Z Alert For Turbo Colt

With its turbo engine and sporty styling, this is the supermini that Mitsubishi says will 'C' off its rivals. Based on the same chassis that underpins the Smart ForFour and the recently unveiled five-door Colt, the three-door CZ3 arrives in UK showrooms in September, promising a class-leading chassis and superior refinement.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

24th February 2004

These are the first official pictures of the newcomer, and this production-ready model is set to take a bow at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Its steeply raked windscreen and unique front and rear light arrangements mark a new design direction for the Japanese firm - one hinted at by the CZ Tarmac concept revealed at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show.

Although details are still sketchy, Auto Express has learned that flagship editions of the car are likely to use a 1.5-litre turbo offering around 150bhp. Power is fed to the road through the front wheels via a five-speed manual box, although drivers can also choose a new six-ratio auto complete with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons. A hi-tech traction control set-up will reduce wheelspin, and the all-disc brakes are equipped with ABS. The steering, meanwhile, features electric power assistance. Initially, the car will be available in 11 colours and four different trim levels. But Mitsubishi has big plans for the diminutive model, and has even hinted that a new all-wheel-drive rally replica could be developed for 2006.

Prices have yet to be finalised, but it's thought that the 150bhp machine will significantly undercut rivals such as the MINI Cooper S and Renault Clio 182, at around ΂£13,000.