Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 ClearTec Invite (5 doors)

As you know, fuel economy is divided into two chapters. The first is about automotive technology that aims to make the car more economical, and the second is about the driver or driving style, but this, the second, is largely dependent on the technology that the driver controls; if this method saves money, it will be much easier for the driver.

Currently, there are known techniques: slightly improved aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance of tires, a system for stopping the engine at short stops (in front of traffic lights) and other "minor" changes. Mitsubishi ClearTec has it all, including a different engine electronics program, a higher compression ratio, a less viscous engine oil, a more efficient generator, a longer gear ratio, an inch lower chassis (for 14-inch wheels only) and a higher pressure rating in tires. So this is a theoretical starting point.

European consumption and emission standards are producing an interesting result: combined consumption is expected to be reduced by 0 liters of fuel per 6 kilometers (now 100), and carbon dioxide emissions per kilometer are expected to decrease by 5 grams (now 2). ... At the same time, the maximum speed remained the same, and acceleration from standstill to 19 kilometers per hour is even a tenth of a second better (now 119).

But even this is just a theory - practice is done on the road, and everyone is driving. He must know that the theory and technique mentioned can only help if the driver tries to use them skillfully. This Colt is trying to help this driver by turning on the arrow on the sensors - when it makes sense to shift into a higher gear, the up arrow lights up and vice versa.

It's a shame this Colt doesn't have an on-board computer, as monitoring current (as well as average) consumption can help save even more. They say that a third of the fuel economy (and carbon emissions) is lost due to the (switchable) operation of the AS&G system (stopping the engine when the car is stationary), but interestingly, restarting the engine is relatively long - and especially longer than other cars with such a system that we had the opportunity to test.

Well, in any case, with this Colt, we managed to reduce consumption in the city to 6 liters per 8 kilometers, but it is also true that the data refers to extreme conditions - when it is a little crowded, when the right foot is soft and when I stand a little in front of a traffic light.

It is nothing new, however, that it is very difficult to save money during normal driving with ClearTec, as with other vehicles with similar systems. This Colt has a rather lively and powerful motorcycle and a driver who likes to drive faster, which "forces" him to ride more dynamically.

The electronics turn off the ignition at 6.700 rpm, up to 6.500 the engine seems to like to spin, and up to 5.500 it is even pleasantly quiet. In fourth gear and at 6.000 rpm, the speedometer reads 185 kilometers per hour, which means that with such a Colt, which is essentially a city car, you can go on a longer journey without worries.

Body with four side doors, satisfactory interior space, fairly comfortable seats with a pleasant appearance (which are not particularly effective in lateral grip, but in the crease between the seat and backrest a little strange, as they slightly bite into “it” part of the body). a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise control controls, an efficient if “only” semi-automatic air conditioner, and plenty of storage bins designed for little front-seat passengers.

But that has nothing to do with technology trying to help the driver save fuel. Of course, this is logical: technology without a car means nothing, in the end, savings are always in the hands of the driver, and even in the case of the Mitsubishi ClearTec in the Colt 1.3, in practice, there are no serious consequences for fuel consumption. But even short-term modesty bears fruit. You know: dinar to dinar. ...

Vinko Kernc, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Mitsubishi Colt 1.3 ClearTec Invite (5 doors)

Basic data

Sales:	AC KONIM doo
Base model price:	13.490 €
Test model cost:	13.895 €
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Power:	70kW (95 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	11,1 with
Maximum speed:	178 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	5,0l / 100km

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - displacement 1.332 cm? – maximum power 70 kW (95 hp) at 6.000 rpm – maximum torque 125 Nm at 4.000 rpm.
Energy transfer:	front wheel drive engine - 5-speed manual transmission - tires 185/55 R 15 T (Continental ContiPremiumContact2).
Capacity:	178 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,3/4,3/5,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 119 g/km.
Mass:	empty vehicle 970 kg - permissible gross weight 1.460 kg.
External dimensions:	length 3.880 mm - width 1.695 mm - height 1.520 mm - fuel tank 47 l.
Box:	160-900 l

Our measurements

T = 2 ° C / p = 991 mbar / rel. vl. = 58% / Odometer Condition: 2.787 km
Acceleration 0-100km:	11,6s
402m from the city:	18,2 years ( 127 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h:	15,5 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h:	24,8 (W) p
Maximum speed:	178km / h (V.)
test consumption:	8,7 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	40,5m
AM table:	41m

evaluation

• Preservation - except in rare cases - is not particularly exciting, but it's good if it is effective. ClearTec does not detract from the performance of the Colt, and savings in fuel consumption in practice are measured in percentages of less than 10. Together, they provide fast driving and measurable fuel economy if the driver pays attention to it. And if he knows it.

We praise and reproach

comprehensive package of austerity measures

steering wheel, gear lever

lively and powerful engine

air conditioning efficiency

double trunk bottom

relatively long restart of the engine after standstill

no on-board computer

sit in a fold

plastic at the bottom

height-adjustable steering wheel

there are no drawers on the back bench