EXTERIOR
The Colt’s dramatic new look is the work of the same design team that created the all-new Lancer Evolution. All-new front bumpers and headlamps inspired by the Lancer frame the Colt’s new grille. The result is a Colt which presents a much stronger road presence and as an added bonus also improves pedestrian safety.
It’s not just the front of the Colt that has been given a new look. The new 5-door is now fitted with a wrap-around, slimmer back light, lower and wider rear combination lamps, a new tailgate and a revised bumper. This gives the 5-door more character and visually lowers and widens the car considerably. The 3-door Colt now comes fitted with a new bumper and new (black finish) rear lights.
The exterior of the new Colt is complemented by 16” alloys as standard on the CZ2 (15” on the ClearTec) while the flagship Ralliart model gains special grey alloys to further enhance its sporting looks.
INTERIOR
The Colt’s interior has been redesigned to provide a better driving environment with more space, comfort and better ergonomics.
In-keeping with Mitsubishi’s new family of cars the trim levels have been revamped and numerous elements are now shared with the new Lancer, these being:
• Steering wheel – with optional cruise control and audio switches.
• Digital information display.
• Amber instrument lighting – (the instrument panel has been completely redesigned).
• Better integrated components (audio system).
Mitsubishi’s designers have worked together to create a Colt where the digital information display is housed in one instrument panel situated between the speedometer and tachometer, creating an interior where style and function have been combined through ergonomic testing to set the benchmark for the competition. The audio system features a new speed compensating volume (SCV) function and an AUX plug in to enable i-pod / MP3 systems to be played on the Colt’s in-car entertainment.
A combination of new dark and silver finishes feature in the revised the interior, new seat materials and the redesigned centre console and instrument binnacle helping increase the quality feel and look of the Colt’s interior.
Space for passengers front and rear is maximised in the Colt’s spacious, airy interior. Adding to the comfort levels in the rear is a sliding seat, which allows users to increase legroom in the rear to enable even adult passengers to travel in comfort.
THE BOOT
Using the same principle as the Lancer Sportback the next generation Colt makes better use of its vast interior space with new possibilities to increase its flexibility.
The key to the increased flexibility is due to the introduction of a new flat floor. The sliding 60/40 rear seats have been re-designed to offer more load space through simpler operation, whilst the seats can still be kept in place and simply moved along, resulting in increased carrying capacity.
With the success of an adjustable cargo floor height in the Lancer Sportback the next generation Colt has adopted this approach helping to create a 50dm3 storage space underneath.
ENGINES
Choice of two petrol engines for the standard range. The 1.1 and 1.3 petrol engines are the same as the previous Colt and are built at the MDC Powerplant in Germany.
These engines are lightweight, compact and produce a high output thanks to the MIVEC variable valve timing system (4 cylinder engines).
Highlights for these engines include:
• Light weight aluminium cylinder block, resin intake manifold & cylinder head cover.
• Compact narrow valve angle cylinder head, direct-acting valve train, timing chain train, integrated accessory parts on cylinder block.
• High output DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder, MIVEC variable valve timing system (4 cylinder engines), high flow intake port, equal port length exhaust manifold.
• Low fuel consumption with low friction main moving parts, anti-knocking combustion chamber, shallow water jacket, electronic throttle valve, MIVEC variable valve timing system (4 cylinder engines).
Mitsubishi’s 6-speed “AllShift” Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is available with the 1.3 litre engine. This AMT gives Colt customers the benefits of automatic shifting at a much lower cost than a full automatic gearbox. Unlike many automated manual transmissions the Colt’s AllShift system features a ‘creep’ function much like that of conventional automatics. It provides an automatic driving experience without the usual penalty at the pumps. The AMT in the Colt actually returns better fuel consumption figures than the 1.3 litre CZ2 with a conventional manual transmission.
DYNAMICS
• Colt’s suspension system offers a responsive drive.
• Electrically-assisted rack and pinion steering combines ease of use with low fuel consumption.
• MacPherson strut front and compact torsion beam rear suspension.
• Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) fitted as standard.
