by Robert Lewis (26 Jan 04)

The all-new Mitsubishi Colt will have its world première at the Geneva Show, as the production model first hinted at by the appearance of the CZ2 concept car of 2001. It will be launched at quite a propitious time, as the Mitsubishi Motors Europe operation has reached break-even point a year ahead of the revival plan schedule.

Built at the one-time DAF (and then Volvo) factory at Born near Maastricht, the new Colt will be produced alongside the smart forfour which, despite appearances, is - if not quite its sister - at least its cousin car.

The 2004 Colt is the first vehicle to be created by the Mitsubishi/DaimlerChrysler alliance. Despite the similarity in names, the European range doesn’t have a great deal in common with the Japanese-market Colt, since it uses different engines, gearboxes and suspension settings, has a restyled front end, a completely different fascia and interior trim approach, and more flexibility in its seating layout.

Although there’s no confirmation yet of exactly which models will be marketed in the UK, the range will include petrol engines in 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5-litre sizes - all designed in Japan but built in a Mitsubishi/DaimlerChrysler engine plant in Germany - plus a new DC 1.5-litre turbo diesel. Manual and automatic transmissions will be available, and electronic power-assisted steering is standard.

Going For Space And Quality

Mitsubishi says the passenger space will be class-leading, and it’s also talking of "perceived quality" features like high-grade upholstery, translucent finishes to some of the interior items, and soft-touch paint.

The rear seats will split 60/40, and can also be reclined, slid fore and aft, folded up or removed altogether.

Taller than many of its hatchback rivals, standing on a long wheelbase, and available for the moment only as a five-door, the new Colt is also the basis for Mitsubishi’s three-door CZ3 coupé design study which will also appear at Geneva.

The Colt five-door will go on sale in the UK from September 1.

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