History of Mitsubishi Colt and Mirage car generations

Description of the car Mitsubishi Colt

Mitsubishi Colt - the name of a number of small cars (B-segment), produced from 1962 to 1971 and from 2002 to 2013 by a Japanese automobile company «Mitsubishi Motors Corporation». From 1978 to 2002, a car was produced Mitsubishi Mirage, based on «Colt», and which since 2012 has completely replaced it. «Mirage» And «Colt» have a complex intertwining history, mostly related to marketing. American company «Chrysler» also uses the name «Dodge Colt» And «Plymouth Colt» in the North American market between 1970 and 1994 in cooperation with «Mitsubishi». The body was produced as a hatchback, sedan, station wagon, coupe and convertible. In the first models, the engine was located at the rear, the drive was on the rear wheels. Since 1965, the engine was moved forward, the drive remained on the rear axle. Since 1978, the front wheels have been driven.

Currently, the main classmates and competitors of these small cars today are Chevrolet Aveo, Fiat Punto, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Lada Granta, Mazda 2, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Renault Logan, Renault Sandero, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo.

Mitsubishi Colt 600 (1962-1965)

«Colt 600» - a five-seater two-door sedan manufactured by the company «Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries, Ltd», who came to replace «Mitsubishi 500». The length of the car was 3385 mm, width 1410 mm, height 1370 mm and curb weight 555 kg. The engine of this car was located at the rear with rear-wheel drive. Engine displacement was 594 cm3³ 25 hp model «NE35A» and it was a two-cylinder, air-cooled two-stroke. The gearbox was a three-speed manual. The car developed a maximum speed of up to 100 km / h.

«Colt 600» competed at the 1963 Malaysian Grand Prix where he placed second and third in the 600 cm class³.

Mitsubishi Colt 800 (1965-1971)

Production began in November 1965 «Colt 800» with a two-door fastback body, which the Japanese market saw for the first time. Other body types were three-door hatchback, four-door fastback, three-door station wagon and two-door pickup. The length of the car was 3620-3740 mm, width 1450 mm, height 1365-1420 mm, curb weight was 750 kg. The engine was installed three-cylinder two-stroke with a volume of 843 cm³ 45 hp, which was canceled in 1968. The gearbox is four-speed manual. All this allowed the car to accelerate to 120 km / h.

In 1966, a four-stroke, four-cylinder in-line engine was introduced «KE43» 1.0 liter (977 cm³) 54 hp. The model was named «Colt 1000F». This engine was produced until 1969.

In August 1968, a model appeared «Colt 1100F» with engine «KE44» 1.1 liter (1088 cm³) 58 hp and a maximum speed of 140 km/h. In October 1968, a version appeared «Super Sport» with an engine with two carburetors with a power of 73 hp. and a maximum speed of 155 km/h.

In May 1969, the lineup was updated and renamed «Colt 11-F». Engine power was raised to 62 hp, and the exterior design was also slightly changed.

Mitsubishi Colt 1000 (A20, 1963-1971)

Automobile «Colt 1000» with chassis code «A20» produced from July 1963 to 1971. The body was presented as a two-door station wagon (length 3905 mm, width 1490 mm, height 1470 mm) and four-door sedan (length 3820 mm, width 1490 mm, height 1420 mm). Curb weight 865-880 kg. The station wagon had a rear folding seat and when folded formed a flat loading floor.

The engine was located in front, rear-wheel drive. Engine displacement was 1.0 liter (977 cm³, KE43, OHV, I4) 51 hp. Torque was transmitted through a fully synchronized four-speed manual gearbox. In December 1965, a three-speed semi-automatic transmission appeared, called «SCAT». The maximum speed with both gearbox options was 125 km/h.

Mitsubishi Colt 1100 (A21, 1966-1968)

«Colt 1100» with chassis code «A21» appeared in September 1966 and was produced until 1968. The body was a three-door station wagon and a four-door sedan. The car was 3855 mm long, 1490 mm wide, 1420 mm high and 800 kg curb weight, that is, it became a little longer and lighter. The length of the station wagon was 3905 mm. They changed the design of the radiator grille, but the most important difference from «Colt 1000» it is a more powerful 1.1 liter engine (1088 cm³, KE44, OHV, I4, 58 hp). The gearbox is four-speed manual. The maximum speed of the sedan was 135 km/h, the station wagon 125 km/h.

