Mitsubishi Colt 1.3

For now, the five-door comes with a choice of three normally aspirated petrol engines: a three-cylinder 1.1 with 75bhp and 74lb ft of torque, four-cylinder 1.3 with 95bhp and 92lb ft, and a four-cylinder 1.5 with 109bhp and 107lb ft.

The line-up will also include a pair of 1.5-litre Mercedes-Benz three-cylinder turbodiesels (68bhp/118lb ft and 95bhp/155lb ft). Both engine families will be available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automated manual called Allshift. The most popular model is tipped to be the 1.3-litre petrol manual, but the UK importer is still deciding which other combinations will come here.

The Colt is very much a ‘tall’ supermini, with a high driving position, an overall length of 3870mm and a relatively long wheelbase at 2500mm. Mitsubishi claims class-best cabin length and the Colt’s impressive interior space is apparent in both the front and rear seats. Suspension is by MacPherson struts up front, with a torsion beam axle at the rear. The brakes are discs front, drums rear (except for the 1.5 petrol, which gets an all-disc set-up) and anti-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution are both standard. Steering is by electric power assistance in all models.

On the road, the car has a fairly firm but supple ride and nimble handling. The lack of road noise also leads to a ‘big-car’ feel and the steering is accurate and nicely weighted. All the engines spin easily, though the 1.5-litre four is fairly boomy at high revs. At least the gearchange is light and foolproof.

Overall, our initial impression is of a modern but essentially conventional supermini that’s better suited to European conditions than many Japanese cars. We must await longer tests on British roads but, for now, our feelings towards this pretty new entrant in the toughest of categories are decidedly favourable.