The Mitsubishi Colt safety portfolio was awarded a decent four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. ABS and electronic brake-force distribution are standard along with twin front airbags. Side airbags were offered on the Elegance (then became standard on the CZ3) while security is taken care of with deadlocks and remote central locking. All Colts now only offer twin front airbags, except the Ralliart models that have side and curtain airbags included.

There’s a decent amount of space inside – especially if you opt for the five-door model. The rear seats split 60/40, can be tumbled forward, reclined or removed completely plus the front passenger seat can be folded flat too making it even more useful. Combined with the height this makes the Colt more practical than its compact dimensions would suggest.

Up front there’s decent storage – the ‘Multibox’ is a series of small boxes in the centre console for odds and ends and there’s a good-sized glovebox. The biggest concern however is luggage space – it’s small even by hatchback standards and at just 155 litres (168 litres in the five-door) the three-door model offers less space than a MINI hatchback.

Revised models from late 2008 have a larger boot with an adjustable floor height that can create a fully-flat floor. This boosts luggage room to 160 litres in the three-door and 186 litres in the five-door.