MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi Colt 2024 returns with its seventh generation based entirely on the Renault Clio platform

After being discontinued in 2012, the Mitsubishi Colt returns with its seventh generation, closely linked to the Renault Clio, from which it inherits everything: design, mechanics and technology.

The Japanese utility vehicle, which will arrive at dealerships from September 2023, will be available with both gasoline engines and a hybrid version, never seen before in the model.

The teaser released just over a year ago had already given the first clues about the front of the Mitsubishi Colt 2024, suggesting a stylistic kinship with the Renault Clio. What we didn't know is that it would take on the traits of the - then unknown - successful facelift of the French car.

From the optical groups, with the boomerang-shaped daytime running lights in vertical format, to the design of the bumpers, the body of the small Japanese car replicates almost entirely that of its French 'cousin'.

The main changes are the chrome elements at the ends of the grille and, obviously, the logo in the center of it. At the rear, there are almost no changes from what we saw on the revamped Clio, except for the 'Mitsubishi' and 'Colt' inscriptions.

Inside the Mitsubishi Colt 2024, what we've already seen in the Clio also appears. As standard, the Japanese model has digital instrumentation and a central monitor (placed in a vertical position) both of 7.0 inches.

In the most equipped versions, the screens increase to 10 and 9.3 inches, respectively. The infotainment system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is operated via touch or voice commands.

Below there are physical controls for climate control, USB inputs and the base for charging smartphones by induction. Regarding the trunk, it declares a capacity of 391 liters, in the best case, because the hybrid versions will have a smaller volume due to the integration of the battery.

Regarding the Clio, the new Mitsubishi Colt 2024 simplifies the engine offer with three units available. Starting with the naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder block, with 65 hp, and going through the 1.0-litre turbo with 90 hp, we arrive at the full hybrid version with 145 hp, consisting of a 1.6-liter engine with 94 hp (without turbo), two electric units of 49 and 24 hp (the less powerful one only generates electricity) and a 1.2 kWh battery.

This is Renault's E-Tech system, also adopted by the Dacia Jogger, coupled to the 4-speed Multimode automatic transmission, not especially fast, but more pleasant when accelerating than Toyota's e-CVT.

In terms of safety, this is a car with level 2 autonomous driving, thanks to adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping and automatic emergency braking. You can also count on a 360º camera, traffic sign recognition, parking assistance and much more.

Pricing for the new Colt has yet to be announced. However, we do know that the Mitsubishi SUV will be available in four finishes: Inform, Invite, Intense and Instyle, with a five-year or 100,000 km warranty. The start of production is scheduled for September and sales will begin in the last quarter of 2023.

Autonews