| #ffffff;" /> | | | | 1.5-litre in the CZT model is an extremely |
| Whilst bravely stepping forth into the breach that | | | | satisfying drive, with enough power and grunt to |
| is the hatchback wars, the Mitsubishi Colt would | | | | bring a smile to anyone’s face. |
| be justly forgiven for sporting a wry smile on its | | | | As ecological awareness is now paramount in all |
| face. I say this as Mitsubishi have managed to | | | | but the most cynical of motorists’ minds, |
| achieve the impossible by manufacturing a vehicle | | | | then it comes as good news that the Mitsubishi |
| that manages to be small...but...umm...big at the | | | | Colt is also an ecologically sound vehicle. Those of |
| same time. I have never witnessed a hatchback | | | | us who are feeling the financial pinch at the |
| that is nearly as roomy as the Colt. I am more | | | | moment will be impressed that driver tests have |
| than aware that those of us who are in the | | | | shown that the Colt averages around 52 mpg. So |
| market for a hatchback probably don’t | | | | Mitsubishi have followed up their concept of a |
| have space and roominess too high up the | | | | practical vehicle by making it financially viable as |
| agenda; if you did, why are you buying a small | | | | well. |
| car? So it comes as a great surprise to be able | | | | One of the minor drawbacks of the Mitsubishi Colt |
| to fit 5 grown adults in a hatchback and avoid | | | | is the badge on the front. In the competitive |
| having all the oxygen forced out of your lungs by | | | | market for hot hatches, style and image are as |
| fellow travellers’ bodies crushing your own. | | | | important as power and performance and if |
| The Colt’s ingenious space maximisation | | | | we’re being honest, the Mitsubishi Colt |
| doesn’t stop there either; the rear | | | | doesn’t exactly scream panache, grace |
| passenger seats are removable, so the vehicle | | | | and flair. The slightly boxy body also leaves a little |
| can easily be adapted into some kind of mini-van. | | | | bit to be desired. In an ideal world, the general |
| I can’t speak for everyone, but this | | | | public would be less shallow and be falling over |
| sounds like a perfect idea for those occasions | | | | each other for this technological triumph of |
| when you know your better half is going to go | | | | practicality over aesthetic finesse. |
| ‘a bit crazy’ during the sales and | | | | Happily, Mitsubishi have priced the Colt very |
| spend your annual food budget on shoes, furniture | | | | competitively and this should translate well into |
| and other credit card melting purchases. When | | | | the used cars market. The build quality of the Colt |
| you notice that shopaholic look in their eye, simply | | | | is high and it is solid and sturdy in both interior and |
| pop the passenger seats out and you are left | | | | exterior departments. For added value, it would |
| with more space than you would imagine from a | | | | be worth any prospective Colt buyer looking for |
| hatchback. | | | | dealer ex-demonstration models with low mileage |
| All of this talk of spacial capacity would be | | | | but with hefty discounts off the price-tag. |
| pointless if the car itself was a stinker. Thankfully | | | | In summary, the Mitsubishi Colt is unlikely to |
| this isn’t the case and the Colt manages | | | | become major competition for the likes of the |
| to impress on the road. The handling is extremely | | | | Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Fiat 500 or any of |
| sharp and the agile chassis easily maintains a vice | | | | the revivals vying for the coveted best-selling |
| like grip on the road. The available 1.1 model is | | | | hatchback honour, but it is worth considering if |
| perhaps a little too understated for anything other | | | | practicality is what you are looking for in a car. |
| than driving round town, but the turbocharged | | | | |