THE switch from petrol to dieselpowered cars has been simply huge but the move is not always a wise or money-saving one, especially with smaller vehicles.

Mitsubishi’s new Colt Clear Tec model, with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, proves this, costing less to buy than rivals and not stinging the pocket at the pumps with higher diesel prices.

And the Clear Tec hatch is a smoother and swifter operator than the standard-engined Colt.

The manufacturers have also added a stop-start system which is smartly executed so that the car is cleaner and more fuel efficient than the standard model.

However, it is the exceedingly good performance and economy of the reworked engine and transmission that impresses most.

Revised gear ratios cut just one mile per hour off the non-Clear Tec model’s 113mph top speed but the 0- 62mph acceleration time is nearly a second quicker than the normal 1.3- litre. On paper, the figures may not add up to an awful lot but, on the road, the Clear Tec offers more useable performance and smoothness so that it feels like driving a refined and bigger vehicle.

The 1.3-litre requires less throttle to keep it moving briskly and sweetly and, while the engine’s 94bhp at 6,000rpm is similar to that of the standard model, at normal road speeds the Clear Tec needs fewer revs to maintain a good pace.

The performance boost alone over the standard model should be enough to persuade would-be Colt and other buyers that this is the car for them.

The Clear Tec costs £9,389 for the three-door and £9,799 for the fivedoor, which is value for money compared to rivals in its category when you take into consideration the car’s equipment and new technology, which will be finding its way into Mitsubishi’s other car lines during the next few years.

The Clear Tec combines the stopstart system with low-resistance tyres, a higher final-drive gear ratio, engine modifications and numerous other improvement to bring the car’s C02 emissions down to a low 119g/km, a reduction of 24g/km.

The stop-start system works well. It monitors a number of systems before deciding whether to shut off the engine when you come to a halt. It checks such items as the battery power, the heavy-duty alternator, brake pressure and engine temperature and even monitors the power steering before deciding to stop the motor. When it is stopped, all you do is press your foot on the clutch to restart the motor.

Like most small cars, the hatch is at its best in an urban environment where the stop-start system will be used most and the cleaner-running motor is appreciated more.

With the Colt, Mitsubishi has gained a reputation over the years for value, reliability and build quality, and this latest model retains these merits.

It is also a good-looking and modern family hatch, with a well upholstered and comfortable interior, a roomy cabin and good space for rear seat passengers.

The Clear Tec is a pleasing and wellsorted car with the five-door being probably the best all-rounder. A downside is that the low-resistance tyres can pick up some noise at faster motorway speeds.

AT-A-GLANCE Mitsubishi Colt 3-door 1.3-litre CZ2 Clear Tec.

Price: £9,389.

Top speed: 112mph.

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds.

Fuel: 56.5mpg (combined figure).

C02 emissions (g/km): 119.

Verdict: Impressive performance and economy, great to drive, best Colt yet.