Mitsubishi Colt 1200 (A23, 1968-1970)

In May 1968, a car appeared with the name «New Colt 1200» with chassis code «A23». The design is very different from its predecessor, primarily with large rectangular headlights, as well as a radiator grille. At the back, instead of round lamps, they made wide thin rectangular ones. The body was a three- and five-door station wagon or a four-door sedan. The total length of the car was 3975 mm, width 1490, height 1410 mm and curb weight 790 kg. The layout remained the same - «Front engine, rear wheel drive». Engine capacity increased to 1.2 liters (1189 cm³, KE46, OHV, I4) 66 hp. The gearbox has not changed.

Mitsubishi Colt 1500 (A25, 1965-1969)

«Colt 1500» with chassis code «A25» appeared in November 1965. The exterior design was similar to «Colt 1000», but four headlights were installed in front instead of two. Body styles were as follows - two- and four-door sedan or two- and four-door station wagon. The length of the car was 3910-3995 mm, width 1490 mm, height 1395-1425 mm. The engine was front-mounted and had a volume of 1.5 liters (1498 cm³, KE45, OHV, I4) and 70 hp. Gearbox three-speed mechanics, and later a four-speed appeared (Overtop, «OT»). The maximum speed of the sedan was 140-145 km / h. The station wagon developed only 125 km / h.

In December 1966, a model appeared «1500 SS» (Sports Sedan) with a lighter and shorter body from «Colt 1100». In May 1968, the model became known as «New Colt 1500», having received the same body modifications as «Colt 1200», including rectangular headlights. Chassis code became «A27». In August 1968, the model was added «Super Sports» with an engine with two carburetors, developing a power of 85 hp. In 1969, with the advent «Galant» This car has been discontinued.

Mitsubishi Colt 2002-2013

The design for the renewed Colt was developed by French designer Olivier Boulay. In Japan, the car began to be sold in 2002, and in Europe in 2004. Based on the same platform as the German hatchback «Smart Forfour». Kuzo was introduced as a three- and five-door hatchback (length 3870-3885 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1550 mm), five-door station wagon «Colt Plus» (length 4125-4390 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1500 mm) and a two-door convertible with a convertible roof (Colt CZC). The convertible was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, and went on sale in 2006. The engine was located transversely in front. The drive was mainly on the front wheels, but four-wheel drive was also produced.

Gasoline engines were of the following volumes and characteristics - 1.1 liters (1124 cm³, 3A91, I3, 74 hp), 1.3 liters (1332 cm³, 4A90, I4, 94 hp) and 1.5 liters (1499 cm³, 4A91, I4, 109 hp), 1.5 liters (1468 cm³, 4G15T, turbo + intercooler, I4, 147 hp). All gasoline engines with direct fuel injection «MPI» and an electronically controlled variable valve timing system «MIVEC». The diesel engine was one modification with a volume of 1.5 liters (1493 cm³, OM639, DI-D, I3) 94 hp. Transmission six-speed manual or stepless variator.

Electric car appeared in 2006 «Colt MIEV» with a separate electric motor in each wheel. The car has a range of 150 km and an estimated charging time of just 10 minutes.

Production started in March 2007 «Colt Plus» in Taiwan with a 1.6 liter engine (1584 cm³, 4G18, I4) with a capacity of 112 hp, working in conjunction with a variator. This car is currently being manufactured in Taiwan. The European Colt was updated in 2008, and in Japan in 2009.

In 2005 the European Committee «Euro NCAP» carried out crash tests to find out about the safety of the car. See the table for the results.

Colt 2007 year, wagon

Colt 2007 year, cabriolet

Colt 2006 year, interior

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Description of the car Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage - small car (B-segment), manufactured by Japanese automaker «Mitsubishi Motors Corporation» from 1978 to 2003, and production resumed in 2012 and continues to the present. Classified as a compact car between 1995 and 2003 (C-segment). Between 2003 and 2012 it was sold as «Colt». During the release until 2003, I was called Japan «Mirage», and for export to some countries the name was used «Colt», and sedans were sometimes called «Lancer». In North America, the first four generations were sold through «Chrysler» entitled «Dodge Colt» or «Plymouth Colt». From 1999 to 2003, a subcompact SUV was produced in Japan «Mirage Dingo».

