The Mitsubishi Colt has been around since 1962, and started life as a larger family car than the current incarnation. It went on sale in the UK in 1974, and the first of the Colt hatchbacks arrived four years later.
Six further generations of Mitsubishi Colt have followed, and there have been several performance versions, including the 172bhp Colt Cyborg of 1992. The Colt Ralliart – introduced at the beginning of 2009 – is currently the most driver-focused version of the current Colt range.
The £9505 1.1-litre entry-level engine is willing and frugal (74bhp and 51mpg), although the £11,780 Mitsubishi 1.3-litre ClearTec model with stop-start offers improved performance and economy (94bhp and 56mpg). For cheap thrills, the Ralliart version is a safe bet thanks to its 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, which launches the Colt to 60mph in 7.4sec and on to a top speed of 131mph.
While the Colt can’t match its rivals for style – the Ford Fiesta the obvious example – it’s inside the cabin where the Mitsubishi impresses, thanks to plenty of headroom and legroom and ample space for four adults. The trade-off, however, is limited boot space, although all models do come with split-folding seats should you need the room.
Large, easy-to-use buttons on the car’s dashboard, as well as height-adjustable seats and steering wheel, make the Colt a user-friendly and comfortable car to travel in. Standard kit across the model range is pretty decent, too. You get a CD player with MP3 connectivity as standard, as well as electric windows and keyless entry. Mid-spec cars add air-con, alloys and cruise control, while the hottest Ralliart versions come with sports suspension.
