All-new Renault, err... Mitsubishi Colt launched in Europe. ASEAN bound too?

You have to give it to Mitsubishi for being a tease as it launched an all-new Colt for the European market.

Based on the Common Module Family - B platform co-developed by Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, the all-new Mitsubishi Colt is a five-door compact hatchback that shares most of its components with the Renault Clio.

The CMF-B modular and manufacturing platform also underpins the Renault Captur II, Arkana, Mégane Conquest, Renault-Samsung XM3, the Nissan Juke, Note and Aura, and the current Mitsubishi ASX. So you can get an idea of its size.

It is the seventh-generation Colt in Europe and will be reintroduced after a nine-year absence. 

Thank you, Renault

Now we don’t mind badge engineering or platform sharing as long as a brand can maintain its identity with the new product. And with what the all-new Colt has shown so far, the Mitsubishi DNA seems to have not been diluted.

Up front, there's a hint of the Dynamic Shield design on the grill. While the profile and design elements closely resemble the Renault Clio, down to the creases at the lower portion of the doors, the Colt HEV adds a bit more chrome on the window frames to at least give it a more elegant, less sporty look.

It will come in hybrid and gasoline models, with the HEV sporting a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors. Mitsubishi considers the alternator-starter as one motor. The HEV will also have an automatic, multi-mode gearbox and a 1.2 kWh battery.

The gas model will either have a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 6-speed manual or a 1.0-liter gasoline engine with a 5-speed stick. 

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Inside, the Colt is hardly distinguishable from the Clio as it uses most of the design elements and gadgetry found in the European hatch, save for some dash material and color differences.

Mitsubishi now considers the Colt a premium model as it comes with a portrait tablet-like Smartphone-link Display Audio touchscreen and a rather upscale interior.

Based on the variant choice, a 7- or 9.3-inch display will be available. It can access personalization options for drive modes, engine and steering feel, and ambient lighting. The all-new Colt will also have a Bose premium sound system to heighten passenger comfort. 

And as with most modern cars, the all-new Colt will also have an extensive array of safety features which include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go (ACC)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Easy Park Assist
• Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Automatic High Beam (AHB)
• Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

So will we get it?

Looking at Mitsubsihi’s product roadmap until 2025, it seems an undisclosed electrified model covered in drapes is slated for either late 2023 or early 2024 for the ASEAN market. 

And by the looks of its light fixtures, the vehicle’s profile, and even the shape of the rear quarter windows, it seems the all-new Colt fits the bill. And the Alliance-Renault tag at the end is kind of a giveaway too.

So will we see it in the Philippines? Our take is... highly likely.

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