Mitsubishi Colt News

The baby is the new Colt, though officially Mitsubishi in Japan is presenting it as a new model.  It will be launched in 2012 - including Australia - and come out of a purpose-built Thai plant currently under construction. Mitsubishi calls its new model the "global small" car and is designed to take on the swelling city-car market.  The car is likely to be smaller than the current Colt and sit on a new platform using engines ranging from 1-litre to 1.5-litres. However, the accent will be on fuel and emissions and Mitsubishi - like Nissan with its latest Micra - may stay in the lower-capacity engine sector.  Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says it's on the cards. "This is very high on our agenda, though it's too early to talk specifics," she says.  "But we are very keen to get this car into Australia." Using Thailand as its production base improves pricing with Australia under the Free Trade Agreement and will improve its competitiveness against rivals such as the Micra. The global small car will also fight the Ford Fiesta - now built in Thailand - and Mazda2 - which has moved production to Japan from Thailand - as well as the Hyundai i20, Holden Barina, Kia Rio, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo. Thailand may also build a range of engines for the new Mitsubishi. These include three and four-cylinder small-bore engines from 1.0 to 1.2-litres though capacities of up to 1.5 litres could be used to match the performance of some rivals. Mitsubishi today conducted a foundation stone-laying ceremony for the global small car's factory, the company's third in Thailand.  The factory, built adjacent to the first and second factories, is planned to start production in March 2012.  Production capacity is expected to start at about 150,000 units a year and rise to 200,000.

The newcomer will be smaller and cheaper than today's Colt, which opens the action for Mitsubishi in Australia from $15,740, and should be ready for the road inside two years.  The codename for the project is 'Global Small' and it's a personal priority for the president of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko. "The key issue facing the industry at the moment is increased demand from new markets - emerging economies - while sales in mature markets remain static. Increased environmental concerns have also become a major issue," Masuko tells Australian journalists. "These two factors are affecting the way we do business and have seen, globally, a shift from large passenger vehicles to smaller, more efficient and economical cars. In developing countries we believe the sales and importance of these vehicles will rise.  It is believed the growth segment will be small cars." He believes there is now an opportunity for a smaller car than the Colt, although he rules out anything as basic as the Tata Nano developed to take Indians off their bicycles and into cars.  "The size of the Global Small will be smaller than the Colt and the price will also be cheaper," he says. Masuko also confirms there will eventually be a plug-in electric version.  "We are also going to launch with an EV, one year later. Of course, it will come to Australia." Masuko says Mitsubishi plans to grow its global following with a range of vehicles which bring new customers to the brand.  "To to now, Mitsubishi is seen as having its strength in four-wheel drives. What we would like to build on, as a company, is to have vehicles which are sporty and emotional." He also confirms plans for strategic product alliances with other brands - such as the one Mitsubishi already has with Peugeot - to shortcut development times and boost its production numbers.  "From now on we are still going to be look at a lot of alliances," he says.

Hybrid cars and plans are popping up everywhere, from Porsche and Ferrari at the top end in Europe to the dozens of enthusiastic new carmakers led by Geely and BYD - the name means Build Your Dreams - in China.  We are also seeing far more efficiency in everyday petrol-powered cars, with a range of new technologies to boost economy and cut emissions.A growing number of new cars are now arriving with engine-stop systems for traffic-light efficiency, as well as driver-advisor systems to help pick the right gear. There is an Audi A4 in the Carsguide garage this week which does both and, even with a turbocharged petrol engine, is running fuel economy in the 7 litres/100km range.There is much more to come on the petrol-power front and the Toyota Prius, perhaps surprisingly since it's a hybrid, shows the way. Its 1.8-litre petrol engine is the first in the world without any sort of power-sapping drive belt for the parasitic add-ons, with electrically operated power steering and airconditioning, an on-demand alternator and an electric water pump.Expect all this, and soon, on cars for you.  Diesel engine development is going ahead very rapidly with most European brands - Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz among them - touting some sort of Blue technology. So blue is the new green for diesels.The best new diesels are much quieter than in the past and, thanks to the massive advantages of turbocharging, they have huge pulling power. Torque rules in the real world, where you need punch for overtaking and stoplight drags, and that makes diesels the surprising performance choice for a growing range of vehicles.It's easy to go on and on about the engine changes, from Benz's switch from superchargers to turbochargers and BMWs impressive efficiency developments to the small-capacity winners from brands such as Nissan, but the long-term green path is into electric cars.  Australia has yet to see its first commercial electric car but the race is really on now, with Mitsubishi and Tesla expected to both have plug-in cars on the road before the end of the year.An electric Smart will arrive sometime in 2011 and Subaru is keen to have a battery car in Australia as soon as possible, with other brands also working on plans.  But the green machine will run off the rails if governments do not act - and act soon - to give them support. Electric cars need plug-in points, but that's the obvious and easy stuff being pushed today by the Better Place organisation and many others.The real key to sales of electric cars is some sort of Federal incentive, like the ones in Europe and the USA. Nobody by a full-on greenie is going to pay around $70,000 for a Mitsubishi iMiEV when a petrol-powered Colt, which is a similar size and does a similar job, starts from $15,740.Follow Paul Gover on Twitter!

