Mitsubishi Colt reborn as small hybrid hatch

The famous Mitsubishi Colt will return to some European markets next year, just in time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the nameplate.
 
To prove it, Mitsubishi has begun teasing the 2023 Mitsubishi Colt, releasing a shadowy image of the curvy hatch.
 
The new car features a snub-nose front-end design, fish-hook LED headlights and an illuminated three-diamond badge.

It also proudly sports a 'Hybrid EV' badge on its front fender, suggesting an electrified engine lurks beneath its bonnet.

 
Set to be based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B architecture, the small five-door hatch is expected to share much with the existing Renault Clio, with some pundits suggesting it will be little more than a facelifted version.

Witness the rising beltline and rear C-pillar that are identical to the fifth-generation BF-series Clio.
 
It's a safe bet that the Mitsubishi will also run a development of the 107kW hybrid powertrain found in the Renault Clio E-Tech, blending a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, a starter-generator, a small 1.2kWh battery and a dog-clutch transmission.
 
The result should be a Colt that will complete around 80 per cent of all its urban journeys on EV power alone.

 
As far as performance goes, expect a 0-100km/h sprint of around 10 seconds and a 180km/h top speed.
 
Primed to be built at the same Renault plant in France that currently builds the Clio, the 2023 Mitsubishi Colt is scheduled to arrive in European markets early next year.

There's no word yet on whether the Colt has been engineered for right-hand drive, but it's unlikely following Mitsubishi's withdrawal from the UK market back in 2021.
 
If that's the case, a lack of RHD and Australia's preference for small SUVs, mean the new Colt is unlikely to be offered Down Under.

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