The Mitsubishi Colt VI (Z30) 1.5 i 16V, produced between 2004 and 2008, represented a significant evolution in Mitsubishi’s supermini offerings. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the Z30 Colt lineup, this variant offered a balance between affordability, fuel efficiency, and respectable performance. The Z30 Colt was primarily aimed at the European market, where the demand for compact, economical hatchbacks was high. It was a direct successor to the Colt V, and shared its platform with the Smart Forfour and Renault Modus, a result of the DaimlerChrysler collaboration at the time. This 1.5L 16V engine and 5-speed manual transmission combination was a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and reliable city car.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Colt |
| Generation | Colt VI (Z30) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 i 16V (109 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp, 110.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 146.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 109 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 4000 rpm (106.95 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 4A91 |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| 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 | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 990 kg (2182.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1465 kg (3229.77 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 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 track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/50 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Colt VI 1.5 i 16V is the 4A91 engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high output for its displacement. The engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly to each intake port. The 4A91 is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it doesn’t rely on turbocharging or supercharging for increased power. This engine was known for its reliability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. Paired with the engine is a five-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with good control over the engine’s powerband. The transmission was chosen for its affordability and efficiency, aligning with the Colt’s overall positioning as a value-oriented vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The 109 horsepower and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 1.5L engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 9.5 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 118 mph. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power range, making it feel more responsive than the numbers might suggest. Compared to the higher-output variants, such as those with larger engines, the 1.5L felt less strained during highway cruising, but lacked the same punch for quick overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios were well-suited for city driving, providing sufficient torque for navigating urban traffic. The relatively light weight of the Colt (around 990 kg or 2183 lbs) helped to offset the engine’s modest power output, resulting in a reasonably nimble driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 i 16V trim typically included features such as power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an audio system. Safety features included ABS brakes and driver and passenger airbags. Higher trim levels offered options like air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a more comprehensive audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Optional extras included a sunroof, metallic paint, and upgraded seat fabrics.
Chassis & Braking
The Colt VI utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride quality, particularly on smoother roads. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive handling. The relatively compact size and light weight of the Colt contributed to its agility in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Colt VI 1.5 i 16V was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable supermini. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ease of driving. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the Colt lineup, the 1.5L offered a more economical option for buyers who prioritized fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance. It competed with other popular superminis such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Renault Clio.
Legacy
The Mitsubishi Colt VI 1.5 i 16V has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle, with many examples still on the road today. The 4A91 engine is known for its longevity, and maintenance costs are generally reasonable. In the used car market, the Colt VI 1.5 i 16V represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking an affordable and economical city car. Its simple design and readily available parts contribute to its continued appeal. While not a performance icon, the Colt VI 1.5 i 16V remains a testament to Mitsubishi’s commitment to building practical and dependable vehicles.
