Colt	Colt CZ3 (concept car)

At a press briefing held at 8:15 am local time on March 2, MMC president and CEO Rolf Eckrodt said: "Exactly two years ago we outlined our ambitious turnaround plan for Europe. I am happy and proud to say that for 2003, Mitsubishi Motors will post the first profit ever in its European history of more than 30 years. And we will achieve this one year ahead of schedule. The Colt is the new face of our brand in Europe. The Colt is developed by our excellent Japanese engineers, designed by our European Design Center in Trebur and based on our alliance with DaimlerChrysler. We are convinced that we have the right formula for our European customers."

At today's press conference, MMC's booth was decked out mostly with the new Colt. During the public days, however, MMC will show a total of 17 vehicles, including the Lancer Evolution 4WD sport sedan, which recently went on sale in Europe, and the Grandis minivan.

European Colt

Profile
The new Colt is a result of MMC's alliance with DaimlerChrysler that covers all areas from research and development to procurement, production, marketing and sales. Taking an intelligent approach to sharing major components, the European Colt will be assembled at MMC's NedCar factory in Born, the Netherlands.

Features distinguishing the European Colt from its Japanese cousin launched in November 2002 include: front end styling; instrument panel, interior trim design and color scheme; engine lineup; and seating patterns. The European Colt also marks MMC's entry into the European B - segment - the second largest segment in the European market.

Design
The European Colt retains the well-received "one-motion" lines, which offer benchmark roominess, and is distinguished by a front-end fascia crafted around the three-diamond logo carried on a dihedral base in the center of the grille - a trademark of MMC's new design identity.

Distinguished by a new dashboard design, the interior is coordinated in a sporty black color scheme.

Powertrain
A new family of 1.1-liter, 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter MIVEC¹ gasoline engines will power the new Colt. Production of the MIVEC engines began in December 2003 at MDC Power GmbH, a joint venture established by MMC and DaimlerChrysler in Koelleda, Germany.

In addition-and indispensable in Europe - MMC will offer diesel engines. Naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC engines with common-rail direct injection will be sourced from DaimlerChrysler.

Engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or to the Allshift² 6-speed manual with automated clutch transmission.

Equipment and trim
The new Colt uses a rear 60/40 split seat with individual travel adjustment, backrest reclining and forward tumble-folding for each section. The seat can also easily be removed from the vehicle.

All models come with anti-lock braking and EBD³ systems as standard. Providing enhanced stability at high speeds, the Mitsubishi Active Stability Control (MASC) system is available as a factory-fitted option. Safety features include the RISE⁴ advanced safety body, driver and front passenger airbags (standard) and side and curtain airbags (factory-fitted option).

Colt CZ3 (concept car)
Mitsubishi Motors hints at the future development of its Colt lineup through the Colt CZ3 concept car. Based on the same NCC platform as the European Colt, Colt CZ3 bridges the gap between the 2001 CZ2 concept and the New Colt hatchback with a sportier and muscled-up coupe body style.

Grandis
The Grandis is a premium class 3-row seating minivan that had its world debut in Japan in May 2003. The European Grandis retains the Japanese model's exterior and interior designs. To accommodate the longer trip distances and faster cruising speeds common in Europe, the European Grandis is the first model anywhere to feature the Mitsubishi Active Stability Control (MASC) system which delivers enhanced vehicle stability at higher speeds and through corners. The suspension and brakes have also undergone detail improvements. The Grandis goes on sale in Europe in April 2004.

Lancer Evolution
The Lancer Evolution high-performance 4WD sport sedan has enjoyed tremendous acclaim in Japan, North America, and in Europe, even before its debut there in March 2004. Lancer Evolution is powered by a 2-liter intercooler-turbocharged engine and uses Mitsubishi Motors' cutting edge all-wheel control system that comprises ACD⁵ Super AYC⁶ and Sport ABS.

Lancer Evolution first went on sale in Japan in October 1992. In the 10-plus years since, it has undergone a series of improvements in quest not only of absolute speed as a base car for use in motor sport competition, but also to achieve a closer man-machine interaction for true driving pleasure of the highest quality at all speeds and over all surfaces.

The European market Lancer Evolution on display at the Geneva Motor Show derives from the Japanese market Lancer Evolution VIII with changes to accommodate European headlamp regulations. It will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

¹ Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control
² Automated Manual Transmission
³ Electric Brake force Distribution
⁴ Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
⁵ Active Center Differential
⁶ Super Active Yaw Control

European Colt specifications

Exhibits at 74th Geneva International Motor Show

*Only on display during public days