First generation (A150, 1978-1983)

The first generation of fuel-efficient front-wheel drive cars was launched in March 1978 amid growing demand for small cars following the 1973 oil crisis. First released three-door hatchback (length 3790 mm), and in September a five-door hatchback appeared (length 3895 mm). In 1978, a four-door sedan appeared (length 4135 mm). The width of all models was 1585 mm, the height was 1350 mm and the curb weight was 900 kg. The car had independent suspension on all wheels, rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes. The engine was located transversely in front, front-wheel drive. In some markets, the car was sold under the name «Colt». To North America «Chrysler» imported Mirage with titles «Dodge Colt» And «Plymouth Champ».

The engines were initially 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engines (1244 cm³, 4G11, 72 hp) and 1.4 liters (1410 cm³, 4G12, 82 hp). In March 1979, a 1.6-liter engine was added (1597 cm³, 4G32, 88 hp). In September 1982, a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter engine appeared (1410 cm³, 4G12T, 105 hp). The transmission was a five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic. There was also a four-speed mechanic called «Super Shift» with second lever «low» And «high» range. Thus, this transmission had eight speeds.

In February 1982, the model range of the car was updated. A new grille insert was developed, the turn signals and headlights became one, the taillights became larger. For the engine and gearbox, new stronger supports were made, and the gearbox housing became more durable. Inside, the dashboard has been updated. At the same time, a sedan body appeared under the names «Mirage» And «Lancer Fiore», which should not be confused with the usual «Lancer».

Second generation (C10, 1983-1991)

The second generation car appeared in Japan in 1983. The names were again divided into two - «Mirage» (3- and 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan) And «Lancer Fiore» (four-door sedan). In 1985, a five-door station wagon appeared. There was also a commercial two-seater van called simply «Mitsubishi Wagon». The length of the car was 4005 mm, width 1635 mm, height 1360 mm and curb weight 880 kg. The engine was located transversely in front. Front-wheel drive, but there were also all-wheel drive modifications. Cars with catalytic converters became available in 1985.

The range of gasoline engines has expanded significantly and for the entire time of the release of the second generation there were the following models - all four-cylinder in-line 1.2-liter (1198 cm³, 4G16, 55 hp), 1.3 liters (1298 cm³, 4G13, 73 hp), 1.5 liters (1468 cm³, 4G15, 92 hp), 1.5 liters (1499 cm³, 4G31, 105 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 4G32, 110 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 4G32T, turbocharged, 160 hp) and 1.8 liters (1755 cm³, 4G37, 125 hp). The diesel engine is also a 1.8-liter four-cylinder (1795 cm³, 4D65, 65 hp). The transmission used was a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic.

In 1986, a minor facelift was carried out.

Third generation (C50, 1987-1995)

In October 1987, the third generation of the Mirage was introduced in Japan. First released three-door hatchback (length 4030 mm, width 1670 mm, height 1320 mm), in January 1988, a four-door sedan appeared (length 4320 mm, width 1670 mm, height 1340 mm), and in June 1988 a five-door liftback. The station wagon was produced in the second generation until 1991. As before, the names «Mirage», «Colt» And «Lancer» went to different countries with different body shapes, often having different names in the same country. In the US, the cars were also sold as «Dodge Colt», «Plymouth Colt» (only three-door) And «Eagle Summit». Front transverse engine, front-wheel drive or full.

The range of gasoline four-cylinder engines has expanded further and consisted of the following models - 1.2 liters (1198 cm³, 4G16, 65 hp), 1.3 liters (1298 cm³, 4G13, 79 hp), 1.5 liters (1468 cm³, 4G15, 92 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 4G32/4G32T turbo, 125/145 hp), 1.6 liters (1595 cm³, 4G61/4G61T turbo, DOHC, 123/135 hp), 1.8 liters (1755 cm³, 4G37, 97 hp) and 1.8 liters (1836 cm³, 4G67, DOHC, 135 hp). There was also one 1.8 liter diesel (1795 cm³, 4D65, 61 hp). The gearbox was a four- or five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic.

