Mitsubishi Colt engines

Since its introduction in 1978, the Mitsubishi Colt has established itself as a compact and reliable small car with a remarkably diverse range of engines across six generations. The technological evolution of Mitsubishi Colt engines reflects four decades of automotive development - from simple naturally aspirated engines to modern turbocharged gasoline engines.

Mitsubishi Colt engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-1996)

The first three generations of the Mitsubishi Colt laid the foundations for the later success story and were characterized by exceptionally robust but technically simple engines. With proper maintenance, these early Mitsubishi Colt engines easily reached 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers - a mileage rarely achieved by modern engines. Major repairs were usually only due after 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers, whereby mainly wearing parts such as the water pump or timing belt had to be replaced. The absolute top engine of this era was the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 90 hp from the third generation, which combined durability with sufficient power. Technical highlights included the introduction of electronic fuel injection from 1985 and the first turbo variants, while problems were mainly caused by corrosion and outdated carburetor technology.

Mitsubishi Colt gasoline engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-1996)

The Mitsubishi Colt gasoline engine range of the early years consisted mainly of naturally aspirated engines from 1.2 to 1.6 liters displacement. Generation I (1978-1984) offered the robust 1.2-liter engine with 55 hp and the more powerful 1.4-liter with 70 hp. Generation II (1984-1988) expanded the range to include a 1.3-liter with 65 hp and introduced the first fuel-injected engines. The highlight was Generation III (1988-1996) with the legendary 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine (90 hp), which proved to be practically indestructible. A turbo version with 140 hp existed in parallel, but was more prone to overheating. These historic Mitsubishi Colt engines were characterized by easy maintenance, low operating costs and extreme durability, but suffered from high fuel consumption and low power output.

Mitsubishi Colt diesel engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-1996)

Diesel engines played a subordinate role in the early Mitsubishi Colt generations. Only in Generation II and III were there isolated 1.8-liter diesel units with 58-68 hp, which were mainly designed for cab and commercial use. These Mitsubishi Colt diesels proved to be extremely durable with mileages of over 600,000 kilometers, but were loud, sluggish and not very comfortable.

Mitsubishi Colt engines: Generation IV (1996-2004)

The fourth generation marked the transition to the modern era and brought with it significantly refined Mitsubishi Colt engines. Mileage stabilized at 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, with the 1.3-litre variants being considered particularly reliable. The first major repairs were usually due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, mainly on ignition coils or exhaust gas recirculation. The outstanding engine of this generation was the 1.3-liter with 82 hp, which offered an optimum balance between performance, consumption and reliability. Technical innovations included the widespread introduction of catalytic converter technology, improved engine control systems and the first attempts to reduce emissions. Occasional weaknesses in the electrical components and the not yet fully developed exhaust gas recirculation were problematic.

Mitsubishi Colt petrol engines: Generation IV (1996-2004)

The Mitsubishi Colt petrol engine range was fundamentally modernized and now exclusively comprised fuel-injected engines. The entry-level engine was a 1.3-liter with 75 hp, later supplemented by a more powerful version with 82 hp. A 1.6-liter with 103 hp was available for sporty demands. All Mitsubishi Colt engines of this generation featured multi-valve technology and a regulated catalytic converter. The 1.3-liter with 82 hp became the bestseller and most reliable engine - it offered sufficient power for city driving with low fuel consumption and minimal maintenance costs. Although the 1.6-liter was more powerful, it was prone to problems with the ignition coils and higher oil consumption after high mileage.

Mitsubishi Colt engines: Generation V (2004-2008)

The fifth generation represented the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Colt development and offered a mature engine range with excellent reliability. Most Mitsubishi Colt engines of this generation easily reached 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, with the 1.3-liter considered virtually indestructible. Major repairs were rare and usually only occurred after 200,000 kilometers, mainly to the water pump or timing belt. The absolute top engine was the 1.5-liter with 109 hp, which combined modern technology with proven reliability. Technical highlights included the introduction of MIVEC variable valve control and improved engine controls. The generation was virtually free of production problems and is now regarded as the benchmark for long-lasting small car engines.

Mitsubishi Colt petrol engines: Generation V (2004-2008)

The Mitsubishi Colt engine range comprised three naturally aspirated engines: 1.1 liter (75 hp), 1.3 liter (95 hp) and 1.5 liter (109 hp). All units had 16 valves and electronic fuel injection. The 1.3-liter engine developed into the core of the series and offered the best combination of performance, fuel consumption and reliability. The smaller 1.1-liter was sufficient for city driving, but underpowered for freeway driving. The 1.5-liter with MIVEC technology offered sporty performance and was considered the most technically advanced Mitsubishi Colt engine of all time - combining lively characteristics with exceptional durability and low maintenance costs.

Mitsubishi Colt engines: Generation VI (2008-2013)

The sixth and final generation of the Mitsubishi Colt relied on proven technology with slight modernizations and continued to offer exceptionally reliable engines. The mileage remained constant at 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, with all units being practically free of serial problems. Repairs were mostly limited to regular maintenance and wear parts after 180,000 to 220,000 kilometers. The outstanding engine was the revised 1.3-litre with 95 hp, which was further optimized and is considered one of the most reliable small car engines ever. Technical improvements included optimized engine controls for better emission values and slightly reduced fuel consumption. This generation was the worthy conclusion to a successful model series and proved that simple, proven technology is often the best solution.

Mitsubishi Colt petrol engines: Generation VI (2008-2013)

The final Mitsubishi Colt generation offered a reduced but high-quality engine range. The proven 1.3-liter engine was optimized to 95 hp and the 1.5-liter MIVEC was retained at 109 hp. Both Mitsubishi Colt engines received revised engine management systems for improved Euro 5 compliance. The 1.3-liter became the absolute favorite and is considered one of the most durable engines in the small car segment - it offered sufficient power for all applications with minimal maintenance and exceptional reliability. The 1.5-liter MIVEC remained the sporty alternative with lively characteristics and proven longevity, but was less widespread due to higher purchase costs.

Mitsubishi Colt CZT turbo engine: Generation VI (2008-2013)

A special feature of the last generation was the Mitsubishi Colt CZT with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and 150 hp. This sporty Mitsubishi Colt engine was based on the proven MIVEC unit, but was fitted with a turbocharger for significantly more power. Despite the turbocharging, the engine proved to be relatively reliable, but required more frequent oil changes and higher quality engine oil. There were occasional problems with the turbocharger after very high mileages, but otherwise this Mitsubishi Colt engine was also surprisingly durable.

Conclusion: The best Mitsubishi Colt engines of all generations

The development of Mitsubishi Colt engines shows remarkable continuity in terms of reliability and durability across all generations. While other manufacturers opted for complex technologies, Mitsubishi stuck to proven concepts and created some of the most durable small car engines ever. The Mitsubishi Colt engines were consistently regarded as low-maintenance, economical and virtually indestructible - characteristics that have become rarer today.

• Best Mitsubishi Colt gasoline engine:

The 1.3-liter naturally aspirated engine (95 hp, Generation V & VI) combines optimum everyday usability with exceptional reliability and the lowest running costs.

• Best sporty Mitsubishi Colt engine:

The 1.5-liter MIVEC (109 hp, Generation V & VI) offers lively performance with proven durability and moderate fuel consumption.

• Best historic Mitsubishi Colt engine:

The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine (90 hp, Generation III) from the 1990s is considered virtually indestructible and regularly achieved over 500,000 kilometers.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Mitsubishi Colt generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.

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