Now Mitsubishi has reversed that decision and the seventh generation of the Colt has arrived, costing at least €17,590 (RM90,000) and competing with cars like the VW Polo, the Toyota Yaris and the Peugeot 208.
The latest version features the characteristic three diamonds on the radiator grille and the Mitsubishi logo extends across the full width of the boot lid. Even so, to the attentive observer it looks suspiciously like the model of another carmaker.
Alliance with Renault
This is not surprising as the new Colt is really a Renault Clio in disguise. Like its big brother the ASX, which is based on the Renault Captur, the Colt is the result of a cooperation agreement between Mitsubishi and the French carmaker.
Mitsubishi has made a good choice of clone as the Clio isn't among the best-selling small cars in Europe for nothing. The 2.58 metre-wheelbase provides plenty of room inside including 391 litres of luggage space.
Above all, the Colt exudes an unusually distinguished ambience. Where many compact cars have an off-putting grey drabness thanks to lots of hard plastic involved, here the eyes and fingertips are pampered with fine plastics and soft surfaces.
Together with the digital instruments and the touchscreen in the centre console, the result is a premium look that the previous Mitsubishi models didn't offer.
In terms of equipment, Mitsubishi also benefits from its alliance with Renault. Like the Clio, the new Colt offers state-of-the-art technology.
The infotainment system goes online and, with a highway and traffic jam assistant, the car automatically keeps its distance and correct lane on long-distance roads, follows the car in front, and gives the driver at least a few seconds off.
Hybrid but no all-electric
Despite being ahead of the game when it comes to equipment and ambience, the Colt is hesitant to venture too far into the future. As is so often the case in this cost-driven segment, Mitsubishi is struggling to commit to electrification.
The company's first purely electric small car - based on Renault's upcoming R5 - won't be available until 2025 at the earliest.
Until then, a hybrid drive will have to do the job. However, that increases the price by around €5,000 (around RM26,000).
A 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine with 69 kW/94hp combined with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery is enough to reduce standard consumption to 4.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions to 94 g/km. And it's a big help when it comes to sprinting through the traffic lights.
With a system output of 105 kW/145hp, the hybrid Colt accelerates like a shot from a pistol. Even so, it takes 9.3 seconds to reach 100kph.
The top speed is 180kph, and the Colt's handling and agility in the city are matched by its mature feel on the highway. It keeps to its lane, steers confidently, and is comparatively quiet.
As an alternative to the hybrid, Mitsubishi also offers two conventional petrol engines. Both have three cylinders and one litre of displacement.
The naturally aspirated model provides 49 kW/65hp, while the turbo version has 67 kW/90hp. They also allow speeds of up to 180 kph and have a standard consumption of 0.9 litres and 12 g/km more than the hybrid model in the worst case scenario.
The Colt looks great, is lavishly equipped, drives well and ventures further into the future with its hybrid than many competitors.
The fact that it's not an original vehicle but rather a Clio clone does not detract from its appeal either. Mitsubishi has definitely hit the mark with the new Colt.
