Mitsubishi at the Paris motor show 2008

By Guy Bird

Motor Shows

06 October 2008 09:13

The heavily revised Mitsubishi Colt was the biggest real-world news for the Japanese brand at Paris. It now gets the large signature jet fighter grille from its bigger Lancer brother, alongside a whole new front end, interior changes and a Ralliart version. 

It’s not just a nose job, honest. The rear of the car gets smaller lights rather than the previous full-length ones, partly for ease of crash repair, and interior ergonomics have been improved – the rear seats now fold flat for instance. Petrol engines remain unchanged but the 1.5 diesel has been dropped due to low sales and feasibility issues with passing upcoming emissions regulations.

The new Colt goes on sale in three- and five-door guise in November 2008 from £7749-£12,000. The entry price is £250 more than the outgoing model but Mitsubishi says £1000 of extra kit has been added to offset that cost.

A Ralliart Colt was also unveiled offering 150bhp from the old CZT’s 1.5-litre petrol unit with stiffer suspension and a lower ride. A Mitsubishi spokesman described it as 'a very warm – rather than hot – hatch'. It goes on sale in January 2009 for £11,995. 

It was also the first motorshow appearance for the Lancer Sportback – the sloping rear hatch profile really works in the metal – and the electric version of the ‘i’ city car potentially reaching UK shores in 2010 and the chunky Paris Dakar off-roader also showed their faces.

Not that exciting a show for Mitsubishi, but the white Ralliart Colt three-door with black alloys had something about it.

CAR's Mitsubishi stand score: 3/5

Click here for up to the minute Paris motor show 2008 live reports

Click here for the previews and review: Guide to all cars

By Guy Bird