Mitsubishi has revealed its new-generation Colt hatchback based on the updated Renault Clio, though it won’t be coming to Australia.
A Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson has confirmed the seventh-generation Colt isn’t on their radar right now as they’re focussing on the SUV and utility segments.
The new Mitsubishi Colt will be produced at Renault’s Bursa plant in Turkey, scheduled to reach European dealers this October.
Mitsubishi has differentiated the new Colt from the Renault Clio by tweaking its front bumper to feature its corporate Dynamic Shield design language. There are also L-shaped LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.
A highlight of this new-generation Mitsubishi Colt is a hybrid (HEV) model that combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors, and a 1.2 kWh battery. Total system outputs haven’t been confirmed, but it’s the exact same engine setup as the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid which produces 105kW.
There’s also a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission, as well as a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
On the inside there’s a 7.0-inch or a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system depending on specification, ambient lighting, and an available Bose premium sound system.
The Mitsubishi Colt is available with the following safety equipment:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Traffic sign recognition
- Easy Park Assist
- Automatic high-beam
This revived Colt represents a return to the badge for Mitsubishi, which ended European and Japanese production of the previous version in 2012, though it continues to be built in extended Colt Plus form in Taiwan.
Mitsubishi had announced it was winding down its European operations in 2020, only to later reverse course announce the new Colt and ASX for that market – both based on existing Renault products.
The Colt name has a long history, first appearing in 1962. Perhaps the best-known Colt was the locally-built hatch and sedan sold here from 1982 to 1989.
The name continued to be used in other markets, though its successors were sold here under the Lancer and Mirage nameplates before the Colt named returned in 2004.
This model was subsequently discontinued in 2011 and wasn’t directly replaced. Instead, the Mirage nameplate came back, but was used on a city car instead of a light hatch.
MORE: 2023 Mitsubishi Colt hybrid teased, unlikely for Australia
