The Mitsubishi Colt is back, and it's not what you might expect. The Japanese brand has revived its iconic nameplate for a new city car that is based on the Renault Clio, one of the most popular hatchbacks in Europe. The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt is the result of a strategic alliance between Renault and Mitsubishi, which also spawned the Mitsubishi ASX, a compact SUV that shares its platform with the Renault Captur.
The new Colt is more than just a rebadged Renault Clio, though. It features a distinctive design that blends Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield grille with sleek headlights and a sporty bumper. The side profile reveals a sloping roofline and a sharp character line that runs along the doors. The rear end boasts LED taillights and a spoiler that adds some flair to the otherwise conventional hatchback shape.
The interior of the Colt is also largely derived from the Clio but with some tweaks to suit Mitsubishi's identity. The dashboard is dominated by a 9.3-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument cluster that can be customized to show various information. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for four adults. The trunk offers 391 liters of space, which can be expanded to 1,069 liters by folding the rear seats.
The Colt is powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. It is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The engine is efficient and responsive, delivering an average fuel consumption of 5.2 liters per 100 km (45 mpg) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.9 seconds.
But the most interesting aspect of the Colt is its electric version, which will be launched in 2024 as well. The Mitsubishi Colt EV will use the same electric motor and battery pack as the Renault Zoe, one of the best-selling electric cars in Europe. The Colt EV will have a range of 395 km (245 miles) on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle, and will be able to recharge up to 80% in just one hour using a 50 kW fast charger.
The Colt EV will also benefit from Mitsubishi's expertise in electric vehicles, as the brand has been producing the Outlander PHEV, the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, since 2013. The Colt EV will feature Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance stability and traction in different road conditions.
The Mitsubishi Colt EV will be a great option for urban drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy the benefits of electric mobility, such as lower maintenance costs, tax incentives, and access to restricted zones. The Colt EV will also offer a fun and dynamic driving experience thanks to its instant torque delivery and agile handling.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt will go on sale in Europe in early 2024, with prices starting from around $18,000 for the base model and $25,000 for the EV version. The Colt will compete with other small hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta, the Volkswagen Polo, and the Peugeot 208.
The Colt will also mark Mitsubishi's return to the US market after a long absence. The brand has announced that it will launch three new models in North America by 2023, including the Colt, the ASX, and a new midsize SUV that will replace the Outlander.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt is a promising car that combines Mitsubishi's heritage with Renault's know-how. It offers a stylish design, a modern interior, a frugal engine, and an innovative electric option. It is a car that appeals to both nostalgic fans and new customers who are looking for an affordable and eco-friendly city car.
