Remarkably Familiar-Looking Mitsubishi Colt
The Mitsubishi Colt, as once sold in SA, has been reincarnated as the brand's newest hatch and has rather prominent French genes.
The Motoring industry has seen a progression in brand relationships, particularly in streamlining production and design costs. This led to an increase in almost identical cars from different manufacturers. One top-of-mind instance is Toyota's GT86, which lives a double life as a Subaru BRZ. These brands conclude that sharing chassis and motors is an efficient way to produce new vehicles. Mitsubishi and Renault have collaborated to bring us the Colt, which bears a striking resemblance to the Clio.
The Colt has a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder motor, producing 49 kW and 96 Nm of torque with its base model unit. Step it up to the turbocharged variant, and you'll get a 1.0-litre unit which is slightly livelier with 67 kW and 160 Nm. The top-of-the-range model packs more punch with a 1.6-litre hybrid motor producing 105 kW and 353 Nm. This hybrid version is the most frugal and quickest, with a not-so-crazy 0-100 km/h time of 9.3 seconds. This is substantially better than the naturally aspirated base model that makes do with a time of 17.1 seconds to 100 km/h.
This car does come with the same creature comforts as the Renault Clio. The 9.3" infotainment screen, Bose sound system, wireless charging pad and dual USB ports. In front of the driver is a 7" display with a 10" display that can be had at an additional cost.
Although the Colt is recognised as the forerunner of the Triton in South Africa, it is a nameplate commonly linked to Mitsubishi's hatchbacks in other markets.
The Renault Clio certainly is a well-liked car, but it remains to be seen if this same level of admiration can extend to the receiving brand. Then again, a similar relationship has worked well for Suzuki and Toyota.
It's unsure at this stage if and when the Mitsubishi Colt will arrive in SA or if it will wear the Colt badge.
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