Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008) Review
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Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008) At A Glance
Well priced, roomy, versatile, a real 'little big car'. Good 1.1 petrol and 1.5 diesel engines.
Lacklustre 1.3.
Reviews for Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
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Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.1 to 1.5
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 39–63 mpg
Like the Honda Jazz before it, the new Colt and its sister car the SMART Forfour have brought a breath of fresh air to small hatchbacks. (More about the ventilation system later.)
I first sat in the back of one for a rest at the Motor Show, and was amazed at the amount of room in there. Its a proper, comfortable five-seater; a statement that cannot be said of cars like the new Audi A6, Volvo S60 and many other big motors with small interiors.
On top of that its versatile. The rear bench is split 60/40 and each half slides, folds, tumbles and completely removes. With both sides out the car is transformed into a flat-floored van.
The front seats are comfortable, too, with a height-adjustable steering wheel. The A pillar quarterlights effectively remove any blindspots. The dashboard is good to look at with plenty of useful cubbyholes. The plastics are all good quality. And at night it all lights up into a sort of transluscent glow.
In the £8,995 1.1 Classic I drove the diminutive three-cylinder petrol engine has to work hard. But its a game little thing with enough torque to haul the car along at a decent pace yet, according to the standard-fit trip-computer, delivering 35 to 40mpg most of the time.
Its no sportscar, of course, and doesnt pretend to be. The steering is light, without much feel. But it handles decently enough at normal sorts of speeds. It doesnt irritate by being too sluggish in its responses. Its better than average. The payback is excellent ride quality; something that noses it ahead of the best in class Honda Jazz.
The ventilation system is excellent, which I was thankful for during the hottest days in England since June as theres no aircon on the 1.1 Classic. The radio and single slot CD work well. The big mirrors give an excellent view behind both flanks.
So, a no fault zone then? Well not quite. My car had a handling quirk. At serious speeds and with only a slight crosswind the steering lightened up so much it became completely feel-free. And the flexible bushes at the back gave a bit too much rear steer. So a tad too much steering input on a gentle motorway bend got the tail wagging. Though it wont bother those who stick to 70, this could frighten a few speeding drivers into over-correcting, with dire consequences. So be warned.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 51 mpg | 13.2–13.3 s | 130 g/km |
| 1.3 | 47 mpg | 11.1 s | 130 g/km |
| 1.3 Automatic | 49 mpg | 12.0 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.5 | 46 mpg | 10.0 s | 148 g/km |
| 1.5 DI-D | 59 mpg | 9.9 s | 126 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
94%
Real MPG
39–63 mpg
MPGs submitted
98
Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3870–3940 mm |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 965–1085 kg |
| Boot Space | 186–609 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £7,894–£11,935 |
| Insurance Groups | 11–15 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–F |
| Official MPG | 45.6–58.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 1 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until July 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 CZ2 AMT 5dr Auto | £11,935 | 48.7 mpg | 12.0 s |
On sale until April 2013
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 CZ2 5dr | £11,425 | 47.1 mpg | 11.1 s |
On sale until September 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1 CZ1 5dr | £9,950 | 51.4 mpg | 13.2 s |
On sale until March 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.5 CZ3 5dr | £10,999 | 45.6 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 1.5 DI-D CZ2 5dr | £10,499 | 58.9 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until March 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1 Black 5dr | £7,894 | 51.4 mpg | 13.3 s |
Model History
September 2004
One-box Mitsubishi Colt launched in the UK
Built at the Born plant in Holland along with the 5-door MCC Smart. Code name NCC (New Compact Car). German built Mitsubishi designed Mivecs 1.1, 1.3 (88bhp) and 1.5 (109bhp) direct injected chain cam petrol engines, plus a 95bhp 1.5 chain cam diesel, plus (eventually) a 150bhp 1.5 turbo petrol. Optional 'AllSpeed' automated manual (electric clutch) transmissions. Electric power steering. 594 litre load area with seats folded.
- 1.1 Black 5-speed petrol: £7,999 (Launch Special, with Smartnav)
- 1.1 Classic 5-speed petrol: £8,999
- 1.1 Equippe 5-speed petrol: £9,999
- 1.3 Equippe 6-speed AllShift petrol: £10,999
- 1.5 Equippe 5-speed direct injected diesel: £11,499
- 1.5 Equippe 6-speed AllShift direct injected diesel: £11,999
- 1.3 Elegance 5-speed petrol: £11,499
- 1.3 Elegance 6-speed AllShift petrol: £11,999
- 1.5 Elegance 6-speed AllShift petrol: £12,499
- 1.5 Sport 5-speed petrol: £11,499
Launch Special Colt Black has radio/CD, remote central locking, front power windows, plus safety equipment including driver and passenger airbags and ABS plus electronic brakeforce distribution and sporty-looking red seats as standard.
All new petrol engines (1.1, 1.3, 1.5 DOHC, MIVEC) designed in Japan and built in Kölleda (Germany) by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation / DaimlerChrysler "MDC Power GmbH" joint-venture facility. All new Diesel engine (1.5 DOHC, common rail, direct injection), sourced from DaimlerChrysler.
Manual and automatic manual gearboxes.
- Roomy interior (class leading 1,705 mm front + rear legroom).
- Excellent rear seating flexibility (60/40 split, sliding, reclining, folding, tumbling, removable seats).
- Passive safety (interactive "RISE" structure, driver/passenger/side/curtain airbags)
- Active safety (standard ABS & EBD).
- Perceived quality (soft touch paint on trim, translucent parts, high grade upholstery).
- 15" alloy wheels standard across the range (except for Black).
- Sensible features (in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 12V in-trunk socket).
- Traditional Colt reliability. Good value for money. The first really serious competitor to the Honda Jazz.
Renamed CZ1 (1.1 engine), CZ2 (1.3 engine).
What to watch out for
Batteries not 'maintenance free'. Need topping up every 4 weeks. Equivalent Varta maintenance free battery £80.
Originally, engine coolant reservoir bottle has a clip on top. This does not form an adequate seal and over the course of the year the level will drop. It's very important to check this level regularly to prevent it going down too much with potential overheating consequences. The level in the bottle is a bit difficult to check as it is a long square container which goes down to the bottom of the engine bay. (Later models have a regular screw top that causes no problems.)
ECU software dealer upgrade cures problems with the AMT autoclutch. The original programming does not allow for small amounts of wear. Our of warranty update charged as one hour of labour.
On little used cars, brakes may bind and squeal in the mornings due to a a build-up of brake debris. Can be corrected by cleaning and adjusting the tolerances.
03-07-2012:Report of transmission mounting braket failing on 4 year old resulting in destruction of transmission and driveshaft.
08-05-2013:Report of crankshaft breaking on 65,000 mile 2005 Colt 1.5 D-ID.
03-12-2015:2004 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 DID automated manual becoming jerky on the overrun before eventually changine down. Could be end-of-life for the actuator and clutch though might be possible to reprogrammed the actuator to take account of clutch wear.
27-05-2018:Report of problems with automated manual transmission, power steering rack and starting of engine with a 2007 Colt. Now an 11 year old car, of course.
04-11-2018:Report of actuator failing on 2008 Colt automated manual. Sometimes won't go into gear. Sometimes goes backwards in 'Drive' instead of forwards.
