Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Colt

It's amazing what advertising can do for a car's image. Take our Mitsubishi Colt, for example. When we got the keys to the 1.5-litre DI-D Equippe last October, it was a rare sight on UK roads, and few people knew what it was. Since then, a high-profile TV publicity campaign has kicked in, featuring Colt cars playing football. Love it or hate it, people remember the advert - and you can see the recognition on their faces when they spot the baby hatch.

Pros
  • Powerful and frugal engine, versatile and practical <br/>interior, tidy handling, solid build quality
Cons
  • A-pillar blind spots, lack of steering reach adjustment, occasionally harsh ride, grey interior plastics
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

It's amazing what advertising can do for a car's image. Take our Mitsubishi Colt, for example. When we got the keys to the 1.5-litre DI-D Equippe last October, it was a rare sight on UK roads, and few people knew what it was. Since then, a high-profile TV publicity campaign has kicked in, featuring Colt cars playing football. Love it or hate it, people remember the advert - and you can see the recognition on their faces when they spot the baby hatch.
Regardless of its capabilities on the pitch, the Mitsubishi has risen to a number of challenges over the past few months. During the week, it's been subjected to commuting to and from the centre of London, rarely travelling faster than walking pace. At the weekends, however, it's been pressed into service for regular cross-country trips of 200 miles or more. And despite its size and modest engine, the Colt has coped admirably.
Indeed, the 1.5-litre diesel motor is one of the best features. With only three cylinders rather than the usual four, it has an interestingly eager thrum, delivering healthy performance: a torque output of 210Nm from as low as 1,800rpm gives excellent acceleration. The car can get a little noisy on the motorway, but it returns great economy, achieving an average of 48mpg in our hands.
The amount of space inside certainly adds to the comfort. There is headroom to spare, even with tall passengers, and good legroom, too. And the folding-seat arrangement, combined with that lofty bodyshape, makes the Colt ideal for carrying all sorts of loads. After some DIY, I had to take a stack of scrap wood to the tip, including one thick beam more than two metres long. It extended just a few centimetres beyond the hatch - but opening the glovebox provided room to fit it in.
With more than 9,000 miles now piled on, the Colt still feels fresh. There is the odd creak from the rear seats, but otherwise the interior is wearing well, despite its busy life. The only complaints concern the driving position - which isn't ideal for all motorists, as there's no reach-adjustable steering wheel - and the large A-pillars, because they can hamper visibility at junctions. We had expected to complete a service as the car edged towards the 10,000-mile mark, but even the dealer wasn't sure about the maintenance intervals on the Colt. We learned it only needs attention every 12,000 miles, on a par with its petrol siblings.
So while it might not have as much character as some more stylish rivals, our Mitsubishi Colt is proving capable at ferrying both people and luggage without complaint, while delivering good economy and reliability. For a private buyer, those strong qualities have plenty of appeal. Matt Joy
Second Opinion
When I stepped into the Colt for the first time, I just couldn't believe how roomy it was for a supermini. Sitting in the driver's seat and looking left, it seemed enormous. The adjustability of the chair is great - and, to make the most of the high roofline, you can pump the base up , which gives a great view of the road ahead. The combination of the funky, spacious interior and the excellent diesel engine makes the Mitsubishi a really entertaining small car to drive. Richard Yarrow, associate editor

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025