I'VE thoroughly enjoyed driving all the different Mitsubishi Colts that have come my way.

Even the smallest 1.1-litre three cylinder can be huge fun and the 1.3-litre only improves on that.

In fact, the 1.3 Cleartec eco model is the best of all, with good performance or very good economy - you can't have both.

Later models had to do without the larger and rather gruff 1.5 petrol and the 1.5 turbo diesel, which was dropped in 2008 due to lack of interest.

The 1.1 comes with 75bhp and its three cylinder layout sounds lovely. The standard 1.3 is a four cylinder and has a very good 95bhp and the Cleartec has the same output.

However, it also takes economy up to 56mpg and reduces emissions to 119g/km by the use of low rolling resistance tyres, stop/start and even different engine oil to cut friction.

All models ride reasonably comfortably and handle very well, with strong road holding, grip and a lovely safe balance through the corners.

And, of course, they all have Mitsubishi's excellent reliability record backing them up, so there's real peace of mind even if you intend to keep one for a few years.

Economy is excellent - with the 1.1 capable of 51mpg - and its performance also feels much better than it really is.

The Colt is a good deal bigger than other superminis - almost making it a mini-MPV - with plenty of interior space, a reasonable boot and a rear seat that slides to make more boot space or legroom

The power steering is positive and direct with loads of feel, there is very little roll in corners and the front seats hold reasonably well.