Why do you think RColt isn't selling as much as it should be? [Archive] - A place for all Ralliart Colt Enthusiasts

Steve-B

29-05-2007, 09:25 AM

Also Lovecolt,
ADVERTISING....I cant stress this enough. I have alot of car nut mates, and some of them I havent seen for awhile. I rock up in my rcolt and they have no idea what it is. There think it is a honda jazz with a evo grill ( aka after market bonnet ).
They had the ads on for maybe a week / 2 weeks. with the colt on the docks weaving around with an evo. If you have the money you buy an evo, not a colt. Maybe get some billboard signs with motor's best bang for your buck stamp on it around some cbd and outer suburbs. You will get alot of people coming in to test them, as the market is like we have all said, moving away from v8's and petrol guzzilers and going to quick hot hatches and motorbikes like me....
Also another point is consumer confidence, there is and was alot of rumours that aus mitsubishi is closing down and heading back to the motherland, which would make it even harder for us who dont have importer connections to get parts, and make getting parts a long and painful wait ( i mean just ask 27ame, and his situation ). My Father brought that point to my attention before I even went and had a look / drive of the colt.
Just my thoughts.

Rdster

29-05-2007, 11:59 AM

Also another point is consumer confidence, there is and was alot of rumours that aus mitsubishi is closing down and heading back to the motherland, which would make it even harder for us who dont have importer connections to get parts, and make getting parts a long and painful wait ( i mean just ask 27ame, and his situation ). My Father brought that point to my attention before I even went and had a look / drive of the colt.

To eliminate any misunderstandings out there...The talk of Mitsubishi closing down here in Australia, would purely be the manufacture of vehicles here in Australia.If they did cease manufacturing vehicles in Australia,they would continue on as an importer, just as Mazda, Honda, Nissan etc does. Also, there would never be an issue, in terms of parts either.

If Mitsubishi want to sell more RC's, then they need more exposure in the form of advertising.

lovecolt

29-05-2007, 01:46 PM

Ok, here's the issue that Ralliart face as according to Steve. Because it is considered as a manufacturing car company in Australia, alot of the budget given will be spent on the survival of the local product, aka advertise 380. Therefore, this left little budget for advertising other imported products. Today, if 380's doing well, this will not be a problem. However its just the opposite. For pure importing brands like Mazda, Honda or Nissan, they can have 100% of the budget for advertising.

Therefore, they need to rely on other means besides the traditional money costing advertisements.

Besides, i don't think any performance car or hot hatch of any makes, relies on any traditional advertisement. Instead, they are doing well mostly due to having a strong image either through street cult or motor sports involvement. And how to build up this image is the key IMO.

For that, i will be proposing to Steve Bell about having him to distribute down his network with our RColt.com card. If any one that has some sort of interest in, come in and have a look at a RColt, the ralliart sales could hand them our card. This represents the presence of solid fans and enhance their confidence towards the car. A butterfly effect really, which indirectly build the image. Remember, one of the key reason of people for not buying, is that they are not sure if it is worth the money. Through our forum, they can gain that missing confidence by understanding what they are really getting out of the 30K

cisco

29-05-2007, 02:39 PM

Advertising for sure. The product is definitely high quality and the car even looks great (in my opinion): I.e. it is attractive and has a good stance/profile.

Aussies on average aren't the most intelligent bunch of pro-active researchers.. Traditionally, most bogan aussies will buy what is popular among their mates, rather than to go out and suss out the market for what's available this latest minute etc.

I think Mitsu need to pump a lot into giving the car a sporty/efficient image by way of advertising and involvement in motorsport. Aussies are the type to say "Hey Craig did you see those little R-Colt things on TV on the weekend, they were running rings around a standard V6 commodore on the race track - wow I thought commodores were the fastest car in the world, I don't know what to say".. Kind of thing..

That said, I have only spotted one RColt over the past month in Japan. That has really surprised me.

Steve-B

29-05-2007, 02:45 PM

Hey Ryan,
that might work for the younger generation, but from what i was told by the dealer, the target market they are after was 35+.
By giving them a flimsy card saying that a different generation has a website that is no way affiliated but has information which is normally backed by little or no actual credible knowledge, well i think thats not going to help sell cars at all. Quite a fantasy if you ask me.
They might not have the money to do it, but without advertising the vehicles more, you will not reach enough of the market to spead the idea you want, ie quality, brand identity, performance etc etc.
If you want alternatives that involve this website and/ie this car club you have to think where the target market will be. So when there is an autosaloon get mitsy to provide a space and we can all go there and talk to people that have questions about the cars. Little car sundays, dutton rally events where we can all come and make a presence. That will arouse questions and interest in the vehicle.

lovecolt

29-05-2007, 03:45 PM

Getting RColters to mass attend motor event sounds good :) Definitely something we can all do.

