Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Colt Cleartec

Mitsubishi adds stop-start to its small hatch.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Mitsubishi Colt
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Colt’s Auto Stop & Go system is smartly executed. It means that the ClearTec is cleaner and more economical than the standard Colt 1.3, yet it offers better performance. There are greener superminis available, such as the oil-burning Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, but the petrol-powered Mitsubishi costs less than its rivals, and it won’t sting you with diesel prices at the pumps, either.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Here’s a car that proves Mitsubishi is capable of building more than rally bred saloons like the Evo X!

The Colt ClearTec is an efficient supermini that’s equipped with ‘Auto Stop & Go’. This monitors seven systems before deciding whether to shut off the engine when you come to a halt.

It checks the engine temperature, battery power, and whether the car is stopped, while the motor is also kept running if you need to demist the windscreen, the electrical load is too high, or the brake pressure too low. Finally, there’s the steering. At a quarter turn of lock and above the engine stays on – the ClearTec figuring you could be at a junction and looking to make a speedy getaway.

Out on the road, the technology works well. The 1.3-litre petrol fires up quickly and on cue. Follow the gearshift indicator, and the Colt is capable of returning 56.5mpg. Push the throttle harder, and the 94bhp engine responds willingly. However, the ride could be smoother.

With prices of £9,299 for the three-door and £9,799 for this five-door, the Colt ClearTec undercuts supermini rivals. However, time will tell if the bargain tag can attract eco-conscious buyers.

Rival: Ibiza ECOmotive
Seat’s diesel eco warrior emits 99g/km and returns 74.3mpg. At £10,765 it’s £1,000 more than the Colt, but qualifies for free road tax.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,965
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025