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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
 Mitsubishi Revises And Expands Colt Range |
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NEWS ROAD TESTS |
Mitsubishi Revises And Expands Colt Range |
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 HEAR MOTORING NEWS ON RADIO |
 The Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet is scheduled for an October release in Australia |
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31st July, 2006
Mitsubishi has completed the Colt range with the release of a re-arrangement of the model range. There's the introduction of a manual transmission across all models and the introduction of two new image products - the Colt Ralliart and the Colt Cabriolet (naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions) as the third leg of the Company's "Revolution" campaign. This popular and extremely fuel efficient four-cylinder car now has a variant to suit every small car buyer's demands. 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 GETRAG 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 compatibility all standard for the value price of $15,990. The next model is the LS and that now picks up 14" alloys and 2-DIN AM/FM audio with MP3/WMA compatible 6-CD in-dash stacker as standard. The LS is now available in either 5-speed manual or CVT drive-train and is exceptional value at $17,490 (RRP) for the manual and $18,990 (RRP) for the CVT auto version. The prestigious and sporty VRX model receives the same upgraded audio system as the LS to complement its 15" alloys, 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 automatic transmissions. The manual will be $19,990 (RRP), while the automatic is great value at $21,990 (RRP).
However, to top off the range Mitsubishi is adding a white hot Ralliart Turbo 5-door hatch that is sure to appeal to the consumer who enjoys their driving and the Colt Cabriolet that is available with either a naturally aspirated 1.5 litre DOHC engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi's variable valve timing) or a turbocharged and intercooled variant for those people that want some "go" with their "show". Both models come with a German precision GETRAG 5-speed manual transmission. Colt Ralliart has been developed for the enthusiast that enjoys driving. Externally, Colt Ralliart certainly looks the part with its aggressive and purposeful full body kit - front air dam with fog lights, mesh sports grille and lower grille, over-guards, side sills, privacy glass, high-mounted rear spoiler and extended rear bumper with its air diffuser (that combines with the bonnet air vents to improve cooling efficiency), lowered sports suspension, large chrome exhaust and 16" alloy wheels fitted with low profile performance tyres. The body kit has black accents on most components that add a stroke of toughness to the look of the car. Inside, the performance car feel is enhanced with driver and front passenger RECARO seats that provide great lateral support when driving spiritedly and come straight from the Lancer Evolution VIII MR. This feel is enhanced as the hip point has been lowered by 30mm to assist with sporty driving. Additionally, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob (same as Evo) and handbrake lever, white-faced instrumentation, Evo IX alloy sports pedals, a premium AM/FM radio with 6-CD in-dash stacker and MP3/WMA compatibility and climate control air conditioning all enhance the performance car feel. However, Colt Ralliart Turbo doesn't only have the looks to capture the imagination of the "hot hatch" buyer, it also has the performance to back it up. Power is delivered through a Euro 3 compliant 1.5 litre turbo-charged and intercooled DOHC engine that drives through a manual gearbox and develops 113kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 210Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. The sports suspension has been tuned for enthusiastic driving, while the brakes and wheels and tyres have been significantly upgraded to handle the extra performance that the Colt Ralliart delivers. Colt Ralliart is an all-round driver's package.
The sporty Colt Cabriolet is a collaboration between Mitsubishi and the legendary Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina and is based on the CZ2 concept car that was originally shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003. Built at Pininfarina's Bairo plant near Turin in Italy, the Colt Cabriolet family has the stereotypical pizzazz normally associated with Italian cars, while maintaining the stringent quality standards associated with Japanese-built cars. The naturally aspirated 1.5 litre engine develops 80kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the turbo version develops 110kW of power at 6,000 rpm and 210Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Both engines are Euro 4 compliant and are mated to a 5-speed manual GETRAG transmission. Colt's suspension is the tried and true MacPherson strut with coil over damper front suspension with a H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension. It has been lowered and tuned for the sporty Ralliart and Cabriolet Turbo variants. All Colts have a braking package consistent with their performance potential and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist are standard. When the various Colt'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. All Colts now come with 5-year Roadside Assist, while Colt Ralliart has 5-year Premium Roadside Assist as standard. Colt ES manual, LS manual and CVT auto, VRX manual and CVT auto are all available now from Mitsubishi's 200-strong national dealer network. Colt Ralliart is also available now from a selected group of specially trained Ralliart dealers, while the Cabriolet and Cabriolet Turbo will be available in October.
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