Mitsubishi introduced a new version for its European-designed supermini and installed a turbocharged engine under Colt’s hood.
In Europe, the supermini segment was crowded by most of the Italian, French, and German carmakers. Also, other Japanese brands offered their products on the same market. Mitsubishi considered that it might get an edge with a more powerful version and introduced a sportier version for the Colt.

In the CZT version, the three-door Colt showed a more aggressive styling. At the front, the bumper featured a triple air intake in the apron, compared to a broad, slatted one from the regular CZ3. Its grille sported a rhomboidal mesh design, inspired by its bigger brother Lancer Evolution. From its sides, the body-colored door mirrors and the unique light-alloy wheels were specific for the CZT, while at the back, a roof spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate.

Inside, Mitsubishi introduced white dials with red needles for the instrument panel, with a wide speedometer in the middle marked up to 240 kph (149.1 mph) instead of 220 kph (136.7 mph) from the regular CZ3. A set of sport bucket seats replaced the regular ones from the rest of its stablemates.

Under the skin, the carmaker asked its motorsport department to enhance the supermini hatchback. Apart from the 150 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, the engineers tuned the suspension and installed disc brakes in the back instead of drums.