Mitsubishi has revised the Colt range with the release of a manual transmission across all models. Colt now offers exceptional value from money from just $15,990 (RRP).

Colt is a stylish, modern small car that has a deceptively large and flexible interior, and new generation all-alloy 1.5 litre DOHC engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve timing) that can now be mated to either a 5-speed fully synchronised manual transmission, or a Continuously Variable automatic transmission.

The range now kicks off with the newly introduced Colt ES manual that has dual air bags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, air conditioning, power windows on all doors, electric mirrors with a folding mechanism and a AM/FM audio unit with single CD player and MP3/WMA compatibility all standard for the value price of $15,990 (RRP).

The next model is the LS, and that now picks up 14" alloys as standard to give it a more sporty appearance. The LS is now available in either 5-speed manual or CVT drive-train, and adds the standard equipment of the ES to its alloy wheels, as well as an AM/FM audio with 6-CD in-dash stacker and MP3/WMA compatibility. It also is exceptional value at $17,490 (RRP) for the manual and $18,990 (RRP) for the auto version.

The prestigious and sporty VRX model gets the new AM/FM/6-CD in-dash stacker with MP3/WMA compatibility as part of its upgrade, as well as sports seats, rear spoiler, front air dam with fog lamps, alloy foot pedals, and leather-wrapped steering wheel - but now comes in either manual or CVT automatic transmissions. The manual will be priced at $19,990 (RRP), while the automatic is great value at $21,990 (RRP).

Colt's naturally aspirated all-alloy 1.5 litre engine develops 77 kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, and is Euro 3 compatible. It achieves a balance between performance, fuel economy and cleanliness, and its frugal fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 kms for the CVT model (and 5.9 litres/100 kms for the manual variant) is class-leading, and is partly due to the car's slippery 0.31 Co-efficient of Drag.

The 5-speed manual is one of the well-known GETRAG transmissions with the following ratios:

1st	3.308
2nd	1.913
3rd	1.256
4th	0.943
5th	0.763
Reverse	3.231
Final Drive	4.158

Mitsubishi Colt LS

Colt's manual variants have a more traditional centre console area that houses the gear lever, pull-up handbrake (rather than the foot operated type in the CVT), and a console area.

This transmission complements the Continuously Variable Transmission that has previously been available with the infinitely variable ratios - between 2.319 and 0.445 - that ensures both performance and efficiency under all conditions. The final drive ratio for the CVT is 5.219, and reverse is 2.588.

Colt's suspension is the tried and true MacPherson strut with coil over damper front suspension with a H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension.

All Colts have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard, along with Mitsubishi's RISE (Re-Inforced Impact Safety Evolution) body technology which makes Colt a structurally safer car than many of its competitors.

When the various Colt model's comprehensive standard specification and feature lists are added to its class-leading fuel economy, and Mitsubishi's industry-leading 5 year/130,000 kms bumper-to-bumper, and 10 year/160,000 kms non-transferrable drive-train warranty it makes a very attractive purchase proposition for a range of consumers with different requirements.

Colt ES manual, LS manual and CVT auto, and VRX manual and CVT auto are all available now through Mitsubishi's 200-strong national dealer network.

Mitsubishi Colt VR-X