It’s not a Dacia, nor a trendy city car, but a real steal. In an automotive market where prices have skyrocketed, the Mitsubishi Colt returns with surgical precision: offering a reliable, well-powered, properly equipped car that’s accessible without going the used route. All wrapped up in modern styling and a perfect size for American cities.
Behind its Japanese badge lies a well-known foundation: that of the Renault Clio. But rather than making a simple copy, Mitsubishi intelligently kept the essentials while adjusting the equipment level to stay under budget radar. Result: a turbo gasoline subcompact starting at $22,769 MSRP, and even $20,185 in Motion trim with dealer incentives. An offer even more competitive than the Skoda Fabia GO 80 hp (~$23,287) or SEAT Ibiza (~$22,990).
Looking to get under $18,150? Some dealers or special lease offers allow you to approach that mark, but not with equivalent equipment. That’s where the Colt digs its advantage: it already offers as standard Apple CarPlay, backup camera, LED lights and push-button start. Enough to put European subcompacts under pressure.
A proven technical foundation, Renault-engineered
Under the bodywork of the 2025 Mitsubishi Colt, lies a foundation well-known to the American market: the fifth generation of the Renault Clio, from which it borrows most of the CMF-B platform. This collaboration between Mitsubishi and the Renault-Nissan Alliance allows the Colt to benefit from a modern architecture, balanced chassis and powertrains already extensively proven.
The 1.0 TCe 90 hp engine is a three-cylinder turbo that has proven itself in terms of fuel economy and refinement. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it offers respectable performance for urban or suburban use, with a top speed of 108 mph and 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds. All while achieving controlled average fuel consumption of 46 mpg and COâ‚‚ emissions of 116 g/km, earning it LEV III compliance.
The Colt differentiates itself however with a more understated personality, slightly reworked exterior design (specific bumpers, Mitsubishi logo) and a more rational approach to equipment, directly targeting daily needs rather than superfluous options.
Complete equipment right from base trim
The big asset of the Mitsubishi Colt Motion is its generous standard equipment for the asking price. Listed at $22,769 MSRP, it drops to $20,185 thanks to current promotions, without financing requirements, making it one of the cheapest turbo subcompacts on the American market at this equipment level.
Here are some elements included as standard:
- LED headlights with automatic activation
- Backup camera and rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, cruise control
- Central touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Trip computer, power windows, 60/40 split-folding rear seats
Sure, you won’t find the refined ambiance or 10-inch screens of some premium subcompacts, but the essentials are there, without compromising on safety or connectivity.
Balanced road performance adapted to city driving
The Colt doesn’t aim to become a dynamic reference like a Ford Fiesta ST-Line, but it perfectly plays its role as a versatile subcompact. Thanks to its controlled weight (around 2,425 lbs), sound chassis and optimized wheelbase, it easily navigates through cities while offering decent stability on highways.
With its 5 doors, 13.8 cubic feet trunk and decent habitability for 4 adults, it’s not limited to downtown use. Its tight turning radius, driver assistance features and suspension comfort make it an efficient daily tool, including on highways.
Looking for more punch or an automatic transmission? You’ll need to turn to the full hybrid 145 hp version (not covered here), significantly more expensive. The 90 hp turbo model remains the best price/performance compromise in the current lineup.
Ultra-competitive positioning against European rivals
Mitsubishi’s real masterstroke is offering a car that’s well-powered, well-equipped and well-finished at a price lower than the Skoda Fabia, SEAT Ibiza, or even the Toyota Yaris 70 hp, often sold more expensive with inferior equipment.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Model | Power | Discounted Price | Notable Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Colt 1.0T Motion | 90 hp | $20,185 | LED, CarPlay, camera, keyless |
| Skoda Fabia GO 80 hp | 80 hp | ~$23,287 | Less equipped |
| SEAT Ibiza Reference | 80 hp | ~$22,990 | Few driver aids |
| Toyota Yaris L | 106 hp | ~$18,990 | Decent equipment, not turbo |
Against this competition, the Colt appears as a pragmatic and efficient solution, designed for buyers who want a new vehicle that’s economical and reliable, with controlled ownership costs and proven technical architecture.
