Mitsubishi Colt Version-R

Presented as a tough little brother to Mitsubishi's Lancer EVO icons, the Ralliart Colt is a hot turbocharged version of the front-drive Colt with a special variation of the five-door hatch body. Not only does it look a little feral, it has a bad attitude and won't tolerate armchair drivers.

Expectations for the Ralliart Colt are high when almost every part is re-engineered for its high performance role. It starts with a re-worked bodyshell that is 30 per cent more rigid with extra welds, bracing, thicker structural sections and extra cross-members for a weight increase of 60kg. Not your base Colt shell stretched to the limit, it's well on its way to a proper rally shell!

Suspension is stiffened with bushes, springs, dampers, front anti-roll bar and rear torsion beam all upgraded. A rebound spring is added to the front struts. Brakes are upgraded with larger ventilated front discs and rear solids activated by a larger master-cylinder bore for similar fade resistance to the EVO.

The Ralliart engine is the twin overhead cam 4G15 version of the MIVEC 1.5-litre with high 10.0:1 compression ratio, turbocharger, intercooler, hollow camshafts, cylinder block baffle plate, low-friction pistons, stronger engine and gearbox mountings and a 27 per cent reduction in exhaust back pressure.

The hi-po Colt delivers 163ps/6000rpm and 210Nm/3500 for some serious mumbo if you can get the right combo of turbo, clutch and gears all happening together.

The Gertrag five-speed manual is combined with a ZF-Sachs clutch with taller third-through-fifth and final drive ratios. This is the last thing Australians need when it leaves a first gear ratio of 3.308:1 and a big gap to second's 1.913:1. The rest flow nicely but more of that initial gap shortly…

Alloy wheels and tyres are upgraded to a whopping 205/45R 16 which Mitsubishi claims is a first for this class. Turning circle climbs to 10.8m over the standard 9.4 but the steering ratio is quickened. The Active Stability Control incorporates an Active Traction Control which can replicate the function LSD. Together they keep it all in shape but again, more of that shortly.

Inside, there are aggressive Recaro front seats straight from the EVO VIII MR with a 30mm lower hip point. Seat contouring is pronounced and the distance between head and head restraint is dictated by helmet dimensions, not comfort. The matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever knob, white faced instruments, EVO IX sports pedals, premium six-stacker sound and climate control air-conditioning are standard fare.

Outside, however, the Colt Ralliart makes a statement -- and then some! A deep front airdam filled with mesh and foglights, mesh sports grille and giant bonnet vent feeding the intercooler should remove any Colt daintiness but presents more like a kid who has been face-painted like Darth Maul! Front spoiler extensions, wheel arch flares, side skirts, high-mounted rear spoiler, extended rear skirt with diffuser and large chrome exhaust outlet complete the package.

Technical Data
Body Type	Hatchback	Engine Layout	FF
Engine Type	1.5L 4G15 MIVEC Turbo
Displacement	1468cc	Transmission	5 speed manual

Performance
Power	163 ps	Torque	210 Nm
0-100km/h	7.1 secs	Fuel Consumption	15.4 km/l
Suspension (F)	Double wish-bone/ Ventilated disc
Suspension (R)	Multi-link strut / Disc

Dimensions
Length	3925mm	Width	1695mm
Height	1535mm	Weight	1110kg
Wheelbase	2500mm	Turning Radius	5400mm

Features
2 Airbags	ABS	Traction control
HID headlights	16" Sport rims	Knockdown rear seats
Remote alarm	Immobiliser	Auto retractable side mirrors
Raliiart Version-R bodykit	Leather steering wheels	Ralliart sport seats
Rear spoiler

Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R Special - Under 1:10 secs Tskuba Time Attack

 

Information
For general enquiries or to arrange for an appointment please call: 6749 3669