Mitsubishi Colt Performance Special Remembers Rally Past With A Manual, Forgets Performance Part

At a time when automakers seem hell-bent on sucking the joy out of driving, Mitsubishi’s Czech arm has come up with a wild idea: slap a rally livery on a rebadged Renault Clio, throw in some bigger wheels, and top it off with a 27% power boost (don’t get excited, it still won’t outmuscle your grandma’s Prius) to create a special edition of the new Mitsubishi Colt.

Enter the Mitsubishi Colt Performance, proof that you don’t need actual performance to call something “Performance.” Sure, it’s no Lancer Evo reincarnation (please, don’t make us laugh), but at least someone out there still remembers that Mitsubishi’s rally cars were a thing—even if their execution feels more like an SNL skit about budget modding than a serious attempt at motorsport glory.

Fake It Till You Make It

Let’s start with the visuals. The Colt Performance gets a custom wrap with matte black and red graphics over white bodywork. It’s supposed to evoke the spirit of Mitsubishi’s Ralliart glory days, but all it really does is remind us how much we miss Ralliart. The “Performance” lettering on the sides and hood is almost endearing in its overconfidence, especially considering Mitsubishi’s actual motorsport division had zero involvement in this project.

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To complement the flashy livery, Mitsubishi’s Czech team added red accents to the grille, a chunky front splitter, and side skirt extensions. Completing the look is a new set of 18-inch OZ Racing Superturismo GT alloy wheels.

More Power From A Tiny Engine

Under the hood, you’ll find a slightly modified version of the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox (that has to count for something, right?). Output has been bumped from the standard model’s 99 hp (74 kW / 101 PS) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) to a more respectable 127 hp (95 kW / 129 PS) and 222 Nm (164 lb-ft) of torque. These numbers were even confirmed on a dyno.

Interestingly, these figures are incrementally worse than the stock 1.0 TCe 130, which generates 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque in the Renault Clio twin, although this powertrain is not available in the Mitsubishi Colt.

Mitsubishi’s Czech team claims that the power increase is noticeable, thanks to the lightweight nature of the supermini, which tips the scales at 1,097 kg (2,418 lbs) in its non-electrified form. There is no mention of chassis upgrades, meaning the Colt retains the standard suspension setup. Frankly, a lowering kit would have been a fitting addition to the project).

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We’ll give them credit for trying—sort of. The Colt Performance, misguided as it may be, at least shows that someone at Mitsubishi hasn’t completely forgotten the brand’s motorsport history. They even name-dropped the Lancer Evo in their marketing pitch, which is rich, considering the Colt couldn’t even tow an Evo’s spoiler.

According to Vladimír Hejna, Sales Director at Mitsubishi in the Czech Republic, their goal with the Colt Performance was “to build something interesting to drive”, inspired by the brand’s motorsport successes with the Lancer Evolution.

Mitsubishi hasn’t released details on pricing or availability for the Colt Performance, but a LinkedIn post describes it as a “limited edition.” This suggests the conversion will be sold in the Czech Republic rather than remaining a one-off. So, if you’re in the market for a small hatch that screams rally car without actually being one, this might be your chance.