Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart
MITSUBISHI has injected its insipid little commuter hatch with some unlikely muscle, launching a turbocharged Colt Ralliart model containing the go fast division's signature attributes.
These extend to livelier engine performance, lower riding sports suspension, bigger wheel/tyre package, improved brakes, and a don't mess full body kit that includes mesh grille and bonnet cooling vent.
The Ralliart arrives alongside a facelifted regular Colt range (see right) and will only be available from selected showrooms. It's one of two new halo models intended to add some sparkle to Mitsubishi's flavourless Colt. Given its sporting credentials, the Colt Ralliart may well be in danger of succeeding.
The Ralliart's engine is a derivative of the regular Colt's a 1468cc twincam, 16 valve four with MIVEC variable valve timing, but with a cast iron block for greater strength and a turbocharger and intercooler added, boosting power to 113kW at 6000rpm (up from 77kW), and torque to 210Nm at 3500rpm
(was 141Nm).
A 0.5mm smaller bore and 2.8mm longer stroke explains the capacity difference. The Ralliart also scores a five speed German made Getrag manual with a fluid shift action and a nicely positive feel.
The Colt's spacious cabin is upgraded with the same grabby Recaro seats (with good lumbar shape) as the Lancer Evo VIII MR, a leather wrapped steering wheel, white faced dials, alloy pedals from the Evo IX, a premium sound system with MP3/WMA compatible sixstack in dash CD, and climate control. Yep, she's loaded, mate, and she also looks the part with chunky new bumpers, a vented bonnet and wheelarch flares.
Wearing the Raliiart badge leads to high expectations, but, somewhat unexpectedly, the Colt has the engine oomph and handling ability to carry off the transformation nearly.
Weighing 60kg more than the 1074kg
VRX, the Ralliart accelerates from rest to 100km/h in a claimed 8.Osec not quite in the Evo class, but a smidge quicker than VW's similarly powered Polo GTI.
Drink of choice is premium unleaded, but Mitsubishi claims impressive average consumption of 6.7L/100km.
Thanks to its sporty damper and spring rates, the Ralliart's ride quality is very firm, meaning it can be a little jumpy on what are laughingly called roads in much of Australia. But, importantly for a hot hatch, it turns in nicely, and hangs on superbly, aided by 205/45 rubber on 16 x 6.5 inch alloys.
Brakes, too, have been upgraded with thicker ventilated front discs and solid rear rotors, and more aggressive pad material. Mitsubishi claims the fade resistance is equal to a Lancer Evo's!
Active Stability Control (with traction control) is standard for those out there who might be unsure of their talent levels, but anyone into lift off oversteer will be pleased to know it can be disabled.
At present, the Colt Ralliart has few logical competitors, seeing both the VW Polo GTI and Fiat Punto Sport are three doors, and Suzuki's five door Swift Sport is yet to go on sale. But it's the Ralliart's ability to mould a stronger image for Mitsubishi that is of greater concern. Seeing it's good, that may well happen. -PETER McKAY
Wheels October 2006
