It seems increasingly difficult to find in today’s vast automotive offering the traditional values ??previously associated with the concept of “popular utility vehicle.” Those cars designed to satisfy a specific demand, without too many pretensions, modest, discreet, functional, economical and reliable. In short, the “small cars” of a lifetime, come on…
Nowadays, the spectacular designs, the artifices of the latest technologies and the supposedly “future” propulsion systems tend to prevail over more classic or practical criteria. However, the result of this very often ends up being more expensive and, consequently, more exclusive products. Of course, very striking, innovative and “disruptive”, as some brands like to describe them.
However, there is a large majority of users who are simply looking for a vehicle, a do-it-all car that allows them – for little money, if possible – to cover their mobility needs. And, sometimes, even better: those of the entire family, from the young son who has just gotten his license, through the parents as an additional alternative to the first car in the house, and even the grandparents when they still exercise their autonomy. This is when simplicity and simplicity of use, along with its versatility and versatility become the main values ??of a car.
The Mitsubishi Colt could be considered one of those rare current representatives of the “older” utility vehicles. A compact but spacious, solvent and decisive car for any occasion or need, which fulfills its functions well, whether they are short and urban trips or trips and outings (even trips) of greater range. Perhaps it does not particularly stand out in any specific field, it lacks brilliantly positive aspects, although it does not suffer from clearly negative elements either, but precisely that makes it balanced, making it a sensible, rational and logical bet for a wide spectrum of users.
Based on the Renault Clio, the quintessence of the subcompact, the Colt adds a little more equipment to the configuration that the rhombus firm has designed for its best-seller. Its Japanese “first cousin” – which only has the brand name in Japan, as it is manufactured in Turkey – offers some specific elements that improve and complete the offer to position itself slightly above. The manufacturer of the three diamonds also offers a broader warranty in our country, 5 years or 100,000 km, compared to Renault’s 3 years, although, on the other hand, it has a less extensive official network.
Beyond these few differences, and the mandatory tweaks to the model’s logos and nomenclature lettering, as well as slight changes to the front grille or other minor details in textile trim, the Colt is, technically, a Clio in all its components. mechanics. The only notable difference is that, in Spain, Mitsubishi markets a basic 67 HP naturally aspirated gasoline engine that acts as an entry-level version of the range and allows it to promote the model with an attractive price of just over €16,000.
Like its French counterpart in the B segment, the Colt relies on the bulk of its sales on two versions: a 1.0 3-cylinder 91 HP gasoline engine and a hybrid variant with a 1,600 cc 4-cylinder block that produces 143 HP thanks to the supported by an electric motor that allows it to show off the ECO label. The unit under test, corresponding to the intermediate configuration – without hybridization and with the Kaiteki finish – provided satisfactory and convincing performance at all times.
After 180 kilometers traveled in different environments (mostly urban and semi-urban, but also on mountain roads and highways), it reported a consumption of 7.1 liters on average. However, it should be noted that in certain sections the pace was deliberately forced slightly to check to what extent the driving sensations obtained at low and medium speeds and with moderate demands were maintained.
Understanding that its philosophy is that of a ‘multipurpose’ car, type of “Swiss army knife”, it can be concluded that it more than fulfills its requirements, appearing effective and very solvent. What is striking is the poise, comfort and good sound it provides when driving at high speed on the highway, at which time the aerodynamic effect nullifies and largely conceals the peculiar mechanical noise typical of 3-cylinder power units.
This “roughness” and the corresponding lack of refinement is more noticeable at low speed and when stretching the low gears, but once “launched”, the ride comfort is noticeable. It should be remembered, however, that a power of 91 HP for a weight of 1,200 kg is enough, although the dynamic performance it displays is not bad overall.
