The Mitsubishi Colt V (CJO) 1300 GL and GLX, internally designated CJ 1A, represents a significant entry point into the fifth generation of Mitsubishi’s Colt hatchback. Produced between 1996 and 2001, this variant was primarily aimed at the European market, offering affordable and practical transportation. Positioned as the base model within the CJO range, the 1300 GL/GLX provided a balance between economy and usability, serving as a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking a compact city vehicle. It was built on the shared platform with the Mirage, and offered a more affordable alternative to larger family hatchbacks.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Colt |
| Generation | Colt V (CJO) |
| Type | 1300 GL,GLX (CJ 1A) (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1996 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg, 37.7 UK mpg, 13.3 km/l) |
| 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 | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm, 114.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3000 rpm (79.66 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1299 cm3 (79.27 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Kerb Weight | 945 kg (2083.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1445 kg (3185.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 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 | 3900 mm (153.54 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 (Back) track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70R13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Colt V 1300 GL/GLX is the 4G15 engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, often found in various Mitsubishi models of the era, is a relatively simple and robust design. The 4G15 features a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating three valves per cylinder (two intake, one exhaust). Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, providing adequate, though not exceptional, fuel atomization. The engine produces 75 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 108 Nm (79.66 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine code, CJ1A, is specific to this configuration within the Colt V range. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both city driving and highway cruising. The transmission itself is a conventional design, known for its durability and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Driving Characteristics
The 1300 GL/GLX, with its 75 horsepower, wasn’t designed for outright speed. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 11.9 seconds, and top speed was limited to 105.63 mph. However, the engine’s torque delivery, while modest, was sufficient for everyday driving. The five-speed gearbox allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, making overtaking maneuvers manageable. Compared to higher-spec Colt V models equipped with larger engines (like the 1.6 or 1.8 liter variants), the 1300 felt noticeably less powerful. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic, which was available but further reduced performance. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (945 kg or 2083.37 lbs) helped to mitigate the lack of power, making it feel nimble and responsive in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The GL and GLX trims represented the entry-level and mid-range options, respectively. Standard equipment on the GL included basic features like central locking, power steering, and a basic audio system. The GLX added features such as electric windows, upgraded interior trim, and often, alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The overall interior ambiance was practical rather than luxurious, reflecting the car’s affordable positioning.
Chassis & Braking
The Colt V utilized a relatively simple chassis design. Front suspension consisted of coil springs and a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear employed a coil spring and torsion beam arrangement. This setup provided a comfortable ride, although handling was not particularly sporty. Braking was handled by disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as standard, enhancing safety. The steering was rack and pinion, providing reasonably precise control. The suspension was tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sharp handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Colt V 1300 GL/GLX was generally well-received as an affordable and reliable city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency (around 31.4 US mpg combined) and practicality. However, its performance was often criticized as being underwhelming, particularly when compared to competitors offering more powerful engines. Compared to other trims in the Colt V lineup, the 1300 GL/GLX offered the best value for money, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. The 1.6 and 1.8 liter models provided significantly more performance but came at a higher price point. Reliability was generally good, with the 4G15 engine proving to be durable and relatively trouble-free.
Legacy
The Mitsubishi Colt V 1300 GL/GLX remains a relatively common sight on European roads today, testament to its durability and affordability. The 4G15 engine is known for its longevity, and with regular maintenance, can provide many years of reliable service. In the used car market, these models are typically very affordable, making them attractive to first-time car owners or those seeking a cheap and cheerful runabout. While not a performance icon, the Colt V 1300 GL/GLX represents a practical and dependable choice for those seeking basic transportation.