Cisco: My mate just went over to Jap and he already saw 2 done up RColt on the street in his first day at Tokyo. :)

shaneth

29-05-2007, 07:57 PM

27AME

29-05-2007, 08:29 PM

Perosnally and im not meaning to be biased but this is why i picked the polo but the Ralliart Colt isnt $3000 better then the Polo GTI and i know alot of people who think this. If it were more competitive in price then i def would have thought about it. Also as Rdster said i think the misunderstanding about Mitsubishi Aust closing down is a deterent.

The Ralliart is now down to $26000 + ORC. Even at the price I got mine for ($29k) I believe the Colt is a better value car. I can justify the extra cost in the seats alone.

shaneth

29-05-2007, 09:29 PM

Fair enough, each to there own i guess.

|2colt

29-05-2007, 10:41 PM

The best way to get Rcolt a good name is word of mouth. Let ppl know how good it is and what a pleasure it is to drive.
As for mitsubishi, i think they should try to look after the people that purchased the car already. Reward them with good service and handling when there is a problem or question about the vehicle. This will only have a good flow on effect. If you make the client feel special they will tell maybe 4 ppl but if you treat them like CRAP they will tell 20 ppl.
I only say this as i get treated poorly when ever i ask a question or even bring up any warranty issues with the boys i purchased the car from. When trying to make a sale they are all nice and great but once you are out the door, the service is out too:mad:
Sorry to whinge but as said above, they do not have much money to spend on advertising , maybe they should try to do the 1%z that other makers dont do.

lovecolt

29-05-2007, 11:03 PM

I agree with l2colt. However, i think aftersales customer service is abit out of Mitsubishi or Ralliart's control. If you look at most service department of brands like Nissan, Mitsu, Honda, Alfa and etc, you will find most of them are centralised managed. Like you go to a Mitsu service centre, its actually also a service centre for Nissan or Honda or Mazda....

Going by that, its hard to get good customer service when most of the time, they don't even know what brand or what car you are talking about. The last time when i went back to my dealer's service department for the compliance plate callback. I hand over the mitsubishi letter to the reception for booking and the chick can turn around and ask me which Nissan i'm driving??? :confused:

Steve-B

30-05-2007, 09:24 AM

Yeah, I see your point l2colt,
I had the same problem with one of the dealers i was going to, but you know what i did, swapped dealers. It isnt mitsy or ralliarts fault for the staff that are hired, but if you dont like the service @ one place, and go to the next place explaining you left the other due to the lack of service. I sure they will remember that and look after you.
I talk up my car to anyone and everyone I know that is looking for a new car, and most of the time when i park the thing, there is always 1 or 2 people walk past and ask what it is, and what engine its running etc.

Rdster

30-05-2007, 12:33 PM

I wonder if Mitsubishi carried out a customer survey within their dealerships, and asked the question to people what Ralliart means to them, what the response would be.

As I posted yesterday, the RC needs more exposure, in the form of advertising, whether it be in the print,electronic media, or self promotion.

The RC presently is too anonymous, because of the lack of exposure.
Also,it could be a case of being mistaken for a (non performance) everyday Colt.

Do people know ( besides enthusiasts ) who Ralliart is?
Maybe something as simple as having a 'Turbo' badge after the word 'Colt' on the rear hatch, could improve sales? I know it sounds corny to us, but when people see the word 'turbo' on a car, they immediately think performance.

Would a car sell better to the masses,if it had a Ralliart badge, or if it had a Turbo badge? I think the latter.

As an example, to the average Joe out there, 'Mitsubishi Colt Turbo' would ring better to them than 'Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart'.Try it yourself. Ask a friend who isn't a car nut, what sounds like a performance car out of the two.

Self promotion sometimes is the best form of advertising.

The RC after all is a better car than the Polo GTi, Swift Sport,and XR4 Fiesta, as an overall package, and in the area of Japanese build quality and reliability.

lovecolt

30-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Actually........why can't ralliart set up a small workshop dedicated for Ralliart Performance Vehicles? That way, i'm sure that way, all our needs are taken care of. No bullshit customer service, no bullshit misleading tech info, no bullshit everything. Plus, it makes us feel special :)

lovecolt

30-05-2007, 12:41 PM

Do people know ( besides enthusiasts ) who Ralliart is?
Maybe something as simple as having a 'Turbo' badge after the word 'Colt' on the rear hatch, could improve sales? I know it sounds corny to us, but when people see the word 'turbo' on a car, they immediately think performance.

