Mitsubishi Colt (2004 - 2013) 1.1 CZ1 (10/08) 3d Owner Review

This car is a mixed bag... On the plus side, it is modern, looks cool and decently equipped furthermore, Interior space is also very good especially for a large driver like myself. I can easily fit a bicycle in the back (with all rear seating fully collapsed) and by taking the front wheel from the bicycle. The car's interior "luxuries" are good, with a decent sound system (with aux input making handsfree calling a possibility), a good clear set of gauges, a digital trip computer with mileage readout and a digital fuel meter, electric windows, central locking, plenty of airbags and ABS. The interior quality is OK, with very hard but scratchy plastics. The parts which you interact with are very solid feeling though. On the minus, the rubber molded steering wheel is horrible (I replaced it with a leather one), the seating offers very poor side support and they are not very comfortable, resulting in lower back ache for me on long drives, passengers share the same complaints, despite having plenty of space otherwise. Furthermore, the lack of a solid spare wheel cover can make it messy and have small items disappear in to the abyss of what the spare wheel well is. Ride quality is OK, with some level of comfort in the suspension. Speaking of handling, the Colt is extremely fun to throw about. It's low weight and narrow wheelbase mean driving fast on country lanes is tremendous. I can't imagine how good the Ralliart is. Steering is responsive, gear changes are good and throttle response is excellent. I trust this car a lot. However, the amount of body roll and lack of side support from the seating does mean that you also get thrown around as well as the car. I have developed a habit of sticking my elbow against the door card to support myself. The 1.1l 74hp/74lb-ft engine is punchy and lively, offering good performance for overtaking and getting up to speed quickly. Obviously, don't expect too much. The somewhat throaty 3cyl engine roar is satisfying with some attitude but it is not as smooth as a 4cyl unit you will find in slightly larger engine sizes (such as the 1.3/1.5 engines). Average mileage for me is poor too, offering only 33mpg from a puny engine. I do have to throttle it to get up to speed and up hills, otherwise it will die. But, that is a given with a small engine. £20 will often get me around 85-95 miles, which is unimpressive. Road tax is also unimpressive, with me paying £115p/a. Compared to other cars in the same class, I am paying a lot more. Reliability? Well, it's a small Japanese car. I haven't had to go under the bonnet in it with no other reason than for regular servicing, filters, oil, fluids... Otherwise, no mechanical problems. It runs like a dream. I also love the way it looks. The 2008 facelift really brings it in to the modern era, even so many years later. They don't call it the mini evo for nothing, the front styling makes it almost indistinguishable from an Evo, when squinting, from 500 miles away. The car has a wide stance compared to other cars (the roomy interior gives this way) and has large hips, something to bare in mind. My car is finished in white and looks pretty good. All it needs are some nice Ralliart alloy wheels. I love my car, it has character, a roomy interior, a good sound system and fantastic looks. Just a shame it's uncomfortable and a tad cheap with the plastics. But, for the money I paid and the previous owner paid when new, I can't complain. I'll always remember this little blighter, it's a legend in my own mind.