A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3.8
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable small hatchback that offers practical everyday motoring without breaking the bank? The Mitsubishi Colt might be exactly what you need. This compact five door hatchback was designed with urban driving in mind, offering decent space and fuel economy at an affordable price point. While it may not have the premium feel of rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, the Colt delivers dependable transport with surprisingly spacious interior dimensions for its size. The range of petrol engines provides adequate performance for city commuting and longer journeys alike. What makes the Colt particularly appealing is its straightforward approach to motoring, with simple controls and easy maintenance making it ideal for first time buyers or those seeking hassle free ownership. You’ll find competitive running costs and reasonable insurance groups across the range. The Colt represents solid value in the competitive small car segment, especially on the used market where prices have become very attractive.
What's the Mitsubishi Colt Like to Drive?
The Mitsubishi Colt focuses on efficient, reliable performance rather than excitement. The most common engines are the 1.1-litre and 1.3-litre petrol units, both delivering adequate power for everyday driving. The 1.1-litre produces around 75 horsepower, which feels sufficient for town driving and shorter trips. The 1.3-litre variant offers approximately 95 horsepower, providing more confident motorway performance and smoother overtaking ability. Neither engine will win any performance awards, but both are smooth and refined for their size.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.1L 3-cylinder / 1.3L 4-cylinder Petrol
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Power Output
75 - 95 bhp
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0-60 mph
13.2 - 11.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
45 - 50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 275 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Mitsubishi Colt: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Colt and you’ll find a sensible, well-thought-out interior that maximises space efficiency. The dashboard design is straightforward and functional, with clearly marked controls that are easy to understand and operate. While the materials aren’t premium quality, they feel solid and durable. The plastics are hard-wearing rather than soft-touch, but everything fits together well with minimal rattles or squeaks, even in higher mileage examples.
A surprisingly agile and economical city car. The Colt’s nimble handling and efficient engine make it a genuinely rewarding, if understated, choice for urban driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mitsubishi Colt?
The Mitsubishi Colt excels when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers. Both petrol engines deliver impressive fuel economy, with real-world figures typically ranging from 45 to 50 MPG depending on driving conditions and engine size. Insurance groups are very reasonable, often falling into groups 3 to 6, which means affordable premiums for most drivers. Parts and servicing costs are generally lower than European competitors, thanks to Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mitsubishi Colt
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Toyota Yaris
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Hyundai i20
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £3,500 | £4,200 | £4,800 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.3L 95hp | 1.3L 87hp | 1.2L 84hp |
| Power | 95 bhp | 87 bhp | 84 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.8 seconds | 12.1 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 48 mpg | 52 mpg | 50 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 275 litres | 286 litres | 295 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Reliable, Spacious interior, Low running costs | Excellent reliability, Hybrid option, Strong resale | Long warranty, Modern design, Good equipment |
How Practical Is the Mitsubishi Colt?
For its compact external dimensions, the Mitsubishi Colt offers impressive practicality. The 275-litre boot provides adequate space for weekly shopping or a couple of small suitcases, though it’s not the largest in its class. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity significantly, making it possible to carry larger items when needed. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage compartments for everyday items like phones, drinks, and documents.
Bought my Colt three years ago and it’s been absolutely brilliant. Never missed a beat, cheap to run, and surprisingly roomy inside. It’s not glamorous but it does everything I need perfectly.
The Mitsubishi Colt stands out in the competitive small car market by offering genuine reliability and practicality at an affordable price point. It combines Mitsubishi’s reputation for dependable engineering with sensible design and excellent fuel economy. While it may not be the most exciting or stylish choice available, it excels in the areas that matter most for everyday motoring: reliability, economy, and usability.