Spring launch for new Mitsubishi Colt CZC Convertible

The 76th Geneva Motor Show sets the stage for the world debut of the Mitsubishi Colt CZC cabriolet, the third and arguably most striking member of the award-winning Colt line-up.

Drawing inspiration from the CZ2 and CZ3 Tarmac concept cars that were shown at the 2001 Tokyo and 2004 Geneva motor shows, the Colt CZC features a sleek and sophisticated retractable metal roof that automatically folds back at the touch of a button to provide year-round driving versatility.

The Colt CZC shares its platform and basic architecture with the five-door Colt, taking advantage of its long 2500mm wheelbase and wide 1460mm front and 1445mm rear tracks for a secure and planted on-the-road feel and striking visual stance. Opting for this expansive wheelbase has also resulted in exceptional packaging – the Colt CZC has a 2+2 seating configuration and boasts a pair of occasional rear seats as well as a generous luggage compartment, even when the roof is retracted.

UK Line-Up

Arriving at UK dealerships in April, the Colt CZC will go on sale with a simple choice of two models – the £13,999 Colt CZC and £15,999 Colt CZC Turbo. Both are powered by an advanced all-alloy 16valve petrol engine, driving the front wheels through slick five-speed manual transmissions with bespoke ratios to maximise the engine’s performance.

The top-line CZC Turbo borrows the 1468cc petrol engine from three-door Colt CZT. Developing 147bhp and 6000rpm and 155lb ft of torque at 3500rpm, the 1200kg CZC Turbo hits 62mph in 8.4seconds and has a 126mph maximum speed. Despite this hot hatch-rivalling performance, it returns 39.8mpg on the combined cycle and has a tax-friendly CO2 rating of 168g/km.

The naturally aspirated 1499cc powerplant in the 1110kg Colt CZC produces 107bhp at 6000rpm and 107lb ft of torque at 4000rpm – enough for a 10.5second sprint to 62mph and on to a top speed of 114mph, while returning 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 level of 157g/km. Naturally, both engines are Euro IV compliant.

As with all current Mitsubishi models, the CZC comes laden with standard equipment, including 16inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear lever, radio/CD/MP3 stereo, four airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and integrated front fog lights.

Upgrading to the Colt CZC Turbo adds sports suspension, M-ASTC stability and traction control, part leather seats, a restyled front bumper and unique 16inch alloy wheels to the already long list of as-standard features.

The Colt CZC will be built in conjunction with renowned Italian design house Pininfarina which, along with Mitsubishi Design Europe, played a key role in the design and development of the Colt CZC. Production of the range will start at Pininfarina’s Bairo plant near Turin, on March 7th.