Review
The Colt is a talented little supermini, and although it now feels relatively small compared to some more recent segment arrivals, it still makes a strong case for itself with a combination of good standard equipment and a painless driving experience.
The handsome styling makes the most of the Colt's tall construction. For our money it looks far better than its unlamented sister car, the over-priced Smart ForFour, ever did. The cabin is well decently spacious and well finished, although the boot is small. Basic versions feel a bit spartan, but plusher versions have a good level of standard equipment.
It drives pretty well, too. Ride quality can get a bit bouncy over rougher road surfaces, and motorway cruising brings highish levels of road and wind noise, but the reactive chassis is keen to dart into gaps in traffic and it can hold its own down a twisty country road.
The basic 1.1 litre petrol engine really punches above its weight, enjoying being revved and giving the Colt a reasonable out-of-town turn of speed. It's good enough to negate much of the point in picking either the 1.3 or 1.5 litre petrols, although the turbocharged 1.5 litre CZT is an amusing hot hatch companion. The 1.5 D-ID diesel is frugal but a bit crude - only worth considering if you're looking to do the sort of serious annual mileage the Colt isn't really designed for.