Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008) At A Glance
Well priced, roomy, versatile, a real 'little big car'. Good 1.1 petrol and 1.5 diesel engines.
Lacklustre 1.3.
What do owners think of the Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)? Check out our
Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.
Which car seat will suit you?
Real MPG average for a Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
Satisfaction Index
We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.
Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now
Reviews for Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)'s top 3 rivals
Ask Honest John
Mitsubishi Colt gearbox problem - any solution?
"My Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 diesel semi automatic has a problem. All appears normal when the engine is pulling but when decelerating on the overun, the transmission becomes quite jerky perhaps through about 1000 revs until the box then changes down. "
This was one of the most reliable robotised automated manuals, but at 11 years old it is way past the end of its design life and replacing the clutch and actuator will cost more than the car is worth. Sometimes, clever guys can reprogramme the actuator to take account of clutch wear and that can keep them going for longer.
What failures can I expect in future?
"I have owned an 06 1.5 petrol Colt from 1 year old and it now has 50K on the clock. It has performed flawlessly.
I am thinking of driving it for a further 30k miles and wondered what failures I can expect. I drive about 10K a year, mostly on dual carrigeways and usually journeys of over 10 miles. "
Not a lot of trouble. Chain cam engine, so no belt to change. All we have is here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mitsubishi/colt-5-door-2004/?section=bad
"Are winter tyres subject to any extra speed limits?"
Depends how they are marked. Some are. But I've legally done 130 on Pirelli Sotto Zeros.
Small cars with removable rear seats
"My present car, a Mitsubishi Colt CZ3, has removable and slideable rear seats, as did my previous car, a Mercedes A Class.
Can you please advise me of any new small/medium cars on the market that have this feature as I frequently have large objects to transport, but do not want to have a large car with increased fuel consumption and running costs.
I would prefer petrol to diesel, a high driving position and a reliable marque. "
Nissan Note, KIA Venga, Hyuindai ix20, Renault Twingo,
More Questions
Driving Mitsubishi Colt (2004 – 2008)
Like the Honda Jazz before it, the new Colt and its sister car the SMART Forfour have brought a breath of fresh air to small hatchbacks. (More about the ventilation system later.)
I first sat in the back of one for a rest at the Motor Show, and was amazed at the amount of room in there. Its a proper, comfortable five-seater; a statement that cannot be said of cars like the new Audi A6, Volvo S60 and many other big motors with small interiors.
On top of that its versatile. The rear bench is split 60/40 and each half slides, folds, tumbles and completely removes. With both sides out the car is transformed into a flat-floored van.
The front seats are comfortable, too, with a height-adjustable steering wheel. The A pillar quarterlights effectively remove any blindspots. The dashboard is good to look at with plenty of useful cubbyholes. The plastics are all good quality. And at night it all lights up into a sort of transluscent glow.
In the £8,995 1.1 Classic I drove the diminutive three-cylinder petrol engine has to work hard. But its a game little thing with enough torque to haul the car along at a decent pace yet, according to the standard-fit trip-computer, delivering 35 to 40mpg most of the time.
Its no sportscar, of course, and doesnt pretend to be. The steering is light, without much feel. But it handles decently enough at normal sorts of speeds. It doesnt irritate by being too sluggish in its responses. Its better than average. The payback is excellent ride quality; something that noses it ahead of the best in class Honda Jazz.
The ventilation system is excellent, which I was thankful for during the hottest days in England since June as theres no aircon on the 1.1 Classic. The radio and single slot CD work well. The big mirrors give an excellent view behind both flanks.
So, a no fault zone then? Well not quite. My car had a handling quirk. At serious speeds and with only a slight crosswind the steering lightened up so much it became completely feel-free. And the flexible bushes at the back gave a bit too much rear steer. So a tad too much steering input on a gentle motorway bend got the tail wagging. Though it wont bother those who stick to 70, this could frighten a few speeding drivers into over-correcting, with dire consequences. So be warned.