Mitsubishi introduced the 6th generation Colt to the domestic market in Nov 2002 and then Europe one and a half year later. Why did it take so long to reach the European shore? because instead of importing from Japan, the European Colt was considerably re-engineered to suit the European tastes and was transferred to Holland for production. It is being produced in the Nedcar plant left by Carisma and Volvo S40. The plant is now a 50-50 joint venture between Mitsubishi and DamilerChrysler. The latter uses it to produce Smart Forfour alongside the Colt. The Smart and the Mitsubishi are actually sister cars, sharing as much as 60% components to make the Smart project financially viable while increasing the profitability of Colt. However, the Smart is designed to be a niche car, selling at premium price to scare its customers (as my previous report found out), thus it will sell at a volume no where near the Colt. Although Smart insisted its car has equal status with the Mitsubishi in the project, it is clear that Mitsubishi was the core. It developed the whole car including the chassis, engines and transmissions. The European (Mercedes) only contributed a couple of diesel engines because Mitsubishi does not need them in Japan and it would be more cost effective to out source. Smart only joined the project in later stage of the development.

One of the reasons why the Colt was so well accepted in Europe is its European flavor - it was designed by ex-Mercedes designer Olivier Boulay, who joined Mitsubishi as design chief after designing Peugeot 206 and Maybach. No wonder the Colt looks so much like Mercedes A-class. The sharp styling encloses a MPV-like profile. It occupies roughly the same parking space as Honda Fit (Jazz), but it is 2.5cm taller and boosts a 5cm longer wheelbase. That make it both the tallest and the longest wheelbase car in the B-segment. 

Enter the cabin, you will find the extra dimensions pay off. It is very roomy for all passengers, especially rear legroom because the rear seat can slide to alter the distribution between passenger and luggage space. All passengers sit high as in MPVs but still enjoy vast of headroom. The ambience is airy and cheerful, thanks to huge windscreen and big windows. But like many MPVs, the far forward A-pillars create blind spots. Japanese and European versions employ different dashboard design (see photo here for the Japanese version and photo in gallery for Euro car), the former is more elegant while the latter is more funky. However, both are made of soft touch plastics to deliver a quality feel. Overall speaking, the cabin is a lovely place to be in.

The flexibility of rear seat can rival any real MPVs. It can slide forward to increase luggage space, fold down to form a flat load area, tumble forward to store tall things or even completely detach. In case of long things, the front passenger seat can fold down to increase the maximum length. Which car can beat it for flexibility? 

Large cabin and high-quality interior usually lead to increased weight. This is a common trend of mini cars. Most rivals weigh between 1040kg and 1100kg, but Mitsubishi did a good job to keep Colt under 1 ton, from 965kg to 990kg depending on engines. This is quite surprising considering its class-leading interior space. Part of the contribution is the aluminum head and block engines with thermoplastic intake manifolds and cam cover. 

All engines are eager and produce pretty high output for their displacement, thanks to Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable intake valve timing and lift. This cam-changing VVT technology was used in FTO to produce up to 100 horsepower per litre. In the bread-and-butter Colt, they are of course optimized for economy and flexibility. Nevertheless, the base 1.1-litre 3-cylinder engine still produces a respectable 75hp, more than Volkswagen's 1.2-litre tripe by 10 horsepower despite of its smaller capacity. A balance shaft is employed to cancel vibration, so it revs reasonably smooth. 

At the other end of the range, the most powerful engine is a 4-cylinder version of the triple, sharing the same bore and stroke dimensions. It produces 109hp out of just 1.5 litres, again beating most rivals. But it sounds coarse at high rev, so the pick of the range falls into the 1332 cc four-cylinder, which is the short-stroke version of the 1.5. It is more willing, smoother and quieter. 95 horsepower combines with 975kg kerb weight result in a brisk performance - 60mph is reached in 10.4 seconds only. Mating with the light and quick-shifting manual gearbox, the Colt is really enjoyable to drive.

With the tallest body in the class, does it handle well? in contrast to prediction, it does! well, the softly sprung Japanese version rolls more in corner than keen drivers would like, but considering its intention as an inner city transport, that's fully understandable. The European Colt has stiffer suspension setup. Ride is a little firm but compensates with well-judged damping which resists float and crash. Body roll is surprisingly minimal. The Colt goes into corners with real agility and crispness. Its wide tires provide generous grip, but it can play lift-off oversteer as well. This make it more fun to drive than sister car Smart Forfour. Both cars share an electrical power steering, but the Mitsubishi's setup provides more feel, if not really matching conventional hydraulic steering. The steering is also quick, precise and well weighted. 

Well done, Mitsubishi. After years of disappointing effort, it has finally produced a class winner. The Colt is a very efficient mini car. Its small engine produces big power. Its light body encloses a big interior. Its cockpit is comfortable, nice-feeling and highly flexible. Its chassis is well engineered to deliver capable handling and ride. Most important, it is fun to look, to sit and to drive. This could be the savior to Mitsubishi.