Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 CZ1 3dr Car Review - March 2012

It has a 1.1-litre, 3-valve, 1124cc petrol engine which produces 74bhp and responds best at lower speeds. Torque figures of 74 lb-ft are too low to expect any considerable amount of pull, which explains why the car struggles at high speeds.

A 0-62mph time of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 101mph make it suitable for city driving. It is unbearably slow on the motorway even though its handling is competent. There is a bit of body lean, but you will enjoy great stability in corners and the precise steering. The chassis is responsive enough to keep you happy.

The 1.1 engine is the most refined in the range although road and wind noises are present at speed. The suspension doesn’t quite absorb bumps and there will be jolts over rough surfaces. Rear visibility is good. However, forward visibility is hindered by chunky windscreen pillars.

The Mitsubishi Colt CZ1 is a fancy, little hatchback with stylish, appealing looks. At 3880mm x 1695mm, it is narrower and taller than most rivals in the class. Still, it manages to pack five seats inside, and three, easy-access-doors. It has a round nose, highlighted by a wide grille and curved headlights. The interior layout is good but the materials used have a cheap look and feel.

Being an entry-level trim, you shouldn’t expect much from the CZ1 in terms of standard equipment. It comes with power steering, central locking, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbag, immobiliser, keyless entry and CD player. This is still more than what you get in some rivals. Only metallic paint is available as an extra, and it costs £399.

The Colt CZ1 registered average results in the Euro NCAP crash test, getting 4 stars for occupant protection, 3 stars for child protection and 1 star for pedestrian safety. This is partly because of the limited number of airbags (only two) in the car, and even though deadlocks, central locking and an engine immobiliser are available, rear passengers are bound to feel too exposed without airbags. There are many small family cars that provide up to 6 airbags.

If it’s any consolation though, Mitsubishi is an old car maker with a time-honoured reputation for reliability. The Colt is constructed to regular Mitsubishi standards: it has a sturdy frame and feels well-built from the inside. A 3-year warranty on unlimited miles will take care of any mishaps you encounter in the initial years. The 12,500 miles service interval is reasonable.

The cabin is surprisingly large for such a small car. Even though it is no match for the Renault Twingo or Vauxhall Corsa in space, four adults will travel in absolute comfort in the Colt. There is plenty of head and legroom and the car feels much larger when you are seated inside.

The boot, on the other hand, is a downer. You only get 160 litres of space and by folding the rear chairs; you can increase this capacity to 568 litres. Since you are looking for a small car, then boot space is probably not a priority, in which case it won’t be a problem. The little that is available is enough to hold a small bag.

Driver comfort is assured. The dashboard is simple and neat, with large, easy to use controls. The steering wheel adjusts for height only but you can manipulate the driver’s seat for a good driving position.

For its quality and practicality, the Colt CZ1 is reasonably priced. It is selling at only £9,249 currently, which is lower than what top rival Ford Fiesta costs. Another great thing about the Colt is that it has a low depreciation rate and holds on to its value well. This is great news for anyone looking to sell after a while.

Fuel economy is decent, averaging 51.4mpg, and is within the class range. Emissions are also low at 130g/km and attract £95 annually in road tax under band D. A rank in insurance group 11 is a pointer to low insurance costs.