In the bustling supermini segment of the mid-2000s, dominated by the usual European suspects, the Mitsubishi Colt 5 often played the role of the clever understudy. While others clamored for attention with aggressive styling or sporting pretensions, the Colt, code-named «CJ» for its three- and five-door hatchback forms, offered a different proposition: intelligent design, surprising space, and a refreshing dose of Japanese reliability. Today, we look back at this often-overlooked hatchback, not just as a historical artifact, but as a compelling used car proposition for those in the know. What made it tick, who did it battle, and what should you know before taking the plunge?
A Product of Alliance: Smart Packaging and Global DNA
The Colt 5 was never just a Mitsubishi. It was the fruit of the DaimlerChrysler-Mitsubishi alliance, sharing its platform and powertrains with the equally smart Smart Forfour and, to a degree, the Mitsubishi Carisma. This European-Japanese fusion resulted in a vehicle with a uniquely rational character.
- The «Tall Boy» Design: The Colt’s styling was defined by its high roof and compact overhangs. This wasn’t just an aesthetic choice; it was a packaging masterstroke. The design maximized interior volume, offering headroom that shamed many competitors and a rear seat that was genuinely usable for adults.
- The Modular Magic: Its party trick was the «Easy-Select Seating System.» The rear seats could not only fold flat but also slide, recline, and even have their base cushions flipped up. This created a van-like level of versatility, allowing owners to choose between maximum legroom or maximum cargo space on the fly.
- Under the Hood: The engine range was a highlight. It included the renowned 1.1L, 1.3L, and 1.5L MIVEC gasoline engines, known for their free-revving nature and durability. The star, however, was the 1.5L turbocharged diesel unit co-developed with Volkswagen, offering a blend of peppy performance and impressive fuel economy that remains competitive today.
The Driving Experience: Competence Over Excitement
Slip behind the wheel, and the Colt’s mission becomes clear. This is a car designed for urban agility and long-distance comfort, not for carving up mountain passes.
- The ride quality is notably compliant, soaking up bumps with an ease that eluded many of its firmer-riding rivals.
- The steering is light and precise, making it an effortless companion in city traffic.
- The MIVEC engines are smooth and willing, with the 1.3L and 1.5L units providing more than adequate punch for motorway cruising.
- The overall feeling is one of refined competence. It’s a car that feels well-built, with tight panel gaps and interiors designed to withstand years of use, even if the plastics are hard-wearing rather than plush.
The Battlefield: A Crowded Segment
The Colt 5 entered a fiercely competitive arena. Its key rivals were some of the best-selling cars in Europe.
- Ford Fiesta: The dynamic benchmark. The Fiesta offered sharper handling and a more driver-focused experience but couldn’t match the Colt’s interior space or versatility.
- Volkswagen Polo: The premium choice. The Polo felt more solid and had a superior interior finish, but it was often more expensive to buy and maintain.
- Opel Corsa: The all-rounder. The Corsa balanced comfort and style well but was often seen as less distinctive and reliable in the long term.
- Renault Clio: The stylish French option. The Clio offered bold design and a comfortable ride but traditionally lagged behind in perceived reliability.
The Colt’s unique selling proposition was its unbeatable combination of a Japanese reliability reputation, class-leading interior space, and that brilliantly versatile seating system.
The DIY Proposition: A Mechanic’s Friend?
For the home mechanic or the cost-conscious owner, the Colt 5 presents a mostly positive picture. Its mechanical simplicity and widespread parts availability make it an excellent candidate for self-maintenance.
- Routine Maintenance is Straightforward:
- Oil and filter changes are easily accessible.
- The air filter and cabin filter are designed for quick, tool-less replacement in minutes.
- Brake pads and discs are standard items, and their replacement is no more complex than on any other front-wheel-drive hatchback.
- A Strong Community: Online forums and dedicated owner groups are treasure troves of information, with step-by-step guides for almost every conceivable job, from replacing a window regulator to diagnosing electrical gremlins.
- The Vital Watch-Outs:
- Timing Chain: Most gasoline engines use a timing chain, which is a major plus for longevity. However, it’s crucial to listen for rattling from the timing cover, which indicates a worn tensioner or guides that need replacement to prevent serious damage.
- Electronics: As with any modern car, check all electronic features—air conditioning, power windows, the central locking system—thoroughly, as diagnosing faults can be more challenging than mechanical repairs.
- Rust: While generally rust-resistant, later models (post-2008) and cars driven in harsh winter conditions can show corrosion on the rear axle beam, sills, and door edges.
In conclusion, the Mitsubishi Colt 5 is a testament to smart, pragmatic engineering. It may not have the badge appeal of a Ford or Volkswagen, but what it offers is arguably more valuable: a spacious, versatile, reliable, and inexpensive to run companion. For the savvy buyer or the aspiring home mechanic, it remains a hidden gem in the used car market, a car that proves that sometimes, the smartest choice is the one everyone else overlooks.