New Mitsubishi Colt CZ3 range unveiled

Mitsubishi Motors has released the first picture of its top of the range 150bhp Colt from the all-new 3-door Colt CZ3 range. Due to go on sale early 2005 the Colt CZ3 range, including the Colt CZT turbo charged variant, will add another exciting dimension to Mitsubishi’s revitalised product line-up.

Shorter than its 5-door sister model, with a lower roofline, more sculpted body sections, wide sills, longer doors and teardrop rear quarter windows, Colt CZ3 represents a more dynamic expression of New Colt´s One-Motion design theme.

Setting a precedent in the segment, Colt CZ3 is not simply a shortened version of the hatchback but a stand-alone model. Its unique styling means that all exterior panels (except for the bonnet and front bumper) have been individually designed and are not simply carry-overs from the 5-door Colt. With a sportier and muscled-up coupé-like body style, Colt CZ3 has been created to have a look and feel all of its own. This individuality has been reflected in the naming strategy with the 3-door range taking the badge "Colt CZ3" and the 150bph turbo charged performance variant being christened "Colt CZT".

The Colt CZ3 range will be available early 2005 with either a 5 speed manual gearbox or the AllshiftÔ automated manual transmission coupled with a choice of four engines: 1.1 litre 75bhp, 1.3 litre 95bhp, 1.5 litre 109bhp petrol engine and 1.5 95bhp direct injection diesel.

In parallel, the new 3-Door Colt will also appeal to a young crowd of enthusiasts with the "Colt CZT" variant, exclusively offered with a turbo-charged version of Mitsubishi Motors´ MIVEC Turbo DOHC 16 valve intercooled 1.5 litre engine, developing 150bhp and 210Nm of torque with a 0-62 time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

More than an all-out sports car, Colt CZT was developed at the specific request of Mitsubishi Motors Europe and styled at Mitsubishi Design Europe to create a sharp and chic B-segment car which blends together all the best elements of Mitsubishi’s motor sports and engineering heritage along with its new design style.

The Colt CZT will make its World Premier at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September.

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