UNUSUAL CARS MODEL GUIDE
The Mitsubishi Colt CZT and Japanese-market Colt Ralliart Version-R are turbocharged hot-hatch derivatives of the 2002–2012 Colt. Both use a 1.5-litre MIVEC turbo engine and front-wheel drive, but the Version-R received more extensive body, chassis and drivetrain development than the European CZT.
Quick answer: the CZT is the simpler European three-door hot hatch, while the Japanese Ralliart Version-R is a distinct high-performance derivative offered in several body and transmission combinations. Buyers should verify the precise model, look for structural corrosion and establish whether engine, turbo and suspension modifications were professionally executed.
How the turbocharged Colt developed
Mitsubishi revived the Colt name in November 2002 on a compact platform developed through its DaimlerChrysler alliance. In October 2004 it added a Ralliart sporting model with a 1.5-litre MIVEC intercooled turbo engine. European markets received the closely related Colt CZT.
In May 2006 Mitsubishi evolved the Japanese car into the Ralliart Version-R. The company specified a Getrag five-speed manual and dedicated engine, body and suspension development, turning it into more than an ordinary Colt with added boost.
Engine and performance specification
The Colt CZT and Version-R use turbocharged forms of Mitsubishi’s 1,468cc 4G15 MIVEC four-cylinder engine. The UK-market CZT was rated at approximately 150PS. Japanese Version-R figures vary with model year and transmission, with the regular manual commonly quoted at approximately 154PS and later special derivatives higher.
Both are front-wheel drive, so tyre quality, engine mounts, front suspension geometry and boost delivery have a strong influence on how the car behaves. Modified cars can make substantially more power, but a dyno figure is not evidence of reliability.
| Version | Market | Engine | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colt CZT | UK and Europe | 1.5 MIVEC turbo | Three-door European hot hatch, about 150PS |
| Ralliart | Japan | 1.5 MIVEC turbo | Introduced in 2004 |
| Ralliart Version-R | Japan | 1.5 MIVEC turbo | Dedicated 2006 engine, body and chassis tuning |
| Version-R Special | Japan | 1.5 MIVEC turbo | Limited derivative with additional factory changes |
CZT versus Ralliart Version-R
The CZT is generally recognised by its European three-door body and restrained sporting trim. The Japanese Version-R appeared as a five-door and later distinctive compact three-door body, depending on model year, with more obvious Ralliart detailing and additional structural and suspension changes.
The Version-R’s specification can include Recaro seats, revised body bracing, firmer suspension, larger wheels and model-specific exterior panels. Exact equipment varies, so an imported car should be identified from its Z27AG chassis code and Japanese documentation rather than visual assumptions.
Manual and CVT versions
The Getrag five-speed manual is the version most enthusiasts seek. Mitsubishi also offered automatic or CVT-related Ralliart variants in Japan, so not every imported turbo Colt shares the manual Version-R drivetrain.
Clutch take-up, gear selection and driveshaft condition deserve attention on manuals. Any automatic version should be judged by its own documented specification and serviced using the correct fluid rather than generic assumptions.
Why it deserves a place among Mitsubishi performance cars
The turbo Colt sits at the opposite end of Mitsubishi’s performance history from the GTO and Pajero Evolution. It is light, compact and mechanically direct, yet still carries MIVEC and Ralliart engineering. Its rarity in standard condition now makes it a credible modern-classic hot hatch.
Love cars you don’t see every day?
Get forgotten cars, surprising motoring stories and the most interesting finds from Unusual Cars by email.
Free to join. No spam. Unsubscribe whenever you like. See our privacy policy.
Mitsubishi Colt CZT and Version-R buying guide
Identity and originality
Confirm whether the car is a UK CZT, Japanese Ralliart or genuine Z27AG Version-R. Import documentation, chassis identity and factory equipment matter because ordinary Colts are sometimes converted with turbo-car panels and badges.
Engine and turbocharger
Start from cold and check for smoke, rattles, unstable boost, oil leaks and overheating. Verify oil-change history and inspect the turbo oil-feed arrangement. Modified boost control, injectors and ECU mapping require invoices and evidence of professional calibration.
Gearbox, clutch and mounts
The manual should select every ratio cleanly, with no clutch slip or driveline thump. Worn engine mounts can exaggerate movement under load. Confirm that replacement components match the actual version.
Body and corrosion
Inspect rear arches, sills, floor, jacking points, front subframe and suspension mounts. Check beneath plastic arch trims and around the rear structure. Imported and UK cars can have very different corrosion histories.
Suspension and brakes
Look for broken springs, tired dampers, worn bushes and uneven tyres. Lowering springs, spacers and oversized wheels can compromise geometry. Brakes should pull up straight without vibration.
Frequently asked questions
What engine is in the Mitsubishi Colt CZT?
It uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4G15 MIVEC four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels.
Is the Colt Ralliart Version-R the same as a CZT?
No. They share the turbocharged Colt concept, but the Japanese Version-R received its own body, chassis and drivetrain tuning and must be identified separately.
How much power does a standard Colt CZT have?
The UK-market CZT was rated at approximately 150PS. Version-R outputs vary by year and derivative.
Is every Colt Ralliart a Version-R?
No. Mitsubishi introduced a Ralliart turbo model in 2004 and evolved it into the Version-R in 2006.
What is the biggest buying risk?
Poorly documented modification and hidden corrosion are the largest risks, followed by neglected turbo, cooling, clutch and suspension maintenance.
Research sources
- Mitsubishi Motors Colt heritage history
- Mitsubishi Motors Annual Report 2006
- Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Version-R technical information manual
- Mitsubishi Colt UK brochure archive
Continue the Mitsubishi story
Explore the Rare & Performance Mitsubishis hub, discover the front-drive Mitsubishi FTO, or move to the four-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution VI.
