Used Mitsubishi Colt Hatchback 2004 - 2014 review
Category: Small car
The Mitsubishi Colt is competent rather than fun to drive, but it's surprisingly spacious
What's the used Mitsubishi Colt hatchback like?
The Mitsubishi Colt isn't the sort of car you buy for thrills - it never has been. Instead, it's one of those cars that performs competently in every area rather than really shining in any one. Still, that's no bad thing.
Its biggest strength is its space. Four adults can sit in absolute comfort, and the amount of head- and legroom they get belies the car's small size. The dash is attractively designed and easy to use, too, and the materials it's made from are far more appealing than owners of older Mitsubishis will be used to.
The most notable thing about how the car drives is that it's very easy to drive. It grips well enough, even though the body leans in corners and the steering is dull. The ride is supple enough, too, even though bigger bumps and cracks can cause a bit too much suspension noise.
Ownership cost
What used Mitsubishi Colt hatchback will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Mitsubishi Colt hatchback?
Running costs are very good. Our favourite 1.1-litre engine returns the best fuel economy of the petrol cars, with an average figure of 51.4mpg. The 1.3 and 1.5 give figures of 48.7mpg and 45.5mpg respectively, and even the CZT version will manage 41.5mpg. The diesel is the outright winner on fuel economy, though, with an average of 58.9mpg.
Our recommendations
Which used Mitsubishi Colt hatchback should I buy?
There are five engines to choose from. We'd recommend the entry-level 75bhp 1.1 because it's quick enough to use anywhere and more responsive at low revs than the more powerful 95bhp 1.3. If you want a bit more performance, there's also a 1.5 with 109bhp.
In the CZT warm-hatch version, the 1.5 engine gets a turbocharger to give 150bhp, but it still feels brisk rather than quick. Diesel options are limited to just the 95bhp 1.5 DI-D, which is frugal and flexible.
When the Colt first appeared, trim levels included Classic, Equippe, Elegance and Sport. Classic models come with a good spread of kit including alloys, electric front windows and a CD player, and we think this is best-vale package.
Equippe models add air-con and electric rear windows, while Elegance models get side airbags and leather seats. Sport models gain a body kit and cruise control.
Later on, the trim levels were renamed CZ1, CZ2 and CZ3.
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