The Mitsubishi Colt VII 1.0, producing 67 horsepower, represents the entry point into the seventh generation of Mitsubishi’s long-running Colt hatchback. Introduced in October 2023, this variant is primarily aimed at the European market, offering an affordable and fuel-efficient option within the broader Colt VII lineup, which shares its platform with the Renault Clio V. Positioned as the base model, it caters to buyers prioritizing economy and practicality over outright performance. The Colt VII itself is a significant departure from its predecessor, moving to a more modern and collaborative engineering approach with Renault.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Colt |
| Generation | Colt VII |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (67 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 118 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.7 kg/Hp, 63.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11 kg/Nm, 90.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 67 Hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3600 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.1 mm (3.31 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 systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 1049 kg (2312.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1530 kg (3373.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 481 kg (1060.42 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 391 l (13.81 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1069 l (37.75 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 63 kg (138.89 lbs.) |
| Length | 4053 mm (159.57 in.) |
| Width | 1798 mm (70.79 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1988 mm (78.27 in.) |
| Height | 1439 mm (56.65 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2583 mm (101.69 in.) |
| Front track | 1518 mm (59.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Front overhang | 833 mm (32.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 637 mm (25.08 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 142 mm (5.59 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| 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 | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Colt VII 1.0 is powered by Mitsubishi’s 1.0-liter, naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine. This engine, while relatively simple in design, incorporates modern features like multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The engine code is not widely publicized, but it falls within Mitsubishi’s current generation of small displacement engines. The engine produces 67 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. It features a compression ratio of 10.5:1 and is equipped with a particulate filter to meet Euro 6d emission standards. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is the only transmission option available for this variant. The transmission is a standard configuration, prioritizing simplicity and reliability over advanced features.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0-liter engine and manual transmission combination results in a driving experience focused on fuel efficiency rather than performance. Acceleration is leisurely, taking 17.1 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The engine feels strained at higher speeds, and overtaking requires careful planning. The 5-speed gearbox is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, with relatively short gear ratios designed to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to potential higher-output variants (if offered in the future), this version prioritizes low-end torque for city driving and ease of use. The light weight of the vehicle (1049 kg / 2312.65 lbs) helps mitigate the lack of power to some extent.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the entry-level trim, the Colt VII 1.0 typically comes with a basic but functional equipment list. Standard features generally include air conditioning, power steering, an infotainment system with a touchscreen display (size varies depending on market), Bluetooth connectivity, and basic safety features like ABS and multiple airbags. Interior upholstery is typically cloth, and the dashboard features a simple, functional design. Optional extras, depending on the market, may include alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and more advanced infotainment features. The focus is on providing essential features at an affordable price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Colt VII utilizes a front-wheel-drive configuration with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup is a common choice for compact hatchbacks, balancing cost-effectiveness with acceptable handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure for the base model. Electric power steering is standard, offering light and easy steering feel. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mitsubishi Colt VII 1.0 has been generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics have praised its fuel efficiency and practicality, but have noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to other trims within the Colt VII lineup (should higher-powered versions become available), this variant represents the most budget-friendly option. It competes with other small hatchbacks in the European market, such as the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, and Volkswagen Polo, often undercutting them on price. Its fuel economy figures are competitive within its class, and its reliability is expected to be good, based on Mitsubishi’s reputation.
Legacy
The long-term reliability of the 1.0-liter engine remains to be seen, as it is a relatively new design. However, Mitsubishi has a generally good track record for engine durability. On the used car market, the Colt VII 1.0 is expected to hold its value reasonably well, particularly among buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its simplicity and lack of complex technology may also contribute to lower maintenance costs over the long term. The Colt VII represents a significant step forward for Mitsubishi in terms of collaborative engineering and modern design, and the 1.0-liter variant plays a crucial role in making the model accessible to a wider range of buyers.
