Mitsubishi's R-rated Colt

Mitsubishi’s red-hot Lancer Evo has just acquired a new little brother with a serious attitude problem.

Say hello to the Colt Ralliart Version R, a pumped-up hot-hatch that irreverently kicks aside the shopping-trolley image associated with the donor car. As the name suggests, it was developed by Mitsubishi’s in-house performance division, Ralliart.

The Ralliart rocket’s gym program starts in the engine room, which is stuffed full of a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that’s rated at 113kW -- not enough to frighten Renaultsport Clio 182s or Cooper S JCWs but not a bad figure for a teeny bopper.

The emphasis is reportedly on providing ample low-down oomph, and this is reflected by the revs at which peak torque comes on tap -- a barely-ticking-over 2000rpm.

Drive is channeled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, or a Sports Mode six-speed CVT. Mitsubishi says the body has been considerably stiffened, especially around the passenger compartment, and the increased torsional rigidity points to sharper handling.

The Version R also cops reworked front and rear suspension and Active Steering Control (ASC), which is said to counteract torque-steer and understeer by regulating engine output and braking forces.

In keeping with its sporting aspirations, the Ralliart-fettled car also scores 16-inch alloys with low-profile 205/45-16 tyres, which are filled out with larger, vented disc brakes.

Clear visual links to the Lancer Evo (click here for CarPoint's review) are provided by the bonnet scoop, flared wheelarches, side skirts and tarmac-hugging front spoiler.

Inside, the sporty upgrades continue, with aluminium pedals, hip-hugging Recaro seats and lashings of silver-coloured trim. An optional starter button adds to the gimmickry.

The Version R is priced at 1,974,000 yen in its home market (about $23K in our money) which seems like pretty good value, at least on paper.

Now for the bad news. The Ralliart Colt is a Japan-only model and shouldn't be confused with the Colt Ralliart Mitsubishi Oz has on its agenda (for more information click here). At this stage there are no plans to offer it here. Mind you, if we make enough noise…