Fourth generation (CA0, 1991-1995)

In October 1991, the fourth generation began to be sold in Japan. The body became more rounded in accordance with automotive fashion and was a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan (length 4375 mm, width 1690 mm, height 1325 mm), five-door station wagon and two-door coupe (length 4345 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1310 mm). The sedan was offered in two versions - four-window and six-window. The station wagon was called «Mitsubishi Libero», the coupe had a prefix «Asti». The location of the engine and the drive have not changed. In the Japanese market, the line «Lancer» had more models than «Mirage» and featured a more angular body design, although based on the same platform. The name of the various models for export was many and varied.

The range of gasoline four-cylinder engines was updated and consisted of the following models - 1.3 liters (1298 cm³, 4G13, 79 hp), 1.5 liters (1468 cm³, 4G15, 91 hp), 1.5 liters (1496 cm³, 4G91, 115 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 4G92, 145 hp), 1.8 liters (1834 cm³, 4G93, 138 hp) and one turbocharged 1.8 liter (1834 cm³, 4G93T, 197 hp). For the first time used a six-cylinder V-shaped engine with a volume of 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 6A10, 140 hp). All petrol engines are equipped with multipoint injection. Diesels are represented by two models with a volume of 1.8 liters (1795 cm³, 4D65, 76 hp) and 2.0 liters (1997 cm³, 4D68, 88 hp). The gearbox was a four- and five-speed manual, as well as a three- and four-speed manual.

Fifth generation (CJ, 1995-2003)

The fifth generation appeared in October 1995 and was created taking into account the consequences of the financial crisis in Japan in 1991. There were three body types - a four-door sedan (length 4410 mm, width 1690 mm, height 1335-1390 mm), three-door hatchback (length 3900 mm, width 1680 mm, height 1365 mm) and two-door coupe (length 4270 mm, width 1690 mm, height 1305-1360 mm). The curb weight of the car was 945 kg. The increase in the size of the sedan has led to a change in class from subcompact (B-segment) to compact (C-segment). The station wagon was produced by the previous generation. In Japan, the sedan was part of the range «Lancer», coupe and sedan in export markets were sold under the names «Mirage» And «Lancer». In some European markets «Mitsubishi Carisma» supplanted the sedan.

Four-cylinder gasoline in-line engines were installed as follows - 1.3 liters (1298 cm³, 4G13, 88 hp), 1.5 liters (1499 cm³, 4A91, 109 hp), 1.5 liters (1468 cm³, 4G15, 94 hp), 1.6 liters (1584 cm³, 4G18, 100 hp), 1.6 liters (1597 cm³, 4G92, 113 hp), 1.8 liters (1834 cm³, 4G93, 140 hp) and turbocharged 1.8 liters (1834 cm³, 4G93T, 212 hp). There was also a 1.8-liter six-cylinder V-twin engine (1829 cm³, 6A11, 133 hp). The diesel engine was installed one with a volume of 2.0 liters (1998 cm³, 4D68, 88-94 hp). Gearbox 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or stepless variator.

In 1997, they carried out a minor facelift. In 2003, they completed production and removed the name «Mirage» Worldwide. Vehicles in this segment replaced «Colt», which was launched in 2002.

Sixth generation (2012-present)

The relaunched sixth generation was unveiled as a concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and production vehicles were unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Production began in April 2012 in Thailand, with sales in Japan beginning in July. «Colt» was renamed to «Mirage» in 2012. For some European countries the name is used «Space Star». The North American model was introduced in 2013 at the Montreal International Auto Show. There were two body options - a four-door sedan (length 4245 mm, width 1670 mm, height 1515 mm) and five-door hatchback (length 3710 mm, width 1665 mm, height 1490 mm). The curb weight is 905-940 kg, which makes the car one of the lightest in its niche. It also has the lowest drag coefficient in its segment and is 0.27-0.31.

Engines were installed only gasoline three-cylinder 1.0 liter (999 cm³, 3A90, 68 hp) and 1.2 liters (1193 cm³, 3A92, 74 hp). The motors are equipped with a start-stop system (Auto Stop & Go) to save fuel in the city. Gearbox five-speed manual «F5MDB» or stepless variator «Jatco JF015E».

The car was updated for the 2017 model year, which was presented at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The front end was updated, projector headlights, daytime running lights, LED taillights were installed, engine power was increased from 74 to 78 hp, the suspension was improved with shock absorbers, springs and new brakes. The cabin also received numerous aesthetic changes.

Mirage 6, sedan, 2017 year

Mirage 6, sedan, back view

Mirage 6, interior, 2014 year