REFINEMENT
Mitsubishi Motors’ engineers dedicated a great deal of time in search of lower levels of NVH (Noise-Vibration-Harshness) to further increase the Colt’s refinement. A number of measures ensure that the new Colt is even quieter than ever. Additional sound deadening and dampening features extensively throughout the Colt’s structure - lining doors and key areas behind the dashboard. In addition to this Mitsubishi has concentrated under the Colt’s bonnet with technologies like a driveshaft damper, engine pulley damping, revised engine mounts and ECU tuning allow the Colt to provide an even smoother, quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
THE SUSPENSION
The next generation Colt 3- and 5-doors are fitted with MacPherson strut front and compact torsion beam rear suspension. The major changes in suspension have occurred with the new Ralliart (See below).
THE STEERING
The Colt is fitted as standard with electronic power steering, which offers a number of benefits when compared with a more traditional hydraulic system. It functions independently of the engine reducing fuel consumption by 2.5%, and it’s also easier to service thanks to the absence of the pump and piping that accompanies a hydraulic set-up.
The steering has been tuned to provide optimal feel and control, in keeping with the car’s sporty character.
THE BRAKES
Along with the highly-specified braking system, a sophisticated four-channel anti-lock braking system with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), that is fitted across the range, the next generation Colt benefits from the new Brake Assist system.
Brake Assist is a device assisting drivers who cannot depress the brake pedal firmly when it is necessary to do so (such as in emergency stop situations) and provides greater braking force.
SAFETY
• High level of active and passive safety.
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) fitted as standard.
• Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution system (RISE)3 integrates Colt’s active and passive safety features.
• Twin front airbags fitted as standard, with passenger airbag deactivation switch.
• ISO-FIX child seat anchorage points fitted as standard in the rear.
Should an accident be unavoidable the next generation Colt is equipped with a comprehensive level of passive safety equipment. With a straight frame and octagonal section for better energy absorption the next generation Colt has been designed to be able to withstand even the toughest impact forces.
The front seat belts are fitted with pretensioners and load limiters, helping to minimise the risk of occupants receiving serious injuries in an accident.
For parents, the dual air bag system for the front passenger seat can be deactivated using the switch in the glovebox, while the inclusion of ISO-FIX child seat points will provide extra peace of mind.
Brake Assist and the introduction of the Emergency Stop signal System (ESS) reduces the possibility of rear end crashes with the new Colt. When maximum pressure is applied to the brake pedal (as in the case of an emergency) the system automatically activates the hazard lights at 3.5Hz, this being double the speed of normal hazard lights. RISE (Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution system) coordinates all of the Colt’s numerous safety elements and ensures that they operate at their full potential, providing maximum protection for the Colt’s occupants.
It’s not just passengers who benefit from Mitsubishi’s safety advances in the Colt. With the new model, Mitsubishi have aimed to improve upon the area of safety for pedestrians as well as active safety.
Wiтh pedestrian safety in mind, Mitsubishi have developed the following.
• New engine bonnet - mitigates head injuries to pedestrians by providing sufficient space between the bonnet and engine and by optimizing deformation through load distribution on the bonnet panel.
• New energy-absorbing hinges - reduces deformation load in order to mitigate head injuries by providing enough space between the hinge arm and the frame to allow rotation of the hinge-arm in case of a head impact in the hinge area.
• New energy absorbing deck garnish - reduces deformation load in order to mitigate head injuries through the deformation of the deck garnish located at the base of the windshield in case of a head impact in the rear area of the hood.
• New energy absorbing front bumper - mitigates knee ligament and tibia injuries through balanced energy absorption using 3 energy absorbers placed in the front bumper area, including an energy absorbing form at the front end of the crossmember and a plastic plate in the lower area of the front bumper.
• New energy absorbing headlamps - mitigates knee ligament and tibia injuries by breaking the fixing point of the headlamp in case of leg impact in this area.
• Low-mounted wiper layout - helps preventing head impact on the wiper pivot.
