1988-1990 Mitsubishi Colt III (C50) 1.3 GL (60 Hp)

The Mitsubishi Colt III (C50) 1.3 GL, produced between 1988 and 1990, represented an entry-level offering within the broader Colt III range. This variant, characterized by its modest 60 horsepower output, was primarily aimed at buyers seeking an economical and practical hatchback for urban commuting. The C50 generation Colt, built upon Mitsubishi’s compact platform, served as a crucial model in the company’s European and Asian markets, offering a blend of affordability and reliability. The 1.3 GL trim occupied the base position in the lineup, providing essential transportation without the added cost of more powerful engines or luxurious features.

Technical Specifications

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The Mitsubishi Colt III 1.3 GL was powered by the 4G13 engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, a staple in Mitsubishi’s smaller vehicle offerings during the late 1980s, featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and typically employed a two-barrel carburetor for fuel delivery in this specific configuration. While fuel injection was becoming more common, the 1.3 GL retained the carburetor to maintain a lower price point. The engine’s relatively simple design contributed to its reliability, though it also limited its overall performance potential. The 4G13 engine produced 60 horsepower at approximately 6,000 rpm and 78 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. The transmission paired with the 1.3 GL was typically a four-speed automatic, chosen for its ease of use and appeal to drivers prioritizing convenience over sporty driving dynamics. This automatic transmission was not known for its particularly quick shifts or advanced features, but it provided smooth and predictable operation.

Driving Characteristics

The driving experience in the Colt III 1.3 GL was decidedly geared towards practicality and economy. The 60 horsepower engine, coupled with the four-speed automatic transmission, resulted in modest acceleration. Zero to sixty mph times were likely in the 14-16 second range, making it unsuitable for drivers seeking spirited performance. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency rather than rapid acceleration. The car felt most comfortable at lower speeds, making it well-suited for city driving and short commutes. Compared to the slightly more powerful 1.5-liter versions of the Colt III, the 1.3 GL felt noticeably slower, particularly when attempting to overtake or merge onto highways. The manual transmission variants, even with the 1.3-liter engine, offered a more engaging and responsive driving experience. However, the automatic version prioritized ease of use, appealing to a broader range of drivers, especially those less comfortable with manual gear changes.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The 1.3 GL trim level represented the base model in the Colt III lineup. Standard equipment was relatively sparse, focusing on essential features. Typically, the interior featured cloth upholstery, often in a simple patterned design. The dashboard was constructed from durable plastics and featured a basic instrument cluster with speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature indicator. Power steering was not always standard on the 1.3 GL, and air conditioning was often an optional extra. Other optional features included a radio/cassette player and upgraded interior trim. The exterior typically featured steel wheels with hubcaps, black plastic bumpers, and relatively simple exterior trim. The emphasis was on functionality and affordability, rather than luxury or aesthetic flair.

Chassis & Braking

The Mitsubishi Colt III utilized a relatively conventional chassis design for a vehicle of its class. It featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The torsion beam rear suspension was a cost-effective solution that minimized complexity. Braking on the 1.3 GL typically consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. This configuration was common for vehicles in this price range during the late 1980s. Power assistance for the brakes was not always standard, requiring a bit more effort from the driver to bring the car to a stop. Stabilizer bars were often omitted on the base 1.3 GL model to further reduce costs.

Market Reception & Comparison

The Mitsubishi Colt III 1.3 GL was generally well-received as an affordable and reliable city car. Critics acknowledged its practicality and fuel efficiency, but also noted its lack of performance. Compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Nissan Micra or the Peugeot 205, the Colt III 1.3 GL offered a competitive price point and a reputation for durability. However, it often lagged behind in terms of driving excitement and interior refinement. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the 1.3 GL achieving around 35-40 mpg in typical driving conditions. Reliability was also a key strength, with the 4G13 engine proving to be relatively trouble-free. The higher-trim Colt III models, with their larger engines and more luxurious features, appealed to buyers willing to spend more for improved performance and comfort.

Legacy

The Mitsubishi Colt III 1.3 GL, while not a particularly memorable or high-performance vehicle, played an important role in establishing Mitsubishi’s presence in the European and Asian small car markets. The 4G13 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant. Today, surviving examples of the Colt III 1.3 GL are relatively rare, and those that remain are often sought after by enthusiasts looking for a simple, affordable, and classic Japanese hatchback. The car’s straightforward mechanical design makes it relatively easy to maintain and repair, appealing to DIY mechanics. While not a collector’s item, the Colt III 1.3 GL represents a significant piece of Mitsubishi’s automotive history and a testament to the company’s commitment to producing practical and reliable vehicles.