Mitsubishi Colt 1.3-litre ClearTec – on sale now

The Mitsubishi Colt ClearTec is a classic example of a growing trend for roomy, low CO2 superminis.

This is the first of the manufacturer’s low emission derivatives. It prod-uces 119g/km of CO2, making it the only petrol-engined supermini in the sub-120g/km CO2 VED band B.

Specification wise the ClearTec is the same as a 1.3-litre CZ2 apart from its smaller 15in alloys and auto stop and go technology which switches the engine off when the car is taken out of gear and stationary.

Other changes to boost efficiency are low rolling resistance tyres, longer final gear ratio and low viscosity engine oil.
For these advances, Mitsubishi charges a £500 premium over the CZ2.

Colt has grown inside and out and now has a
1,032-litre luggage capacity with the rear seats folded flat compared to the previous model’s 854 litres.

Mitsubishi has improved sound insulation by using better materials. Safety is improved and a new front end promises better pedestrian protection.

The suspension has been fettled, but unfortunately gives a hard ride and lets down what is otherwise a good urban runabout.
Mitsubishi plans to sell 1,879 ClearTecs - 31% of its full year target for the Colt range. It also aims to have ClearTec technology on all vehicles – apart from the L200 and Shogun – within three years.

A roomy interior, cruise control, iPod and MP3 connection plus £35 per year road tax makes the Colt ClearTec a great proposition, but the ride really is its Achilles’ heel.

Prospective customers could be swayed by the rival Mazda2’s better comfort, however its nearest comparable TS2 1.3-litre model costs almost £600 more.

Other ‘green’ rivals, such as Vauxhall Corsa Life EcoFLEX, Seat Ibiza Ecomotive or Citroën C3 HDI VT, can’t compete on specification or price either.

Likes: Economical, roomy
Dislikes: Hard ride