Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Colt CZC review (2006-2009)

The Colt CZC offers decent value for money. Its roof is well designed and handling agile, but ride, and material finish let it down.

Overall Auto Express rating

1.0

How we review cars
Find your Mitsubishi Colt
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving
The driving experience is pleasant; as with the standard car, the CZC has a relatively sharp turn-in and accurate handling. Unfortunately, the loss of the roof can be felt, as there is some twist and vibration through the body. This is particularly apparent around the large windscreen, where the scuttle shake over uneven surfaces really shows up. The ride itself is also fidgety at low seed, and although the CZC feels sportily agile, there's a fair amount of body roll through corners. A choice of engines supply decent power even in base 1.5-litre guise - but the rorty 1.5-litre turbo version is a proper 'warm CC', with the most power of any rival and pleasing surge to make fast motoring relatively straightforward. The gearchange is also quick and slick.

Marketplace
Designed and developed with Italian styling house Pininfarina, the new car unfortunately isn't that pretty with the top up. Steeply-raked A-pillars seem out of place, as the high roof of the standard car has been replaced by a lower folding roof; viewed in profile, you see an ungainly jigsaw of shapes. On the top is down, however, the lines improve and the undisturbed, pillarless look is neat. Just the two models are offered - not-turbo and turbo - with simple, clear pricing and few options. Rivals come from various sources as the small CC sector grows. Peugeot started it all off with the 206 CC but it's now joined by the Micra CC, Vauxhall Tigra and, though it's not a CC, the Citroen C3 Pluriel.

Owning
The Mitsubishi doesn't feel as well built as, say, a Vauxhall Tigra, and panel gaps could be tighter. The roof mechanism is simple though; release two catches and let the electrics do their work. However, folding the top means you lose out on boot capacity. With a 171-litre capacity, the CZC is tight for space. Oh, and while the Colt does have rear seats, they are so tight they are only any use as an additional luggage area. And while the dimpled finish to the top of the dash, translucent plastics and textured rotary dials give a modern look, it doesn't quite feel special enough and material quality could be better. 12,500-mile service intervals are short too, and costs very high compared to the competition, while the 1.5-litre engine isn't as economical as rivals. But retained values are OK and insurance ratings not too excessive.

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,606
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £16,032
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support
Car and money

Car finance firms losing "hundreds of millions” in EV depreciation want Govt support

The BVRLA says the disparity in supply and demand for electric cars is resulting in weaker-than-expected residuals, which is costing firms millions
News
11 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month
Mazda 3 front corner right

Car Deal of the Day: Elegant Mazda 3 hatch for a preeminent £178 per month

Fluid handling and even more flowing styling are the selling points of the Mazda 3 in this affordable deal
News
12 Apr 2025
New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights
 Denza Z9GT - front tracking

New Denza Z9GT 2025 review: super estate has BMW and Mercedes in its sights

The new Denza Z9GT hybrid estate is on the way to the UK. Should BMW, Mercedes and even Porsche be worried?
Road tests
11 Apr 2025