Colt gets new entry-level, cabrio and turbo models

In an aggressive move to re-invigorate its fortunes in the burgeoning light car segment, Mitsubishi has overhauled its Colt line-up. Not only has the manufacturer launched a new entry-level car, but it has also debuted a ‘hot’ turbocharged Ralliart version and has confirmed the cute Pininfarina-built folding hardtop Cabriolet is also coming Down Under.

Leading the charge is the new entry-level Colt ES manual. According to Mitsubishi, light car buyer patterns revealed it was surrendering more than half of potential Colt sales due to the $18,990 kick off price of the previous range.

That’s all changed. The new Colt ES five-door hatch features an advanced 77kW 1.5-litre engine with new Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, dual airbags, air-conditioning, electric windows all round, electric mirrors and single CD sound with MP3 compatibility and kicks off at $15,990.

The ES comes in below the previous LS but shares the same specification. It comes as a manual only with centre gearlever and handbrake.

Next up the range is the LS. It picks up a set of classy 14-inch alloy wheels and a new AM/FM radio with six-stacker CD and MP3/WMA compatibility. There is a choice of manual at $17,490 or CVT automatic at the previous model’s $18,990.

The manual version has a centre console, floor mounted gear shift and centre handbrake while the auto has a column mounted selector and foot operated park brake. The value equation improves quite significantly even at LS level.

The big news is an all new $19,990 VR-X level ($21,990 as an auto). According to Mitsubishi, the VRX is both the prestigious and sporty Colt model. Along with the entry grades, the VRX can be ordered with some wild factory extras to revive the cult following of the earlier Lancer coupe.

The VRX shares the new LS sound system but gains fatter 15-inch alloys for extra attitude and grip, sports seats, rear spoiler, front air dam with fog lamps, alloy foot pedals and leather wrapped steering wheel.

The auto and manual VRX models have key differences accounting for the $500 extra price difference than at LS level. The manual has slightly smaller front disc brakes, rear drums and white faced instruments. The auto continues with the column auto and foot operated parking brake but adds a tray type centre console, larger front disc brakes, rear disc brakes and a different high contrast instrument cluster. Go figure.

Sitting above the VRX, however, is the performance story of the new Colt range – the Colt Ralliart.

To be sold through specialist Ralliart dealers only, the $29,990 ‘son of EVO’ starts with a braced and reinforced rally-style body shell that is 30 per cent more rigid but only 60 kg heavier.

Power is from a high-compression turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC 1.5-litre twin cam engine. Despite 113kW/6000rpm and 210Nm/3500 (figures which rival Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre engines), the maker says it will return combined economy figures of 6.7lt/100km.

There are big discs all round, upgraded Getrag manual transmission, ZF-Sachs clutch, rally suspension and massive 16-inch alloy clogs. Active Stability Control incorporating traction control is standard.

The final weapon in the Colt armoury is the Cabriolet which is due in October.

Featuring a folding steel roof, the cabrio will be offered in 80kW naturally-aspirated and 110kW turbo versions, both with five-speed manual transmissions only.

Mitsubishi claims the open-top car will have more than a European flavour. Built in Turin (Italy) by Pininfarina, the cabrio uses body parts, seats and cabin parts sourced from Holland, whiles the 80kW engine is built in Germany.

Both Cabriolet models come with 16-inch alloys and disc brakes all round.

The non-turbo will have suspension tuned for even better ride and handling than the hatch while the Cabriolet Turbo will have a more aggressive handling suspension tune, quicker steering, Active Stability Control, bigger brakes, revised transmission and final drive, specific alloy wheel style and different body details commensurate with its extra performance.

Mitsubishi has yet to finalise prices but has stated that it will start well under Holden’s similar Tigra model and may yet undercut the Peugeot 206 CC to be the first of its type under $30,000.

The new Colt range all come with Mitsubishi's benchmark five-year/130,000km bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year Roadside assist and ten-year/160,000km non-transferable drivetrain warranty. Owzat for a cheapie?

Look for CarPoint’s full launch review of the new Colt range, and the turbo Colt Ralliart later this week.