Mitsubishi Launches the Colt, a Rebadged and Cheaper Renault Clio

The 7th generation Mitsubishi Colt fully leverages group synergy by adopting the recently facelifted Renault Clio.

We already saw the case of the Mitsubishi ASX, a Renault Captur without hybrid technology and therefore more expensive. Now it’s the turn of the Colt to be launched in October 2023, based on a freshly facelifted Renault Clio. It’s worth looking at it with curiosity.

First, we notice a slight aesthetic customization on the front face and the diodes. But it’s hard to mistake it for a Peugeot 208… It’s a slightly different Clio, no need to overthink. The diamond badge on the grille, the steering wheel, and the Mitsubishi inscription on the trunk are there to catch the distracted eye.

Why this approach? Because after announcing its withdrawal from Europe, Mitsubishi did a U-turn. And to build a lineup, there is no other choice than to draw from Renault’s catalog, its partner within the Renault-Nissan alliance. Rumor has it that the Scenic and the successor to the Nissan Leaf will also be rebadged in the future.

Regarding engines, the new Colt will offer two gasoline engines (65 and 90 hp) and one hybrid (145 hp) equipped with a small 1.2 kWh battery to assist with starting, the most polluting phase. No diesel options.

Important detail: like all Mitsubishi models, the new Colt benefits from a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, compared to 2 years with Renault. A significant commercial advantage! The same applies to the battery (8 years and 160,000 km), corrosion protection (12 years), and included roadside assistance (5 years).

In terms of pricing and equipment, Mitsubishi France assures that the Colt will be more attractive than the Renault Clio, with similar prices but a more generous equipment package. The base trim of the Clio will likely not be offered, unlike the Techno version starting at 20,900 euros.

Nevertheless, the Renault Clio still holds some key advantages, starting with a broader range of engine options. A positive point at a time when fuel prices are skyrocketing. By offering LPG and diesel options additionally, the French brand has not revealed all its cards yet.

The Colt will be produced in Turkey, on the same assembly line as the Clio, with Mitsubishi aiming for around 30,000 sales annually in Europe. Not bad for a manufacturer that initially wanted to leave.

ALSO READ: Mitsubishi ASX, the Renault Captur without hybrid and cheaper!