Mitsubishi Colt Problems

Mitsubishi Colt was relaunched in Australia in September 2004 after being missing for several years. Early models were made in Australia, these latter ones are fully imported from Japan.Colt’s big features are its radical body style and the number of interesting variants in which it is offered. We love the way the windscreen pillars run all the way from the roof down to the bumper without any deviation from a straight line. Interestingly, the facelifted version, introduced in April 2007, had quite lot of the rear-end redesign done by the Australian styling office of Mitsubishi.Inside, the look is as radical as the exterior; the Colt's wave-shaped dash has stylish instruments housed in a lavishly curved binnacle. There's good interior space for four people with sensible legroom in the adjustable rear seat. A fifth person will find comfort is compromised in the centre-rear by the join-line in the seatback.Boot space is restricted if the back seat is set all the way rearwards to achieve the best legroom. Colt can carry one large suitcase in a vertical position, with some room around it for softer baggage. The back seat can be double-folded to create a lot more room. The spare wheel is a small unit for temporary use only to make the boot deeper.Ride comfort is better than average for this class and overall refinement is as good as that of a car in the next size class upwards. However, handling is on the soft side, being aimed at the average driver rather than the enthusiast.The standard Mitsubishi Colt is powered by a 1.5-litre twin-cam engine. It was at the forefront of technology for its time and provides good torque that’s well suited to driving a CVT. Colt automatics use a new design of continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual is a conventional five-speed unit.Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, sold from July 2006 until mid 2010, has a turbocharged and intercooled 1.5-litre engine. Despite the apparent high-performance credentials is only has 113 kW of power so is not really in the hot-hatch category - but look at the low price. The Ralliart Colt has a more rigid body than the standard Colt and there's sports suspension, complemented by upgraded brakes and larger wheels and tyres.The most interesting Mitsubishi Colt of them all is the Cabriolet, which went on sale in November 2006. It's a tiny car with odd styling that bulges at the back and slopes down in a somewhat disconcerting manner at the front. At best it can be described as cute. Colt Cabriolet is sold with a turbocharged engine that’s closely related to the one used in the Ralliart model, but with slightly less power, at just 110 kW. The lower power is noticeable as the body gains wait due to being beefed up underneath to support the lack of a solid roof.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacturing in Australia the company is continuing as a major importer and has an ongoing commitment to providing spare parts, repairs and servicing. Insurance costs for Mitsubishi Colts vary dramatically. The turbocharged variants, particularly the Ralliart attract huge premiums. If looking at the latter and you are a young, inexperienced driver and live in a high-risk area make sure you get insurance quotes before falling in love with the hotter Colts.WHAT TO LOOK FORBody damage, or signs of it having been repaired, is a worry on any car, but especially so in the Ralliart variant of the Colt. Look for body panels that don’t line up correctly, on colours that don’t match from one panel to another. Tiny spots of paint on areas that should be clear, glass and badges are another cue.Look thoroughly inside a cabriolet for signs of dampness or water stains as it may have been caught out in the rain. Get permission to lift the carpets and check the conditions underneath them. Make sure any version of the Colt engine starts easily and idles reasonably smoothly.A turbocharged engine should have a minimum of lag. During your road test be aware that anything upwards of a second could be a worry. The turbo shouldn’t be overly noisy in operation. Check on the service books of any car, particularly if it’s a turbo as the latter needs to have engine oil changes according to schedule. As well as having the complete dynamic system examined.Listen and feel for a transmission that works smoothly and quietly. Make sure the brakes pull the Colt up promptly and that no one wheel locks before the others.CAR BUYING TIPSmall cars often live tougher lives than large ones because of their constant exposure to urban traffic. So low kilometre readings are not necessarily a good thing.

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

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