
For car buyers who are working on a tight budget, the Mitsubishi Colt is one of the friendliest options in the supermini market. For a car of its kind, the Colt may also surprise because of its reasonable running costs. However, the initial price may be an indication of the kind of performance the Colt delivers. The Colt is a great quick solution for those who are in dire need of owning a personal car. But as a long-term investment it may prove otherwise.
Pros
The Colt is offered in many petrol engine variants, giving buyers multiple options to choose from. The three engines are a 1.1 litre at 74bhp, 1.3 at 93bhp and a turbocharged 1.5 at 147bhp for the Ralliart version. Cornering and traction are also adequate.
Buyers of the Colt will be happy to know that the car does not demand much for running costs and it has a decent emissions rate. In addition, the Colt enjoys an above average marking for reliability from the 2012 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Inside, the controls are laid out logically and are easy to find. Driver’s adjustment is minimal, but it can support height changes and is comfortable as well. Some standard safety equipment pieces include deadlocks, remote central locking, and immobiliser. Features are generous with MP3 connectivity, electric front windows and keyless entry.
Cons
The Colt does not have a diesel variant, forcing those who are more used to driving diesel to switch to petrol or look elsewhere. Meanwhile, the engine options may not offer power the same way as other superminis can. Body lean and suspension are also poor, and may give passengers an uncomfortable ride. Refinement is similarly disappointing, as engine noise is observable in the 1.3 and 1.5 variants, which is only intensified by wind noise.
Regarding its styling, the Colt may appear ordinary and unexciting alongside other superminis in the segment. The cabin also features plastics that look meagre. In addition, the Colt scores poorly in safety features, offering stability control and six airbags only in their Ralliart model. The least Colt buyers can get is passenger and driver front airbags.
Although the Colt has adequate room for its passengers, it fails to be competitive in terms of practicality. Other cars in the segment can provide more head and legroom than the Colt does. The boot is also disappointing; however, this can be augmented with the split-folding rear seat. The features may be enough to allow personalised Colts, but buyers must be ready to get higher trim levels to maximise the use of their vehicles.
The Colt may appear to have a lot of downsides than good, but it’s still an adequate option for those who are drawing on a budget. Colt buyers will soon enjoy the few great features that the car offers, especially its fuel economy and emissions. Buyers who are looking for their first cars can opt for the Colt because of its price. However, those who are looking for a long-term investment should weigh their options carefully.
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(Average rating: 5 , Total rates: 6 )