This is the new Mitsubishi Colt, although perhaps it won't surprise you as much as you expected

It could be said that the Mitsubishi Colt is one of the brand’s most popular models in Europe. In fact, it first reached the old continent in 1978 and, over its six generations, managed to sell more than 1.2 million units. However, recent years have not been good for the Colt, or for Mitsubishi in general in Europe, the continent they decided to leave, although they later changed their minds, all thanks to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.

This has meant that the brand’s new range of models in Europe is built on the information and products developed within the alliance, something we already saw with the arrival of the new ASX, which is nothing more than a Renault Captur renamed Mitsubishi. And they have done it again, because, as we can see in the images, the seventh generation of the Colt is a Renault Clio with a slightly modified front end to which the Mitsubishi logo has been added.

If we focus first on the exterior design of the Mitsubishi Colt, we see that its grille has been slightly modified to apply the brand’s “Dynamic Shield” design language. To do this, the central area has been split at its ends by applying a chrome trim, while right in the centre sits the logo which, if removed, would leave the exact surface needed to fit the Renault rhombus. Lower down, at the ends, we see how the DRL daytime running lights are different, with an “L”-shaped design drawn for each one.

At the rear of the Mitsubishi Colt, more of the same happens, although here the changes are reduced to a minimum. The only two differences we find compared with the Clio are that where the Renault logo sits, there is now a bracket to house the rear-view camera, while the width of the bonnet is used to include the name Mitsubishi together with the Colt designation at one end. The bodywork can be chosen in four metallic colours and one solid colour, as well as various wheel designs in sizes of 15, 16 and 17 inches.

Inside, the similarity with the Renault Clio is even more evident, since the only change is concentrated in the centre of the steering wheel to include the Mitsubishi logo. The new Colt will be available in the Spirit, Motion, Kaiteki and Kaiteki+ trim levels and, as is logical, depending on the trim chosen, we will have more equipment, which may include the 7-inch digital instrument cluster or the top-tier fully configurable 10-inch unit, the infotainment system with a 7 or 9.3-inch touchscreen, the premium BOSE sound system, or interior ambient lighting.

In terms of safety, as expected, the new Mitsubishi Colt does not skimp on technology and follows the same line as its alliance cousins. Depending on trim and options, we can find features such as 360° vision, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, peripheral vision monitor, automatic high beams, blind spot warning, front collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, parking assistant, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition, among others.

Mechanically, the Mitsubishi Colt uses a 1,000 cc three-cylinder naturally aspirated MPI engine that delivers 65 CV, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The same unit, fitted with a turbo and a six-speed manual gearbox, becomes the second option with 90 CV. Without doubt the most interesting will be the third option, the hybrid, made up of a 1,600 cc four-cylinder engine together with an electric motor, which together produce a combined output of 145 CV, paired with a multimode automatic gearbox.

So far, the new Mitsubishi Colt, whose prices in our country we will learn about shortly. For now, don’t crucify Mitsubishi over this “new” model: renaming vehicles is as old as the hills, and Mitsubishi really needs it in Europe if it wants to sell its products. Moreover, it will be a model that helps give a boost to the struggling Renault factories in Europe, which will now have more work on their hands.