The Mitsubishi Colt is back, but not as you remember it. The new Colt is a compact electric hatchback that shares its platform, powertrain, and design with the Renault Zoe, one of Europe's best-selling EVs. But unlike the Zoe, which is only sold in Europe, the Colt will be available in other markets, including Japan and Australia. Mitsubishi hopes that the Colt will help revive its flagging sales and reputation and appeal to a new generation of eco-conscious drivers.
What is the Mitsubishi Colt?
The Mitsubishi Colt is a nameplate that dates back to 1962 when it was used for a series of small cars and vans sold in Japan and other Asian markets. The Colt name was also used for some models exported to Europe and North America, such as the Mirage and the Lancer. The last generation of the Colt was produced from 2002 to 2012 and was a subcompact hatchback that competed with the likes of the Ford Fiesta and the Toyota Yaris.
The new Colt is a completely different beast. It is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-EV platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles. The Mitsubishi Colt shares most of its components with the Renault Zoe, including its 52 kWh battery pack, its electric motor that produces 134 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, and its range of up to 245 miles on the WLTP cycle. The Colt also inherits Zoe's fast-charging capability, which allows it to replenish up to 90 miles of range in 30 minutes using a 50 kW DC charger.
The Colt differs from the Zoe mainly in its exterior styling, which features Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield grille, LED headlights and taillights, and a more angular shape. The Colt also has some unique interior touches, such as a digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rotary gear selector. The Colt offers a spacious cabin for its size, with enough room for five passengers and 338 liters of cargo space.