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

Under the ClearTec label, Mitsubishi this week started in the UK with its new-generation Colt.Within three years, all Mitsubishi models except Triton and Pajero will have the option of low-emission, high-efficiency features.Mitsubishi says that diesel was no longer cost effective for motorists who cover low annual distances.In Australia, Mitsubishi will soon unveil low-emission systems for its range. Spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says ClearTec was not on Australia's near-term radar.The UK-spec Colt ClearTec 1.3-litre petrol reduces CO2 emissions by 24g/km (17 per cent) to 119g/km compared with the standard Colt 1.3.It costs about 5.4 per cent more than a standard version in the UK.That means Australian buyers would pay $16,590 (plus on-road costs) for a ClearTec Colt compared with the base Colt price of $15,740 (plus costs).Mitsubishi claims the 1.3-litre (the Australian 1.5-litre is not available in the UK) ClearTec will get up to 4.3 litres/100km — with an overall average of 5 l/100km — and argues it is a less expensive car to buy and run than small-capacity diesel cars.The key to ClearTec is a list of low-emission features, primarily auto stop-and-go that in traffic or when stopped, switches off the engine.It restarts primarily when the clutch is engaged, though there are six other sensors that can restart the engine. For safety reasons, the engine will stop only if it doesn't detrimentally affect other functions such as the windscreen demister or airconditioner.It is only offered on models with manual transmissions.Mitsubishi says the stop-and-go system will reduce emissions and fuel consumption by 25-30 per cent over the standard car.ClearTec also adds low rolling resistance tyres (with an 18-33 per cent reduction); higher final drive ratio (16-26%); high-efficiency alternator (11-15%); low viscocity oil (2-3%); and low resistant engine fittings (10-13%).It results, at best, in a car that has a CO2 reduction of 24g/km.

In extreme situations, owners have been warned their vehicles may catch fire.Mitsubishi was hit with the biggest safety recall for the three month period. It has written to owners of Pajeros built between 2000 and 2003 to warn them of a potential brake problem. As many as 13,400 vehicles may need to be checked.The company also recalled 4400 of its now-defunct 380 sedan, built between 2006 and 2007, which may have a faulty fuel tank retaining strap. In a severe collision the tank may be dislodged and spill fuel.Mitsubishi is also checking more than 8300 Colts built this year which may have a problem with door windows which may drop and unlock or open the door while the car is being driven.Honda has recalled 11,800 of its 2004-05 Jazz to check whether they have a faulty handbrake, while Mazda needs to look at 1770 of its B4000 utes built between 2005-2006 because the bonnet may open unexpectedly.Subaru has recalled 5380 of its Imprezas, built between 2001 and 2003 because of a faulty rear tailgate which may suddenly drop.Subaru Australia spokesman, Dave Rowley, said many of the recalls were to check for "minor or niggling" faults."We have had no incidents of anyone being injured in Australia and we found only six cars which had the faulty (tailgate strut) connection."Many recalls are done as a pre-emptive measure to avoid possible problems further down the track, " he said.Other potential faults include electrical short circuits, which in extreme circumstances, may start a cabin fire in Landrover Freelander diesels built since 2007. Landrover warns the fault may occur when the vehicle is parked and unattended.Other recalls were to check for short circuits in Fiat's Grande Punto; and a chance that the panoramic glass roof in a small number of Citroen's Picasso could be dislodged.Suzuki has warned of potential fire risk in its 3-door Suzuki Grand Vitara (2006-07) because of a possible cracked fuel pipe, while the 2005-08 Vitara diesel has a remote fire risk in a filter because of a problem with the intercooler outlet pipe insulator.Other problems include faulty rear seat belt D-loop attachments in the current Jaguar XF, and the potential for a loss of steering in Chrysler's 300C built last year because of a problem with rear axle hub nuts which could see the half shaft disengage from the wheel hub.Mercedes Benz wants to look at axles, springs and the park brake in its Sprinter or Vito vans.Jayco has recalled some of its motor homes to check and fix awning and exhaust pipe problems.Of the 1500 motorcycles recalled, safety issues to be fixed include a faulty fuel filler on Kawasaki models, a windshield which may come off Buell bikes if ridden at high speed and a rear view mirror which may fall off on certain Yamaha models.An ACCC spokeswoman said this year's figures were actually less than last year but the number has been steadily rising over the past 20 years.The ACCC says there have been 52 individual recalls this year compared to 171 last year.Full details of the recalls can be found at www.recalls.gov.au 

