MITSUBISHI’S Colt hatchback is not one of the more recognisable light cars. That’s because, despite it being a cut above the ordinary in that it owes much to DaimlerChrysler's Smart Forfour, it hasn’t been selling here in Korean-like numbers. And the latest, most expensive version, the Colt Ralliart, won’t add to its familiarity because it will only sell in small numbers to a selected few. Those few will be the custodians of a stimulating driving experience well beyond the range of most other cars selling for similar money. This is a hard, raspy, eager hot-hatch that delivers driver involvement to the nth degree.
Cordia GSR Turbo
Released: 1984
Ended: 1988
Family Tree: ColtWith a TV jingle to the sounds of the late Laura Branigan’s Gloria ("Cordia, don’t you think it’s kinda sportier!"), Mitsubishi’s RA/D Colt-based Cordia GSR Turbo coupe burned briefly with supernova intensity, courtesy of a hard-charging 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder engine delivering a barely controllable 110kW of power through the front wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. But 1986’s unleaded petrol introduction saw a 20kW dive in the Cordia’s performance, just as the 103kW ST162 Toyota Celica started to take over the Mitsubishi’s fast and affordable sports machine mantle. Now, like Laura, the Cordia languishes as a forgotten 1980s icon.
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