The Mitsubishi Colt VI (Z30) 1.1 i 12V, producing 75 horsepower, was a key entry point into the sixth generation of Mitsubishi’s Colt hatchback, manufactured between 2004 and August 2008. Positioned as the base model in many European markets, it served as an affordable and economical option within the Z30 series, which was built on the shared 1HX0 platform alongside the Smart Forfour and Renault Modus. This generation represented a significant shift for the Colt, moving away from its previous, more localized Japanese focus towards a broader European appeal. The 1.1L engine and manual transmission combination was specifically tailored for fuel efficiency and ease of driving, targeting first-time car buyers and those seeking a practical city vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Colt |
| Generation | Colt VI (Z30) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.1 i 12V (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | August, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg, 14.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm, 103.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 100 Nm @ 3500 rpm (73.76 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 134.910 |
| Engine displacement | 1124 cm3 (68.59 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 965 kg (2127.46 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 485 kg (1069.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 47 l (12.42 US gal | 10.34 UK gal) |
| Length | 3870 mm (152.36 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Colt VI 1.1 i 12V is the Mitsubishi M 134.910 engine, a 1.1-liter (1124 cc) inline-three cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection system. The engine’s 75 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 100 Nm (73.76 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm were modest, but sufficient for urban driving and shorter highway trips. The engine was designed with simplicity and reliability in mind, eschewing more complex technologies like variable valve timing. The engine was paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, optimized for fuel economy rather than outright performance. The transmission’s gear ratios were relatively tall, prioritizing higher gears for cruising and reducing engine speed at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.1L engine and manual transmission combination in the Colt VI delivered a driving experience focused on practicality and economy. Acceleration was not a strong point, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12.6 seconds. However, the engine was responsive enough for city driving, and the light clutch and easy-to-shift gearbox made it a comfortable car to operate. Compared to higher-spec Colt models equipped with larger engines (like the 1.5L), the 1.1L felt noticeably slower, particularly when fully loaded or climbing hills. The tall gear ratios meant that frequent downshifts were necessary to maintain speed on inclines. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provided a reasonably smooth ride, but handling was not particularly sporty. The relatively narrow tires (175/65 R14) contributed to a predictable, but not particularly engaging, driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.1 i 12V typically represented the base trim level for the Colt VI. Standard equipment generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was typically a basic cloth material. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a radio/CD player were often offered as optional extras. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with clearly labeled controls. Higher trim levels added features like air conditioning, upgraded audio systems, and more premium interior materials.
Chassis & Braking
The Colt VI utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. The rear brakes were drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering was a rack and pinion system with electric power assistance, offering light and easy steering feel. The chassis was designed to prioritize comfort and practicality over sporty handling, resulting in a stable but not particularly dynamic driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Colt VI 1.1 i 12V was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to rivals like the Renault Clio, Peugeot 206, and Volkswagen Polo, the Colt offered a competitive price point and a reasonable level of equipment. The 1.5L Colt models offered significantly more performance, but at a higher price. The 1.1L’s fuel economy was generally comparable to its competitors, and its reliability was considered to be good.
Legacy
The Mitsubishi Colt VI 1.1 i 12V, while not a performance icon, proved to be a reliable and economical choice for many drivers. The M 134.910 engine, while simple in design, is known for its durability. On the used car market, these Colts are often found with relatively high mileage, a testament to their longevity. They remain popular as affordable first cars and city runabouts. Maintenance costs are generally low, and parts availability is reasonable. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s limited power output and the basic nature of the interior trim.
