The Mitsubishi Colt V (CJO) 1.6 i 16V GLS Automatic, produced between 2000 and 2003, represented a mid-range offering within the fifth generation of Mitsubishi’s Colt subcompact hatchback. Positioned above the base 1.3L models and below the sportier variants, the 1.6L GLS Automatic aimed to provide a balance of performance, comfort, and convenience for European and Asian markets. This variant was particularly popular in countries where automatic transmissions were favored, offering a more accessible entry point into Colt ownership than the manual transmission options. The CJO generation Colt was a significant departure from its predecessors, embracing a more modern design and improved refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Colt |
| Generation | Colt V (CJO) |
| Type | 1.6 i 16V GLS (103 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.9 l/100 km (21.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 141 Nm @ 4500 rpm (104 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 4G92 |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.5 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1015 kg (2237.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 485 kg (1069.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 240 l (8.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 830 l (29.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 3880 mm (152.76 in.) |
| Width | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2415 mm (95.08 in.) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Rear track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Colt V 1.6 i 16V GLS Automatic is the 4G92 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports for improved combustion efficiency. The 16-valve configuration (four valves per cylinder) enhances breathing and contributes to the engine’s respectable power output for its displacement. The engine produces 103 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The automatic transmission is a conventional four-speed unit, chosen for its ease of use and suitability for urban driving conditions. While not known for its sportiness, this transmission provides smooth shifts and adequate performance for everyday commuting.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6L engine and four-speed automatic combination in the Colt V GLS delivers a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.9 seconds, and the top speed is approximately 115 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency and smooth operation, rather than outright performance. Compared to the five-speed manual version of the same engine, the automatic suffers a slight performance penalty, but offers greater convenience. The power delivery is linear, making it easy to modulate the throttle in traffic. The relatively light weight of the Colt helps to mitigate the effects of the modest horsepower output.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The GLS trim level, as the mid-range offering, included several standard features. These typically included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Air conditioning was often standard, or available as an option. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The GLS trim aimed to provide a good balance of features and affordability, appealing to buyers who wanted more than the basic necessities but didn’t require the full luxury of higher-spec models.
Chassis & Braking
The Colt V utilized a relatively simple chassis design, featuring coil springs for both front and rear suspension. The front suspension employed MacPherson struts, while the rear used a torsion beam setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The relatively light weight of the vehicle helped to compensate for the drum brakes on the rear, providing adequate stopping power for most driving situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Colt V 1.6 i 16V GLS Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and affordable subcompact hatchback. Critics praised its comfortable ride, ease of use, and relatively spacious interior for its size. However, the automatic transmission was sometimes criticized for being somewhat sluggish, and the engine lacked the punch of some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the Colt lineup, the 1.6L Automatic offered a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. The 1.3L models were more economical but lacked power, while the higher-output variants were more expensive and less fuel-efficient. Fuel economy figures averaged around 34 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
Legacy
The 4G92 engine, while not known for being exceptionally durable, proved to be reasonably reliable with regular maintenance. The automatic transmission, if properly serviced, also held up well over time. Today, the Colt V 1.6 i 16V GLS Automatic can be found in the used car market at very affordable prices. These vehicles are often sought after by first-time car buyers or those looking for a cheap and reliable runabout. While not a collector’s item, the Colt V represents a solid and dependable example of early 2000s subcompact car design. Parts availability is generally good, making maintenance relatively straightforward. The simplicity of the engine and transmission also makes it a relatively easy vehicle for DIY mechanics to work on.
