Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R

Press Release

Colt Plus Ralliart undergoes improvements

Mitsubishi Motors today added the Colt RALLIART Version-R 1 high-performance compact sport model, which offers easy accessibility to sports driving enjoyment, to its 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter Colt compact car series. Available with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission, the new Colt RALLIART Version-R is on sale at Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan at a tax-inclusive price of ¥1,974,000.

The company also released today an improved Colt Plus RALLIART, the sporty trim level of the Colt Plus compact wagon. Using a CVT transmission, the improved model has a tax-inclusive price tag of ¥1,827,000.

The new Colt RALLIART Version-R replaces the current Colt RALLIART. Targeting owners looking to take a step up in their sport driving experience, the new model is loaded with know-how cultivated through Mitsubishi Motors many years of competition in the motorsport arena. Features designed to improve the car’s dynamic performance include a more powerful and responsive engine, a stiffer body and sport-tuned suspension. Complemented by a new and sportier interior design, this high performance compact sport model is offered at a very accessible price.

The Version-R name was chosen to reflect the desire to bring about a Revolution in the conventional compact sports class.

Colt RALLIART Version-R walkaround

1. Exterior

Engine cooling is improved with a larger front bumper grille and new engine hood scoops. Fog lamps and air dams at the ends of the front bumper lend accent to the new model’s sporty and dynamic front end styling. The underside of the rear bumper has a diffuser profile. Bumper garnish connects into the tailgate to produce a single surface, low, road-hugging rear end profile. An oversize muffler cutter adds punch to the car’s sporty image. Large side skirts control the airflow along the sides. Overfender flares front and rear accentuate the car’s low and wide, road-hugging looks. Version-R rides on 7-spoke 16x6.5JJ alloy road wheels shod with 205/45R16 83W Yokohama tires.

2. Interior

The 5-speed manual transmission model features a 240 km/h full-scale speedometer with white dial. The CVT model uses a 180 km/h speedometer with hi-contrast dial. The 5-speed MT model uses a leather-wrap shift knob that fits positively in the palm for accurate and sporty shifting. This model is also fitted with the aluminum accelerator and clutch pedals standard on the Lancer Evolution IX.

The front seats are of a sport-type design in the standard specification with RECARO full bucket seats available. Cars fitted with the optional RECARO seats come with instrument cluster accent panel and air outlet rings that have a red metallic instead of silver finish. Version-R is a 4-seater, using a two-piece rear seatback to replace the three-piece design of its predecessor.

3. Body/chassis

The body has been reinforced to maximize stiffness with minimal weight increase by utilizing know-how cultivated though many years of motorsport competition. Torsional stiffness is 30% higher as a result of 50% more spot welds in the panel joins and additional D-pillar reinforcement. Additional reinforcement around the front and rear suspension mountings contributes to sportier handling and stability. Utilizing know-how from the highly-acclaimed European Colt Turbo, the suspension and spring settings have been tuned to deliver sporty handling and stability on roads in Japan. The use of closer ratio gears in the power steering realizes more responsive and lighter steering.

4. Powertrain

Improvements to the exhaust system give the 1.5-liter MIVEC turbocharged engine class-topping levels of motive performance with maxima of 113 kW (154 PS) / 6000 rpm and 210 N-m (21.4 kg-m) / 3,500 rpm in the 5-speed MT model. With the CVT model only the power output has been increased, to the same 113 kW (154 PS) / 6000 rpm as the MT model. The 5-speed MT model returns 15.4 km/l and the CVT model 15.6 km/l in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban driving pattern fuel economy test. Both models earn 3-star ratings for emissions that are 50% lower than the Japanese 2005 Emissions Standards levels. The 5-speed MT model uses the European Colt Turbo’s Getrag transmission to handle the beefier motive performance, together with a ZF-Sachs clutch. The CVT model uses the same INVECS-III Sport Mode 6-speed CVT as its predecessor, delivering the easy-drive qualities of an automatic while also giving the driver access to the satisfaction and enjoyment of sportier motoring with manual shifting.

5. Brakes and other features

Version-R uses 15-inch ventilated disc front and 14-inch disc rear brakes – the same size as on the European Colt Turbo – to deliver outstanding stopping performance. High-friction pads maintain braking performance under sporty driving conditions. The new model uses Mitsubishi Motors’ anti-lock braking-with-brake assist that prevents the wheels from locking up on slippery surfaces or in high-speed emergency braking. The new model is also fitted with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) that regulates braking force at the rear wheels to match the vehicle load. The 5-speed MT model is fitted with Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Stability Control (ASC) system that uses sensors to detect changes in body behavior and regulate braking force and engine power to maintain a stable body attitude. The system also incorporates a traction control function that acts to prevent wheel spin on slippery or unmade surfaces.

Colt Plus RALLIART features

1. Exterior

Distinguished by striking and sporty front styling, Colt Plus RALLIART uses the same grille/bumper, engine hood air scoops and fog lamps as Colt RALLIART Version-R. The addition of an under-bumper extension gives accent to the powerful, stable look of the tail. The model uses stylish rear combination lamps with clear lenses.

2. Interior

Colt Plus RALLIART is available with the same RECARO full bucket front seats as Colt RALLIART Version-R. Cars fitted with RECARO seats come with instrument cluster accent panel and air outlet rings that have a red metallic instead of silver finish.

3. Engine

As with the Colt RALLIART Version-R CVT model, improvements to the exhaust system have boosted maximum output to 113 kW (154 PS) / 6000 rpm.

Sales information

Monthly sales target:

Available at: Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan

Manufacturers Recommended Retail Price

(nationwide; tax-inclusive)

All models two-wheel drive only