Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Colt Cleartec

Mitsubishi adds stop-start to its small hatch.

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 £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,791
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £12,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution
Kia EV3 - front action

Kia battery passport application could spark a used EV revolution

The technology, developed by Scottish firm Dukosi, can provide car battery health data down to the single-cell level
News
9 Oct 2025