Mitsubishi Colt Details, Photos and Videos

Mitsubishi Colt is a nameplate from Mitsubishi that has been applied to a number of automobiles since 1962. It was first introduced with a series of kei and subcompact cars in the 1960s, and then for the export version of the subcompact Mitsubishi Mirage between 1978 and 2002. Chrysler, Mitsubishi's longtime partner, also used the name when applying its long-running practice of rebadging Mitsubishi vehicles as the Dodge and Plymouth Colt captive imports for the North American market between 1970 and 1994.

The most recent version was a subcompact model manufactured between 2002 and 2013, sold under the Colt name internationally. Mitsubishi replaced this series in 2013with a new generation which reverted to the Mirage name.

In addition to these small cars, "Colt" in the Mitsubishi vernacular has been used for unrelated vehicles of various forms as discussed below. The name has also been disaffiliated from Mitsubishi as an independent marque in some markets.

Mitsubishi started with the nameplate "Colt" in 1962. This original series started as a line of small cars sold predominantly in Japan. These models continued on in various similar forms until 1971. Between 1978 and 2002, the name "Colt" applied to export versions of the Mitsubishi Mirage in markets such as Europe and for a time, in Australia. Between 2002 and 2013"Colt" has referred to a subcompact hatchback and derivative body styles that replaced the Mirage line. Unlike previously, "Colt" was the name used internationally.

Various other models have been designated "Colt" over time as well. The Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck in South Africa utilised the name from at least 1992 to 2008, as has the second generation Mitsubishi Delica in Indonesia—its full name being "Mitsubishi Colt L300".

Colt was also used as a marque from 1974 to 1984 by the Colt Car Company to market Mitsubishi vehicles in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, the Colt brand ceased in favour of the Mitsubishi name in 1970, upon the release of the new "Dyna-wedge" Galant model.

Mitsubishi introduced the "Colt" name in 1962 on the Mitsubishi Colt 600, the first of a line of small family cars complementing their Mitsubishi 500, the company's first post-war passenger car. The Colt 600 is powered by a 594 cc NE35A OHV air-cooled straight-twin engine. At this time, Mitsubishi did not yet exist as an autonomous company, and vehicles were being produced by three regional subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. MHI, which had been formally dismantled after World War II, resumed operating as a single entity in 1964, but continued to use the "Colt" marque until the 1970s in Asia, and the 1980s in Europe.

To complement the 600, a larger compact car was introduced in 1963, the Colt 1000, followed by the fastback Colt 800 and larger Colt 1500 in 1965, the Colt 1100 in 1966, and the Colt 1200 in 1968.

Mitsubishi reintroduced the Colt nameplate as a front-wheel drive hatchback in 1978, with a sedan later released in 1982. Sold in Japan as the Mirage, the Colt name was restricted to markets such as Europe and Australia (where the Colt was built by Mitsubishi Motors Australia from 1982 to late 1989).

Five generations of Mirage-based Colts were sold between 1978 and 2002, with new generations released in 1983, 1987, 1991, and 1995. These Mirage derivatives were sold in various forms as the Mitsubishi Lancer in many markets, with the Colt nameplate in Europe typically restricted to the hatchback variants; sedans and station wagons were relegated to the Lancer name.

In 2002, a new Colt was released by Mitsubishi in Japan with a design by Olivier Boulay and built on the same platform as the Smart Forfour. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Galant Shop. A European version made at Mitsubishi's NedCar facility followed into production a year later (see below). This generation is not sold in the United States.

In 2004, the Colt was launched in Europe, with models ranging from 1.1 MPI Mivec, 1.3 MPI Mivec, 1.5 MPI Mivec and 1.5 Turbo Mivec in petrol. A three-door arrived in 2005 for Europe only.

The Smart Forfour also shared the 2003 specification chassis, with Brabus releasing a performance version of the Forfour in 2004 using the same engine as used in the 2004 European cz-T, but squeezing 30 hp (22 kW) extra out of the same 4G15.

In November 2004, a 1.5 L D-ID direct injection turbodiesel version with turbocharger and intercooler, producing 95 PS (70 kW) was made available, with an option of the Allshift automatic manual gearbox with electric clutch and six gears.

The performance specification 1.5 T was based on the 4G15 block, with a Turbo and Intercooler to aid power (147 hp (110 kW) at 6000 rpm / 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m) at 3500 rpm). MIVEC variable valve timing was also used to increase the output, upping the power dramatically from the 109 hp (81 kW) 1.5 MPI. The same performance engine was also used to power the later released CZC cabrio model Colt (2005), with the more petrol-friendly 1.5 MPI available as an option.

Mitsubishi released its new Colt CZC coupé cabriolet at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, and the car has been on sale since 2006. The car is a 2+2 with a retractable hard-top and available with the turbo engine from the European cz-T or as just a 1.5 MPI. Jointly developed by Mitsubishi and Pininfarina under Ken Okuyama, it was partially made in the Netherlands, with final assembly taking part at Pininfarina in Turin, Italy.

Mitsubishi released a new Colt Ralliart Version-R in Japan on 30 May 2006. Its 4G15 engine, with MIVEC variable valve timing and turbocharger, produces 154 PS (113 kW; 152 hp) at 6000 rpm and 210 N⋅m (150 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm for manual model, 154 PS (113 kW; 152 hp) at 6000 rpm and 180 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm for CVT model. Other key features include a stiffer spot welded chassis, stiffer suspensions, improved exhaust system, improved steering mounting, bodykit, 240 km/h speedometer, low profile high-grip 16-inch tires (205/45R16), and Recaro bucket seats borrowed from the Lancer Evolution VIII MR. The rear seats are moulded for two passengers, as opposed to three in the rest of the range. Incidentally, this is the same engine used in the 2004 European performance specification Colt (cz-T), only running slightly increased horsepower figures (torque stayed the same). This version is also sold in Australia and New Zealand as the Colt Ralliart, without the 'Version-R' designation. The CVT version is officially sold in Singapore and Hong Kong under the same designation as Japan.

In 2008, the Version R went through a minor facelift with its engine uprated to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) at 6000 rpm and 210 N·m (150 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm for the manual model, 154 PS (113 kW; 152 hp) at 6000 rpm and 180 N·m (130 lb·ft) at 2500 rpm for the CVT model. In Australia and New Zealand the 2008 and onwards models were fitted with lighter rims and chrome headlamps, but the sunglass holder and front Recaro seats were removed and replaced with standard sports seats to reflect a reduced retail price.

Also in 2008, a limited version called Colt Ralliart Version-R Special was launched in Japanese market for a limited number of 300 units. The difference from the usual version is further stiffer continuous seam welded chassis and a Ralliart muffler. Another 200 units of Version-R Special were launched in 2010.

In Switzerland, presents itself as a sporty top model from 2008 - apart from the former Colt CZT with turbocharged 150 hp (110 kW) - the CZT Ralliart high performance version with 180 hp (130 kW) at 6000 rpm and 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm. The extensive modifications include a lowered ride height, a reinforcement of the rear axle and a tighter co-ordination of shock absorbers and springs. Special front and rear spoilers and side skirts provide the appropriate visual appearance.

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