehicles such as the Space Star. The Colt is a breath of fresh air, drawing styling inspiration from many European "monobox" cars, but still offering something slightly unique. Styling has been kept sharp but not cluttered, carrying over elements such as the headlights, the narrow nosed grille and the vertically-stretched taillights from the performance CZ-series concept cars. Mitsubishi stylist Oliver Boulay commented on the CZ3 3-door hatchback as being a means of "demonstrating the depth and breadth of the New Colt design, being much more than just a Colt five-door minus two doors."
In true Mitsubishi fashion there's a lot more to the Colt than what appears on the surface. As previously mentioned the chassis of the new subcompact shares its genes with smart's up and coming forfour family vehicle. Both will use a suspension layout comprised of struts up front and a torsion beam in back. The
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| If the Colt were to appear in North America, it is expected that only the 1.5-liter four-cylinder would be offered. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
engines that have been selected for sales in Europe consist of three that run on gasoline, including 1.1-liter, 1.3-liter, and 1.5-liter inline-fours. Each of these motors will receive variable valve timing and dual overhead camshafts. If the car were to appear in North America, it is expected that only the 1.5-liter four-cylinder would be offered. For the European market, the Colt will receive a 1.5-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine supplied by DaimlerChrysler. So far, both manual and automatic transmissions are offered, the latter an Allshift clutchless manual; however, I'm wondering if Mitsubishi is considering bringing over its INVECS-III CVT transmission, which it has equipped the Colt with in its domestic Japanese and other Asian markets.
