My dad had a Mitsubishi Colt back in the 1980s and I seem to remember liking it even as a child.

Needless to say, it’s changed and improved beyond recognition and although it’s no head-turner, in environmentally friendly terms it scores pretty high.

I was driving a 1.3 petrol engine, but it was surprisingly punchy and definitely ‘held its own’ on the fast lane of the motorway, although there is a fair bit of road noise.

Mitsubishi has now also entered the eco-supermini market and, among other fuel-saving features, has added the stop-start facility to this car, meaning the engine automatically turns off when you’re stationary and in neutral, but comes back on when you touch the clutch.

Interestingly, the power steering works on the assumption that you want the car to be ready and willing when pulling out of junctions, so the ClearTec keeps the power steering working when the engine is switched off.

Computer monitors also keep an eye on the coolant temperature, battery juice, electrical load and the brake pressure.

If any are too high or too low, the system disables the stop and go straight away.

Much more impressive, however, is its CO2 emissions, which are just 119g/km and therefore qualifying for £35 road tax.

Visibility is excellent and there’s plenty of space inside for four adults comfortably. There’s also extra boot space as well. Air conditioning, cruise control, iPod and MP3 connection all come as standard.

Safety features of the Colt include ABS, ESP, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist and the automatic use of the hazard flashers under heavy braking.

Factfile

Car: Mitsubishi Colt CZ2 ClearTec

Price: £9,799

Engine: 1.3 petrol (no diesel is available)

Power: 94bhp at 6000rpm

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Top speed: 112mph