Czech Exclusive: Mitsubishi Colt Performance Brings Rally Style To The Streets
by AutoExpert | 16 December, 2024
Mitsubishi's Czech division has introduced a playful new creation, the Mitsubishi Colt Performance. Essentially, they’ve taken a rebadged Renault Clio, slapped on rally-inspired visuals, given it slightly bigger wheels, and squeezed out a modest power boost to create a special edition of the recently relaunched Colt. Confused? So were we.
The Colt Performance tries its best to channel Mitsubishi’s motorsport past. The car features bold "Performance" lettering across the sides and hood, wrapped in matte black and red graphics over white bodywork, an adorably ambitious touch for a car of its modest stature.
Red grille accents, a chunky front splitter, and side skirt extensions add to the effect, along with a set of 18-inch OZ Racing Superturismo GT alloy wheels for extra style.
Powering this spirited hatchback is a lightly upgraded version of the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox (manual fans, rejoice!). The tweaks bump output from the standard Colt’s 99 hp and 160 Nm to 127 hp and 222 Nm. However, these figures still fall short of the standard 1.0 TCe 130 engine in the Colt's Renault Clio sibling, which produces 129 hp and 240 Nm. That’s a little awkward, but hey, Mitsubishi made an effort.
The Czech team insists the power boost is noticeable, thanks to the supermini’s lightweight build (1,097 kg). Still, there’s no word on chassis or suspension upgrades, meaning it likely handles just like the standard Colt. A lowering kit would’ve been a welcome addition to complement the rally-themed aesthetics.
Mitsubishi’s Czech Sales Director, Vladimír Hejna, described the Colt Performance as a project aimed at creating “something interesting to drive,” inspired by the brand’s legendary Lancer Evolution.
Mitsubishi hasn’t revealed pricing or availability details yet, but the Colt Performance is being described as a “limited edition.” For now, it seems to be exclusive to the Czech market.