Mitsubishi has finally taken the wraps off its new small hatchback the Colt and, for European customers at least, pretty much everything is familiar. While we knew that the new supermini would be based on the Renault, it is now apparent that the Japanese brand has done as little as possible to change the car for its customers.
While that’s not particularly inspiring, it makes a lot of sense. The Colt will be an important value proposition for the brand, so it couldn’t spend too much badge engineering the car. Having said that, even the badge is a reminder of the car it is based on, and looks almost crudely glued into the hood indent that was clearly designed to fit the Renault badge.
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The similarities aren’t all bad, though. Thanks to its underpinnings, the Colt is a handsome, classically correct hatchback with expressive headlights. LED elements form chevrons at either end of the grille, and new taillights give the car an aggressive look. Mitsubishi’s full name can be seen, spelled out across the hatch, and a new Colt nameplate sits under it.
Inside, it gets a seven- or 9.3-inch infotainment touch screen with wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard. Behind the steering wheel, a seven-inch digital display is standard, while an optional 10-inch screen is available. The Colt also offers wireless charging for your mobile device.
The new car should also help owners save fuel thanks to an available hybrid powertrain. It is made up of a 1.6-liter engine and two electric motors, which together deliver 141 hp (105 kW/143 PS). Mitsubishi promises that the electric motors will be able to handle up to 80 percent of driving duties around town.
It will also be offered with two purely internal combustion powertrains. These are a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that makes 66 hp (49 kW/67 PS), and a turbocharged version that makes 90 hp (67 kW/91 PS).
The automaker is also proud to be able to offer a range of driver assistance systems throughout the range. These include traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, cruise control, and more, which all come as standard. Meanwhile, the top of the line variant has blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.
Prices for the new Mitsubishi have not yet been revealed, but it will be offered in three well-equipped trim levels. Production of the Colt will begin in September, in Bursa, Turkey. It is expected to reach European showrooms in the fall.