New Colt caught in Net

MITSUBISHI’S latest new car is looking to achieve Colt status. Last week (Issue 1,031), Auto Express published a teaser picture of the facelifted supermini. It showed little more than an Evo X-style grille and a set of round headlights.

These marketing shots, which were leaked on to the Internet this week, are much more revealing, though. And they confirm that the triangular headlamps of the existing model have been axed. In their place, the new Colt features the aggressive, shark-like front end of the supersaloon, complete with
a gaping air intake.

Engines are likely to be carried over from the existing generation, so buyers will be able to take their pick from 1.1, 1.3, and 1.5-litre petrol units. However, the junior Evo design has sparked rumours that Mitsubishi is planning an ultra-high-performance model. And this would be guaranteed to deliver more power than the 147bhp CZT – the liveliest model in the current line-up.

The new Colt is scheduled to appear in showrooms here next year, and bosses will announce more details when it debuts this week alongside the new Lancer Sportback at the Paris Motor Show.