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Remarkable immediately when you’re getting into the vehicle for the first time: In creating the new Colt one was broadminded indeed. Not only, that it has lateral rearview mirrors, nearly as large as Dumbo’s elephant ears, also despite the compact dimensions, the first and second row are something for real seat giants, wanting to ride a small car. A good 18 centimeters were added in height in comparison to the forerunner.
Unfortunately in handling, the small Mitsubishi appears a little bit like one would have permeated an extra level in fast curves: Indeed the chassis holds track obediently, yet the car body piles out in curves.
Small weaknesses noticed in testing: the lighting of fittings is too faintly, already a brief case activates untamed beep through the belt sensor on the front passenger’s seat and the turn radius with 10.8 meters is more than exuberant for a city runabout.
Besides the smart design, which seems to has joined ideas with the company cousin Smart Fourfour pleases, as well as the removable rear seats, even though combined with effort and the pretty speedy (max. 190 km/h!) to drive 109-hp-engine.
The Colt 1.5 MPI only appears as Top-Equipment Version Instyle, which offers 4 airbags, alloy rims, fog lights, air conditioning, cd-radio with 6 loudspeakers and steering wheel-remote control, four power windows with anti-jam feature and leather steering wheel in series.
Unfortunately ESP will be available only in 2005 and with extra charge. A Diesel-version with 95 PS (starting from 17.290 Euro in Austria) will be put on the Austrian market within the next few days.
The Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 MPI in motion
Engine/Powertrain * * * *
We liked: Lively petrol motor with a lot of vigor, likes to sprint, loves high revs and is stupendously frugal despite the obtruding sporty driving fashion.
We didn't like: Engine is too loud and needs expensive 95-octane-gasoline.
Comfort * * *
We liked: City runabout with fresh design. On the backrest hooks for shopping bags, convenient big side mirrors.
We didn't like: Servo steering mechanism releases in parking fast, no Radio without ignition, cases in the center console very unpractical.
Driving Characteristics * * *
We liked: Coupling ( excluding reverse gear) running smooth, good brakes.
We didn't like: Somehow indirect steering element. Because of soft tuning, it tends to build up in fast Freeway-curves. Hard whams cause impact on the whole vehicle.
Room Capacities/Variability * * * * *
We liked: Separable rear seat is reversible, adjustable and removable. –Trunk and back places therefore variable. Lot’s of head- and leg liberty in front and at the back.
We didn't like: Center back seat is only theoretical, one sits too close and on the buckles.
Performance * * * *
Top speed: 190 km/h. Acceleration: from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.0 seconds. Fuel consumption during test drive: 7.8 liter on 100 km. Price (Colt 1.5 MPI Instyle): 17.790 Euros (in Austria, incl. taxes)
Data from the manufacturer
Engine
Four cylinders in line, 1499 ccm, 80 kW/109 PS with 6000/min, 145 Nm with 4250/min, four valves per cylinder, two overhead cam shafts, light alloy-engine block and -cylinder head, 5-fold supported crankshaft.
Powertrain
on the front wheels, five gear manual transmission.
Chassis and Body
Self-supporting car body with front auxiliary frame; in front Mc Pherson struts and delta wishbone axle; at the back twist-beam rear axle; front and rear coil springs, telescopic absorbers, sway bar.
Tyres, Brakes and Steering
Rear and front disc-brakes ABS with EBD standard; hand brake on rear wheels; power-assisted rack and pinion steering with Servo, fuel tank 47 liters, tires 205/45 R16, rims 6.5 J.
Dimensions and Weights
Wheel base 2500 mm, length 3870 mm, width 1695 mm, height 1550 mm, from 1000 kg, 10.8 meter turn radius.
Fuel Consumption
on 100 km (according to manufacturer): urban 8.0, extra-urban 5.1, mixed 6.2 liter. 95 Octane.
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