New-car buyers are slowly warming to a website that allows them to assess the greenhouse emissions of all the latest models sold in Australia.The Green Wheels site has taken 14,000 hits in its first few weeks online and momentum is building.The joint initiative of Future Climate Australia, the RACV and EPA Victoria, ranks vehicles by their greenhouse-gas emissions and provides information about technologies and fuels and how these affect climate change.Not surprisingly, the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius hybrids perform well, but even light cars such as the Honda Jazz, Mitsubishi Colt and diesels such as the Peugeot 207 HDi rank highly, too.Future Climate Australia executive director Henry O'Clery says response has been good.“It's slowly getting under way, but once word spreads I'm sure it will snowball,” he says. “At present most people don't know it exists.”O'Clery says that though passenger vehicles contribute only about 8 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions in Australia, a concerted effort to reduce emissions is crucial across all industry sectors.“In ratifying the Kyoto protocol, Australia has signalled its intention to get serious about greenhouse-gas emissions,” he says.Australia's average emission rating for new cars sold in 2006 was 230g a kilometre. In Europe it was 161g.“Clearly the market is out of control so we have a long way to go with getting this increasingly critical message about reducing emissions, whether its to the public or fleet managers,” he says.The website provides a guide to the best-performing cars and includes small, medium, and large cars, off-roaders, utes and light trucks.Vehicles in each class whose emissions ratings come within 25 per cent of the best performer in that class are illustrated with a low-emission-vehicle green tick, specially well-performing vehicles are clearly flagged.“Green Wheels is easy to use and in three simple steps shows users how to select a vehicle that complements their lifestyle needs without excessive greenhouse impact,” he says.O'Clery says the involvement of key players including vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders in the Green Wheels umbrella body, the Low Emission Vehicle partnership, demonstrates the strong level of support.Toyota, Honda, Peugeot, Renault, Holden, Shell, Michelin, VicRoads, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, the VACC and the Committee for Melbourne are behind it. 

The i-EV (innovative electric vehicle), which is based on the cute-as-a-button “i” mini-car, has moved from motor show concept to street evaluation vehicle with sources within Mitsubishi now suggestin

Mitsubishi has axed plans to put the hot supercharged TMR version of its 380 into production.

Though the large-car segment grew 4.7 per cent in March, small and light cars still dominate the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' Vfacts figures for the month.Holden sold 5752 VE Commodores and Toyota managed 2037 Aurion V6 sales, the first time the car has eclipsed 2000 sales since it was launched last year.The Aurion's kissin' cousin Camry four-cylinder managed 2574 sales.Ford and Mitsubishi still trail in the family sedan stakes, selling 3249 and 1022 respectively. But their lowly large-car sales were offset by strong import performances.Overall, Mitsubishi had a 22 per cent lift in first-quarter sales against the same period last year, on the back of solid Colt, Lancer, Outlander and Pajero sales.Ford's Focus and Territory helped maintain the momentum for the Broadmeadows-based carmaker, as well as fleet sales that pushed Fairlane numbers to 263 for the month.FCAI chief executive Peter Sturrock says the remarkably strong start to the year may have even taken industry optimists by surprise."Consumers appear to have shaken off any lingering concerns about fuel prices and interest rates and have responded enthusiastically to the intensely competitive prices," he says.The new-vehicle market is being pushed by deflation, with new cars becoming cheaper and better equipped as the various brands fight it out.The market was up 8.3 per cent, compared with March last year, with an all-time sales record of 94,392 vehicles.If the sales momentum continues, this year could eclipse one million sales for the first time.In the first three months of the year 255,068 vehicles were sold, up 20,463, or 8.7 per cent, on the same period last year and surpassing the previous record for the quarter of 237,000 set two years ago. Despite the buoyant first quarter, the FCAI is still forecasting 970,000 sales this year.All segments, except people movers, are experiencing growth.The fastest-growing of all segments remains small passenger cars, which added 8532 sales, or 16.7 per cent, in the first quarter compared with last year. The small-car stars continue to be the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3, selling 4029 and 3182 respectively last month.Light-car sales grew 3334, or 11.9 per cent, SUV compact 2851, 22.2 per cent, and SUV medium 1617, 4.7 per cent.Toyota set a cracking pace in March with 21,390 sales, giving it No.1 sales spot ahead of Holden on 13,454 and Ford on 10,074.So far this year, Toyota has 22 per cent of the market, with Holden at No.2 with 14.3 per cent and Ford third with 10.7 per cent.