Coming Home Lighting
The Next Generation Colt features ‘Coming Home’ lighting. This function is designed to provide customers with the comfort of lit surroundings (to reach their doorstep, for instance).
If a customer triggers the high beam stalk within 60 seconds of switching off the Colt’s ignition, the vehicle’s low beam and tail lamps will be activated for 30 seconds. The duration of this light function can be programmed by the dealer to suit each customer’s specific requirements (between 5 to 80 seconds).
COLT ClearTec
The Colt ClearTec is a new model specifically addressing increasing customer demand for ever more environmentally-friendly models. ClearTec is a strategic evolution from Mitsubishi which will be rolled out across its entire range in time. It’s introduced in 2009 with the Colt CZ2 ClearTec, this 119g/km, 56.5mpg official combined consumption cycle Colt the green star of an already environmentally sound range.
The Colt ClearTec is based on the 1.3l CZ2 model but it features a number of key revisions to allow it to boast its impressive environmental credentials. Key to ClearTec’s environmental performance is Mitsubishi’s Auto Stop & Go system. This technology automatically stops the engine running when it would usually sit wasting fuel idling (at traffic lights for example). When the clutch pedal is released and the gearshift is positioned in neutral the ClearTec’s engine will switch off to save fuel and reduce emissions. To restart it all the driver needs to do is depress the clutch pedal and select a gear.
Other technologies that enable the ClearTec to produce its highly competitive CO2 and mpg figures are:
• Low rolling resistance tyres. Developed in conjunction with Continental these tyres reduce rolling resistance over a conventional tyre by 28%
• A revised final gear ratio.
• High efficiency alternator with Electricity Generation Control. Enhanced electric charging via a super efficient 100 A alternator that reclaims otherwise wasted energy when braking or decelerating.
• Low viscosity engine oil reducing internal friction.
• Altered ignition timing and compression ratio, and a number of other revised engine components like strengthened pistons and low tensile strength piston rings and iridium spark plugs.
The combined effect of all these changes allows the Colt ClearTec to return the sort of economy and emissions usually reserved for diesel superminis. With the cost of diesel fuel rising solutions like ClearTec make more financial sense for most customers.
COLT RALLIART
The Next Generation Colt has a new sporting flagship in the form of the Ralliart model. Available in both 3- and 5-door styles this hot Colt features a 147bhp-1.5l MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine under its bonnet. At £12,049 (3dr) and £12,549 (5dr) the new Colt Ralliart allows drivers to experience Mitsubishi’s Ralliart DNA in a spacious, practical, enjoyable and, crucially – in these times, affordable package.
Ralliart tuned suspension reduces the Colt’s body roll, enhances steering linearity while also creating better stability. The suspension is completely overhauled with thicker stabilising bars, revised fixing points and new spring and damper rates all working off a stiffer platform thanks to additional bracing throughout the Colt’s structure.
With 147bhp at 6,000rpm and max. torque of 155lb.ft at 3,500rpm the turbocharged Colt Ralliart can reach a top speed of 131mph with 0-62mph arriving in just 7.4 seconds for the 3- door and 7.6 seconds for the 5-door. Reassuringly, safety has not been compromised in this sporting flagship with M-ASTC (stability and traction control), curtain air bags and rear disc brakes as standard.
THE EXTERIOR
Visually the Colt Ralliart’s ‘Jet Fighter’ mesh black grille and lower and wider body position enhances its sporting looks. The aggressive racing on road image is furthered with grey 16’ sports alloy wheels, a sports exhaust, a large rear spoiler and privacy glass, the Colt Ralliart not just having the under bonnet power to take on its competition, but also the assertive, sporting good looks that sporting customers demand.
THE INTERIOR
That sporting look is continued inside the Ralliart where heavily sculpted, figure hugging sports seats hold you in tightly while enjoying the Colt’s ability in the bends. New style black on white dials, as seen on the Lancer, ensure that the sport theme is continued, and aluminium pedals and silver accents on the instrument bezels, air vents, door handles and two extra speakers complete the additions for the Ralliart Colt.
[Source: Mitsubishi]
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