Sometimes the most obvious cars aren't necessarily the best. Take the Mitsubishi Colt for example; it's a cracker of a car, with reliability, equipment and flexibility all as standard, along with decent performance - yet it's a red-letter day when you see one. As a result, used values are lower than for more obvious superminis - so jump in before word gets out.
Key Dates
9/04: An all-new Colt arrives, in five-door form only.
2/05: A three-door edition appears, along with the 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre CZT.
12/05: The previous Equippe, Mirage and Elegance trims are replaced by CZ1, CZ2 and CZ3 badges.
3/06: The CZC coupé-cabriolet arrives, with 1.5-litre petrol power only - but a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged units.
10/08: Replaced by an extensively facelifted version.
Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2008) Checklist
- The Colt's battery isn't maintenance free, so the level drops over time. Check that it's been topped up in the last month or so.
- The engine coolant reservoir bottle top may not seal properly, so the level may drop; check it's up to the mark and that the engine hasn't overheated.
- Interior trim is flimsy, so check it's not damaged; the glovebox lid is especially prone to problems because its catch fails.
- A free ECU software upgrade at the dealer should cure problems with the AMT autoclutch gearbox.
- The Colt is popular as an urban runabout, so check the wheels for kerbing and the tyres for uneven tread wear, suggesting the tracking has been knocked out.
We Like
- Economy
- Reliability
- Cabin flexibility
- Spacious interior
We Don't Like
- Lack of seat comfort
- Poor forward visibility
- Small boot