Forget the Renault Clio; this Mitsubishi Colt is the one we would choose to buy. | Carscoops

      A digital artist has reimagined a hatchback infused with Eclipse Cross elements, providing Mitsubishi's Clio-based Colt with the design identity it urgently requires.

      15 hours ago

      By Thanos Pappas

      The render portrays the Colt with styling cues inspired by the Eclipse Cross.

      The present Colt is essentially a rebadged Renault Clio that debuted in June 2023.

      A next-generation Colt could be launched by 2027 as a fully electric hatchback.

      Once a spirited Japanese hatchback, the Colt has now become little more than a Renault Clio with a different badge. In light of the recent release of the sixth-generation Clio, digital artist Theophilus Chin has envisioned a version of the Colt that genuinely reflects Mitsubishi's style.

      His designs aim to bring back some of the original character, providing the badge-engineered hatchback with a bit more uniqueness than the uninspired current variant.

      The existing Colt, introduced in June 2023, shares its platform with the facelifted previous-generation Clio. Reports from France suggest that a next-gen Colt could debut in 2027 as a fully electric hatchback based on the Renault R5 E-Tech and Nissan Micra platforms. However, Chin’s concept explores a hybrid design that aligns with its French counterpart.

      Partnership Power

      Mitsubishi’s strategy in Europe continues to depend on its collaboration with Renault, offering a full range of rebadged, electrified vehicles. This lineup includes the Colt (Clio), ASX (Captur), Grandis (Symbioz), and Eclipse Cross (Scenic E-Tech). Earlier badge-engineered models featured minimal changes, mostly limited to new grilles and badges. In contrast, the latest versions display more individuality, featuring unique bumpers, lighting, and styling elements that resonate more with Mitsubishi’s design language.

      In this context, Theophilus Chin has provided a more significant makeover to the imagined hatchback. At the front, he has incorporated the LED headlights, grille, pronounced chin, and sculpted hood from the new Eclipse Cross. This look surprisingly complements the hatchback's silhouette, and some may even find it more appealing than Renault’s oversized bumper intakes and intricate details.

      The profile remains unchanged in terms of sheet metal, but Mitsubishi could at least introduce a new set of alloy wheels for better differentiation. At the rear, the designer suggests a more substantial investment with a distinctive bumper, tailgate, and LED taillights.

      The footprint of the Mitsubishi Colt would be slightly larger than that of its predecessor, reflecting the new Clio, which measures 4,116 mm (162.1 inches) in length. The latest Clio is built on an upgraded version of the CMF-B architecture and is offered with electrified powertrains. Options include a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter TCe delivering 113 horsepower and a more powerful 1.8-liter E-Tech full hybrid generating 158 horsepower.

      Given that the current Colt is still relatively new, Mitsubishi may opt to keep it in showrooms for several more years before introducing a next-generation model closer to 2027. It remains to be seen whether this future Colt will draw inspiration from the redesigned Renault Clio or the all-electric R5 E-Tech.