- Willing 1.5-litre petrol engine
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Colt VR-X has improved dynamics due to wider tyres
- High standard of interior fit
- Short-travel suspension lacks compliance
- Body roll when cornering
- Flat front seats lack support
- Awkward driving position
- Light steering lacks feel around centre
Review: Mitsubishi RG.I Colt (2004-05)
Overview
Released in August 2004, the Mitsubishi RG Series I (RG.I) Colt was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Okazaki, Japan, the Colt was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with double overhead camshafts and variable valve timing; a continuously variable transmission. Furthermore, RG.I Colt range consisted of LS and XLS variants.
Compared to the CE Mirage which it replaced, the RG Colt was 10 mm shorter (at 3870 mm), the same width (1680 mm), 185 mm taller (1550 mm) and had an 85 mm longer wheelbase (2500 mm). Furthermore, the Colt had MacPherson strut front suspension and H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension (both with coil springs and stabiliser bars).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS, XLS |
1.5-litre petrol I4 | CVT | 72 kW at 6000 rpm | 132 Nm at 4250 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the RG Colt included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Unfortunately, the centre rear seat belt was lap-only and electronic stability control was not available, though side airbags and curtain airbags were available as extra-cost options.
ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing
In ANCAP crash testing , a 2006 RG Colt received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 23.75. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious leg for the front occupants was marginal, while there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the front passenger and a slight risk for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver.
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2005 RG Colt received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.6 – this score, however, included two points for seatbelt reminders which were not available in Australia. In the frontal offset impact, the driver’s head bottomed out the airbag and the driver’s chest made contact with the rim of the steering wheel. Furthermore, structures in the dashboard represented a potential hazard to the front occupants’ knees and femurs; part of the power steering mechanism also moved rearward, opening a spot-welded seam and rupturing the driver’s footwell. Mitsubishi indicated that cars produced from later in 2005 (from VIN XMCXNZ34A5F075819 onwards) incorporated improvements to the footwell area.
Features: Colt LS and XLS
Standard features for the Colt LS included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, a 50/50 split and folding rear bench, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.
The Colt XLS was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, privacy glass and tachometer. Visually, the Colt XLS was differentiated by its ‘metal look’ headlamp accents, mesh-type centre grille and colour-coded side protection mouldings and rear spoiler.
Review: Mitsubishi RG.II Colt (2006-11)
Overview
Released in March 2006, the RG Series II (RG.II) Colt introduced a new all-alloy naturally aspirated engine and a revised range. Visually, the RG.II Colt could be identified by its new bumpers, front grille and rear combination lights; VRX variants also had a chrome exhaust tip and ‘argent’ headlight extensions. Inside, the front passenger seat compartment was discontinued, though the LS gained new seat trim and white sports instruments.
In July 2006, the line-up was expanded with the introduction of an entry-level ES variant and a five-speed manual transmission was introduced.
| Variant | Year | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES | 2006-10 | 1.5-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man., CVT |
77 kW at 6000 rpm | 141 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| LS | 2006-07 | ||||
| VRX | 2006-11 |
Safety equipment
Compared to its RG.I predecessor, safety equipment for the RG.II Colt was substantially unchanged.
Features: Colt ES, LS and VRX
Standard features for the entry-level Colt ES included a four speaker sound system with CD player with MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows and an immobiliser.
The Colt LS added 14-inch alloy wheels, while the Colt VRX was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, contoured sports seats, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, privacy glass and alloy-faced pedals.
Brochures
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