Would a car sell better to the masses,if it had a Ralliart badge, or if it had a Turbo badge? I think the latter.

As an example, to the average Joe out there, 'Mitsubishi Colt Turbo' would ring better to them than 'Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart'.Try it yourself. Ask a friend who isn't a car nut, what sounds like a performance car out of the two.

Self promotion sometimes is the best form of advertising.

Brilliant point. I have so many people asking if its a turbo or is it a dressed up colt.

killercolt

30-05-2007, 02:16 PM

lovecolt

30-05-2007, 03:50 PM

Maybe if they Put" Evolution Colt "badge on the back might get more attention i have a left over evo badge and have been toying with the idea i will use a bit of double side tape and post up some pics tell us what you think.

Personally, don't think putting on a evolution badge on our rcolt will help the situation of what this thread is about as this lead to more people thinking that we are nothing but a false evo wannabe. But obviously we don't mean a few pics of that :) But probably you can do it on another new thread

killercolt

30-05-2007, 05:13 PM

No problems

Rdster

31-05-2007, 11:30 AM

Just going back to what I posted yesterday.

The RC just needs better marketing.

The suggestion of a 'Turbo' badge next to 'Colt' should also be backed up by replacing the 'Mivec' badges on the fenders with 'Turbo' badges.
If you want the RC to have a performance image, then the word 'turbo' is a better word than 'Mivec'

Also,just about every new Mitsubishi has a 'Mivec' badge on it's fenders,which in the case of the RC makes it look just like every other ordinary Mitsubishi model.

The RC is a special vehicle in the Mitsubishi line up, and should be promoted somehow that way.

In case you're wondering,I do have a marketing background!

PeterHBne

31-05-2007, 12:23 PM

Steve-B

31-05-2007, 12:31 PM

rdster, you have a marketing background ? i thought maybe you had a badge making company...lol.
jokes.
You make a good point, all the new lancers and stuff have mivec badges, and or car is better than a lancer !

aby82

31-05-2007, 01:05 PM

PeterHBne - its been reviewed in wheels and motor back when it was released. (i'm not too sure which issues but if u want i can check)

i'm not too keen on this turbo badge business.. its more up to mitsubishi to make people aware that the rcolt exists. its price, the way it drives, and its whole appearance make the rcolt only appeal to a niche market- its a hot hatch.

atm the hot hatch market is booming - theres alot of comp. i was under the impression the rcolt was more of a hero car to improve base colt sales, but if mits are concerned about their rcolt sales then its up to them to promote it - however they do that is up to them, whether it be advert, entering the rcolt in motorsports, or whatever.

Steve-B

31-05-2007, 02:22 PM

atm the hot hatch market is booming - theres alot of comp. i was under the impression the rcolt was more of a hero car to improve base colt sales, but if mits are concerned about their rcolt sales then its up to them to promote it - however they do that is up to them, whether it be advert, entering the rcolt in motorsports, or whatever.

Mate, if you read the first post it would of answered all your questions. Steve bell from ralliart and ryan from rcolt.com are trying to ask us, the comsumer, why we think the car we love so much isnt selling. Pls try and keep this thread relevant to what we are after as like it was stated in the First post, our answers and thoughts will be passed onto ralliart aka steve bell.

Cheers
Steve

lovecolt

31-05-2007, 02:36 PM

It needs to be in motoring mags - Wheels, Motor, etc.

Out of interest, does anyone know if it has been reviewed by Wheels or Motor? I know it won Bang for Bucks but has it been in any other comparos or single fetures?

Unfortunately, the only decent review ever done, is the "Bang For Your Buck" competition. I believe i have seen another smallish review done by either Wheels or Motor, but seriously the column is so small that it shouldn't even be called a column :mad: Another way to get ourselves into the magazine = massive cruise or gathering :D But at the moment, our best record is only 4 RColt in a meet :(

lovecolt

31-05-2007, 03:09 PM

Another thing i realise is, the amount of online vid of a car normally determine its popularity. Online video sometimes can be served as a information resource for potential buyers.

