2024 Mitsubishi Colt is a Clio clone that could win over electric car skeptics
Mitsubishi is bringing back an iconic nameplate with the 2024 Mitsubishi Colt, a city car that shares its platform and design with the Renault Clio. The Colt is part of Mitsubishi’s strategy to leverage its alliance with Renault and Nissan to offer more competitive products in Europe and other markets.
The Colt is not just a rebadged Clio, though. It has some distinctive features that could make it appealing to customers who are curious about electric cars but not ready to commit to them.A hybrid option with a twist
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt will be available with three powertrain options: a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, a 1.6-liter hybrid system, and a fully electric version. The hybrid system is the most interesting one, as it uses a technology called e-Power that is already popular in Japan.
Unlike conventional hybrids that have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine that can power the wheels, e-Power hybrids use the gasoline engine only as a generator to charge the battery that feeds the electric motor. This means that the car always drives like an electric vehicle, with instant torque and smooth acceleration, but without the range anxiety or charging hassles.
Mitsubishi claims that the e-Power system can deliver up to 50% better fuel efficiency than a comparable gasoline engine while also reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40%. The hybrid Colt will have a combined output of 140 horsepower and a range of about 500 miles on a full tank of gas.
A familiar design with some flair
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt will look very similar to the Clio, which is not a bad thing. The Clio is one of the best-selling cars in Europe and has won several awards for its design. The Colt will have the same dimensions and shape as the Clio but with some subtle differences in the front and rear fascias, such as the grille, headlights, taillights, and bumpers.
The Colt will also have some unique color options, such as Mitsubishi Red, Electric Blue, and Lime Green, as well as some optional decals and stickers to add some personality. The interior will be largely identical to the Clio, with a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a range of driver assistance features.A competitive price with some incentives
The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt will be priced competitively with other city cars in its segment, such as the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 208. The base model with the gasoline engine will start at around $16,000 (13,500 euros), while the hybrid model will cost around $20,000 (17,000 euros). The electric model will be the most expensive at around $25,000 (21,000 euros), but it will also qualify for some government subsidies and tax breaks in some countries.
Mitsubishi hopes that the Colt will help it regain some market share in Europe, where it has been struggling in recent years. The company plans to launch the Colt in early 2024, starting with France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. It will then expand to other markets later in the year.
The Colt could be a smart move for Mitsubishi, as it offers customers a familiar and affordable car that also has some innovative and eco-friendly features. The 2024 Mitsubishi Colt could also attract some buyers who are interested in electric cars but not ready to give up on gasoline completely. The Colt could be a gateway car to a more electrified future.


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