Mitsubishi Colt

Colt is the car that can turn around the way UK buyers see Mitsubishi. Currently the company is thought of as a maker of tough 4x4s, like the Shogun, and blisteringly quick, rally-bred saloons, like the Lancer Evo. Now Mitsubishi wants to show Brit buyers that it's not just a two-trick pony and it can produce some innovative mainstream models. The new Colt does just that - it's instantly recognisable, looks young and funky and has been developed alongside the Smart forfour, with which it shares engines and an awful lot of parts. A sportier-looking three-door model (called Colt CZ3) should be in the showrooms in early 2005.

DI-D, CZ1, CZ2, CZ3

Classic specification includes: ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and wing-mirrors, deadlocks, 15-inch alloy wheels, four-speaker radio and single-slot CD player, front and rear variable intermittent wipers, high-mounted third brake light, immobiliser, ISOFIX rear seats keyless entry and remote central locking, ‘Multi box’ storage console, one-touch electric front windows, power steering, reach adjustable three-spoke steering wheel, remotely-adjustable door mirrors, 60:40 split rear bench with removable, tumble, slide, recline functions and twin front airbags. Equippe specification adds: air conditioning, chromed exhaust (excl. 1.1), dust and pollen filter, electric front and rear windows, electric and heated door mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, leather-clad steering wheel and gearknob (manual gearknob only), six-speaker radio and single-slot CD player. Top-of-the-range Elegance has leather upholstery, front fog lights, steering wheel audio remote controls, side airbags, under-seat storage tray and seat-back pocket (driver & passenger). Sport has the same kit as the Equippe, but with 16-inch alloy wheels, sports pedals, front fog lamps, red interior trim, red leather-clad steering wheel and gear knob, steering wheel audio remote controls, rear spoiler, silver combi-meter rings.

1.5 DI-D