What i find at places like youtube, there's virtually no online video of our rcolt....... ok ok, there's 1) l2colt's dyno video, 2) nihoncar's RColt test drive, 3) a dude with 20 sec video of him driving out of dealership for test drive, 4) a jap guy that drives a rcolt onto the jap highway and do intro, 5) Best Motoring's RColt comparo videos, 6) Singapore dodgy test drive video.....damn, i can even remember all the available videos. This shows how little presence we have in the community :(

Do someone know how to download Jap's RColt Intro video? Maybe we can transload it onto youtube? And does anyone has a digital camcorder? Can use it for our next meetup.

aby82

31-05-2007, 03:11 PM

thanks MATE, but i still think what i've said is relevant..

i'm not aware of the rcolt sales figures.. but there are quite a few owners on this forum, and there's still rcolt owners that are not rcolt.com members.

i have been reading other ppl's posts about this topic and majority of them suggest advertising and image - when really a worldwide organisation, such as mitsubishi motors should already know these things and should know how to address them..

lovecolt

31-05-2007, 03:50 PM

I think what we are trying to achieve here, is to find a better direction that Ralliart can approach the market. Its is quite obvious that advertising & image's the way to do it. However, remember that no one advertising strategy works for all. Hence with the limited budget they have as mentioned by Steve Bell, its even more important for them to take the right approach in their first or second attempt. This is where / when we kicked in & help out.

aby82

31-05-2007, 03:55 PM

ok bro sorry for the hassle

PeterHBne

31-05-2007, 04:28 PM

"but seriously the column is so small that it shouldn't even be called a column"

Thats right - if you check the price listings in the back of wheels & motor they list the date of the month it was tested - neither of them list a date meaning it hasn't been tested. I'd be getting Ralliart to get in their face to test the car - maybe as a part ofa comparo when the XR4 comes out.

aby82

31-05-2007, 04:41 PM

both wheels and motor have done 2-3 full page reviews of the rcolt as well as the motor bang for your buck

i have them - if anyone wants to read them i can scan them post them up...

lovecolt

31-05-2007, 04:52 PM

both wheels and motor have done 2-3 full page reviews of the rcolt as well as the motor bang for your buck

i have them - if anyone wants to read them i can scan them post them up...

That will be great ;)

PeterHBne

31-05-2007, 05:24 PM

YES - PLEASE!!!!!

All last year car mags got bined in a purge so I've been going to libraries trying to find reviews!!!

|2colt

31-05-2007, 06:39 PM

I bought the motor mag MAY 2006 with the evo and Rcolt on the cover...The feature was so small but it got me interested. Mid - late August was when i purchased the car. I guess that form of advertising worked as it got me in as a buyer. Maybe some more mag spreads. In mags like hot 4s, they keep hammering home how great the Suzuki Swift Sport (Its okay) . Maybe Mitsibishi should do more of that and show that they are interested in the actual car.

lovecolt

31-05-2007, 09:42 PM

Thank goodness Hot4s didn't try to promote RColt, or else there will be a bunch of wankers here. Sorry to say, but maybe that's why alot of Swift Sport owners on other forum sounds pretty wankish.

But i would love magazines like Motor, Wheels, Autosalon to promote the car.

|2colt

01-06-2007, 12:05 AM

Yeh point taken, thats what i was trying to get at. Just do what the swift is doing but at a targetted audience ( the normal car mags as mentioned above). I guess when the company cant put much money behind things they have to put more effort in other areas to promote the car.

cisco

01-06-2007, 02:42 AM

One thing I noticed that I find very disappointing about the Australian web sites is that there is really bugger all information about the Ralliart Colt on the aussie Ralliart/Mitsu web sites. They are purely brochure style sites with little substance. If you want to find out more information, more detailed stats or more background substance information about the RColt, you are better off visiting the Japanese web site and using Google toolbar to translate it. They put far more effort into offering great information and promoting the car over here in Japan. Its like Mitsu/Ralliart think that dumb Aussies won't be interested in reading all that many stats or cool little movie clips about a car they might potentially purchase. I think improving their web presence in combination with a traditional marketing push (TV, magazines, motorsport) would go a long way.

To me this car is simple. It has one of the best fuel economies, one of the best power/torque figures, the best looks (in my personal taste/opinion), supern ralliart tuned handling and stabillity, awesome technology (ASC etc).. They need to tell plain Aussies about this in plain English. E.g. "Burn hardly any petrol but still blow everyone else away". "Have the cheapest but fastest car".. Its not the fastest, but out of small hot hatches, its pretty close etc..

Also the RColt to me feels extremely roomy. I sold a crappy old AUII fairmont and was impressed and surprised that the front of the Colt felt roomier because of its more modern and well thought out design than the stupid aussie fairmont. Maybe they should be pushing the fact that this is a small to medium sized car that feels roomier than a fairmont for the front occupants. Some cool ads showing people with heaps of moving around room and the flashy interior might will beating a commodore and falcon in a race would be very effective. Small car, miles of room, miles of grunt, perfect stability and all that still costs you nothing to run - "GET SMART AUSTRALIA - EVOLVE OR DIE" etc.. Wake up and try something different Australia, buying the same old bogan commodore/falcons is not the answer any more, the world has moved on.

