Mitsubishi CZT
1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with timing chain and Bosch injection. Solid engine base, but the turbo increases the requirement for regular oil changes. Check intercooler and turbocharger after 120,000 km. Avoid short-trip use — the turbo needs a warm-up period.
Small sports car
The 1.5 turbo CZT with 150 hp in the featherweight Colt — a genuine fun machine. Direct steering, taut suspension, free-revving engine.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The turbocharger on the 4G15 CZT tends to develop shaft play and oil supply problems from around 100,000–130,000 km. Hot shut-downs without a cool-down period accelerate wear significantly. Symptomatic through whistling and blue smoke.
Symptoms: Whistling under acceleration, power loss, blue smoke from exhaust, oil loss
Through turbo shaft seal wear and oil carbon deposits in the intake tract the 4G15 CZT burns noticeable amounts of oil at high mileage. Check oil level every 2,000–3,000 km. Oil change every 10,000 km is mandatory.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible external leak, slight blue smoke on cold start, oil smell
The intercooler and its hoses on the 4G15 CZT tend to crack and develop leaks with age. Boost pressure drops and the engine enters limp mode. Inspect all hose connections when buying used.
Symptoms: Marked power loss, engine warning light, visible oil or dirt around the intercooler
Coolant hoses and the thermostat on the 4G15 CZT tend to develop leaks after 100,000 km. Thermal stress is higher in turbocharged use than on a naturally aspirated engine. Check coolant level regularly.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, overheating warning, coolant smell after engine shutdown
With predominantly short-trip use the spark plugs in the 4G15 CZT foul quickly from turbo oil mist. Shorten the replacement interval to 40,000 km instead of the factory 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on pull-away, difficult cold start, increased fuel consumption
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.