Mitsubishi CZC
Compact 1.5-litre aluminium four-cylinder with MIVEC valve control and timing chain. Reliable everyday engine; occasional oil consumption from piston rings or valve stem seals at high mileage.
Nippy little Japanese
With 109 hp in the lightweight Colt it is genuinely agile. Free-revving engine, direct steering, and low weight make for entertaining B-road driving.
Engine Weaknesses 2
From around 120,000 km piston rings and valve stem seals can deteriorate. Oil consumption above 0.5 litres/1,000 km is a warning sign.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, dropping oil level, blue deposits on spark plugs
The front crankshaft seal tends to leak oil at higher mileages, especially on long motorway runs. Not critical damage, but oil loss must be monitored.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the engine, oil smell, dropping oil level without visible cause
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Around 1,348 vehicles from model years 2010–2011 were recalled because the fuel tank sender unit could allow fuel to escape due to insufficient material strength.
The immobiliser fails to recognise the key reliably. The starter battery gives up prematurely, and light bulbs generally have a short service life. On 2005–2006 model years the throttle body can cause sudden engine shutdown.
The AC compressor fails particularly on 2006–2009 models, often already from 70,000 km. Cooling performance slowly deteriorates until the system fails completely. Compressor replacement is relatively expensive on this small car.
The throttle body becomes dirty or fails particularly on 2005–2006 models. Engine enters limp mode, check engine light illuminates. Cleaning or a software update often resolves it.
Brake discs wear above average and are frequently flagged as defective at MOT. Failed rear lights are another typical MOT issue. Regular brake system inspection recommended.
The front axle tends to rumble due to worn steering ball joints and drop links. Ball joints are frequently flagged at MOT.
Low-beam bulbs and rear light clusters fail on the Colt above-average often. This was a recurring ADAC breakdown reason and an MOT advisory point.
The starter battery on the Colt Z30 quits early. In ADAC reliability reports the battery was among the most frequent breakdown causes.
Reverse gear requires increased effort to engage. Other gears can also become stiff over time.
The dashboard and trim panels rattle on pre-facelift models due to poor panel fit. Adding sound-deadening material is the only remedy.