Mitsubishi Colt 2002-2012 used car review
The Mitsubishi Colt is a small hatchback shaped like a people mover and has a spacious interior.
The Mitsubishi Colt is a small hatchback shaped like a people mover and has a spacious interior. It is very soft to drive.
The Mitsubishi Colt replaced the Mirage hatchback before it in turn was replaced by the Mirage. It was the first of the small hatchbacks to shift to a taller, people mover-like shape for additional interior space. Three other models derived from the Colt - a sportier Ralliart version, a hardtop convertible and a larger “Plus” model. The Colt shares its basic engineering with the Smart ForFour model.
Inside and out
Other small cars quickly followed the Colt’s practical shape - short front bonnet, tall body with large windows and near-flat rear. Combined with an upright seat position, this gives it maximum interior space. At the front is a small smile-shaped grille and large headlights that run back into the body. Large rear tail lights are set high for maximum visibility.
Once you get inside, the spaciousness of the Colt is immediately apparent. The windows are large and tall and an extra window next to the dash adds to the forward and side visibility. The instruments are white for a sporty look and sit in a sculpted pod in front of the sporty-shaped steering wheel. The transmission shift comes out of the steering column and might take some getting used to. However, it does allow for a flat floor and clear space between the seats. The stereo in our review model is an aftermarket CD player. Most used import Colts will require a band expander to receive local stations. The air-conditioning is manual.
High seat height will appeal to older or mobility restricted drivers who don't like to lower themselves into cars. The seats themselves are comfortable, despite feeling a little narrow and short in the base for taller drivers. They don't offer much side support – that’s not an issue because this car isn’t designed for aggressive driving. Rear legroom is impressive and even tall passengers will have space. There is not enough seat width for three adults.
The official volume of the Colt's boot is 220 litres but we think it is bigger than indicated. It is deep and will take more cases than most competitors when stood upright - up to three medium suitcases. Pull the tabs on the back of the rear seats and they split 50/50 and fold forward for additional capacity. The load floor is not flat, however.
On the road
Three engines are available in the Colt. New Zealand-new models get a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol as standard and the Ralliart model features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. Most used import cars like ours are powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, which produces 68kW and 124Nm. The standard transmission is a CVT automatic, which on the Ralliart can be shifted manually. The 1.3-litre provides enough power to be zippy around town, though it can be buzzy when pushed and will struggle on the open road with a full load on board.
The Colt offers a comfortable drive even if it’s not particularly enjoyable for enthusiastic drivers. The steering is very light - great around town - though with little feel. The ride is soft and comfortable, with quite a bit of body roll. Grip is reasonable but the standard model is too soft to enjoy going around corners quickly. Road noise is about normal for a small CVT hatchback.
None of the Colts came with parking sensors or a reversing camera as standard. We don’t think they’re necessary. With its large windows and mirrors, flat back and short bonnet, it’s quite easy to park, even in tight situations.
Don't expect to tow with your Colt. We couldn't find an official tow rating for the 1.3-litre used import model. New Zealand-new models with the larger 1.5-litre engine can tow just 400kg (a small garden trailer).
Safety
RightCar lists the Colt (2004-2011) as having a one-star Used Car Safety Rating, based on real-world crash data. That’s below the competition’s ratings, including the Toyota Vitz, Mazda Demio and Honda Jazz. Our review vehicle featured only driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes as safety equipment. New Zealand-new models also had side airbags and carried a three-star ANCAP rating.
No ISOFIX child seat mounts are fitted. The centre seat features a lap belt, which is far less safe than the shoulder type.
Reliability
The Mitsubishi Colt’s reliability is acceptable - the transmission is the main source of any issues. The engine uses a timing chain which will not require regular replacement.
At higher mileages, above 150,000km, the transmission can fail in relatively rare cases. A replacement can cost $2,000 to source and fit; it might not be economical.
A replacement unit will set you back $100 or more though fitting can cost double that. Check that the windows in the car you’re considering operate evenly and smoothly.
The Colt is known to need replacement front shock absorbers as mileages rise. They are not expensive and the job should cost around $400.
The cable-operated ventilation system in the Colt is known to be problematic. Make sure the system blows air where the dials direct it because repairs can be complicated.
Cost of ownership
Mitsubishi recommends servicing the Colt every year or 15,000km, whichever comes first. A local dealer quoted us $370 for the standard service, which is high for this size of vehicle. The 90,000km service includes a fluid change for the CVT automatic and costs $645.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Colt will cost $1,460 to fuel, about the same as a Toyota Vitz. The 47-litre fuel tank will cost $94 to fill at $2 a litre and should take you 800km before the fuel light comes on. That’s an impressive range for a small car.
A vehicle licence for the Colt costs $99.02 a year, with the car in the second cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Colt valued at $5,850 will cost $42.303* per month. This is the same as a Toyota Vitz.
Buyers’ guide
The Mitsubishi Colt is available on Trade Me priced from $2,500. Prices reach as high as $13,000, with cars at this level either Japanese import Ralliart models or low-mileage New Zealand-new LS models. Despite being a reasonable car, members of the trade tell us they are hard to sell. That makes prices low compared to other similar models, though you should also consider the car could be a challenge to sell when the time comes to get rid of it.
New Zealand models
- ES/LS - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, CD player stereo, electric windows, anti-lock brakes and driver and passenger airbags.
- Sport - Adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body kit, fog lamps and climate control air-conditioning.
- Ralliart - Adds body kit, sports seats, special alloy wheels, bonnet vents, sports suspension and turbocharged engine.
Japanese models
A huge range of variants were available from Japan over its ten-year run in the market. Entry-level versions are known as the S, Very or Standard, with the range stepping up through the G, E, Casual and Elegance variants based on the year they were launched. Sports models include the RX, Sport-X, and Ralliart.
Timeline
- 2002 Launched in Japan
- 2003 Launched in New Zealand
- 2009 New Zealand model gets a cosmetic facelift
- 2012 Replaced by new Mirage
Details
2010 Mitsubishi Colt Very
$4,000 to $13,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.3-litre four-cylinder, 68kW and 124NM
CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
One-star Used Car Safety Rating
15,000km or 12 months
Space saver
5.2-litres per 100km (claimed)
3870mm
1680mm
1550mm
400kg
10.2m
This review covers the Mitsubishi Colt for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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Sam Domett 