Ralliart/Mitsu just seem to rely on the fan base and word of mouth far too much. It might cost them loads of money in the first year to really push the car, but it should trickle more sales through in subsequent years after that initial investment and having colts all over the streets in that first year.

Sidetrack >> lovecolt: I reckon your friend who visited Japan was extremely lucky! Seriously! Which area of Tokyo did he see them in? Of course there must be a few of them around, but honestly, in one whole month, I have seen merely one. And I have been all around Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Chiba, Ureshino, Hakone.. And I love cars and spend most of my time watching all the roads and trying to spot nice cars. I just can't believe it. I have noticed that 350z's have become very popular over here too, they are everywhere and in all the magazines too.

One magazine that I got still shows the RColt in it as "new model" kind of thing, so really it hasn't had a lot of time to mature and sell even in this Japanese domestic market.

lovecolt

01-06-2007, 09:24 AM

cisco: you made a very good point on the ralliart site. That's something worth mentioning to Steve Bell.

And my mate was in Tokyo when he saw 2 RColt on his first day. I would say, the amount of RColt in Jap is definitely growing good. This is just by looking at the amount of new blog from new owners.

Steve-B

01-06-2007, 12:37 PM

GUYS, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE LOGIN TO THE RALLIART FORUM AND TELL THESE TEST PILOTS TO COME AND JOIN US !!!!
they are really coming on board now that the price has gone down....

phillip27:
well after reading all your pricing , i'm stoked . i got my colt for $25,883 drive away from the central coast. [BigGrin]
Posted 17/05/2007 4:51:10 AM Post #428

ian36:
hi all,
I got my colt ralliart for $25,500 from col crawford in narranbean.
Nice price hey
Posted 17/05/2007 7:26:47 PM Post #429

mattp:
I picked mine up today, awsome little thing is it, and after the trade in paid $26000. Agostino's on Main North Rd in Adelaide looked after me and made sure that I wanted it
Posted 21/05/2007 11:03:30 PM Post #437

richard41:
Got my Colt Ralliart from Col Crawford North Narrabeen too.
$25,990 drive away with free window tinting and floor mats included in the price.
Posted 24/05/2007 6:20:38 PM Post #444

joe17:
Got Mine from Neapen Motors Penrith for $28000 they gave me paint and fabric protection and floormats.
Posted 29/05/2007 10:16:05 PM Post #456

richard41:
richard41 (21/05/2007)
Got my Colt Ralliart from Col Crawford North Narrabeen too.
$25,990 drive away with free window tinting and floor mats included in the price. Forgot a couple of extras that they chucked in when I picked it up.
So as well as the floor mats, I also got
Aluminium Gear Shift Knob
Rear View CarbonFibre Mirror Cover
Fuel Cap Cover and Fuel Door Cover
plus Sports Oil Filler Cap

lovecolt

01-06-2007, 01:16 PM

Just posted rcolt.com on ralliart forums again. Its good / bad to see they can get hold of a rcolt at those prices. Good for them, bad for the initial owners like us :p

Steve-B

01-06-2007, 01:18 PM

like you said, steve bell and the rest of mitsy want to see more of these bad boys out there....how else do you think they get paid @ the end of the day.

ozdick

02-06-2007, 02:21 AM

Just posted rcolt.com on ralliart forums again. Its good / bad to see they can get hold of a rcolt at those prices. Good for them, bad for the initial owners like us :p

Hey guys - thanks for inviting us over :)
I'm the one who got my Colt from Col Crawford for $25,990 plus all those extra goodies. Mine was an demo model though (hence the reason for such good pricing)

Anyway, maybe I can add some insight here.
I was in the market for a new small car so had been test driving most of the range out there, Toyota Yaris YRX, Ford Fiesta Zetec, Suzuki Swift and Mitsubish Colt VRX. They're all around $22,000 but once you add onroad costs and a few extras, they're pushing the $26,000 as well

I wasn't even considering the Ralliart, but since we had just taken the Colt VRX for a test drive and they had the Ralliart sitting there, thought why not.
Anyway, it was just like WOOOOOOWWWWWW :) Haven't had that much fun driving a car for quite a while.
I was really looking for an auto, and I was almost going to plonk my money down for a Toyota Yaris YRX, but after test driving the Colt Ralliart, I just couldn't justify it's cost when I'd only be getting half the car that the Ralliart provided me.
To be fair, after trying the Ralliart, we thought we would take the Suzuki Swift Sport out for a run as well. Definitely no WOW factor there - car felt tiny and cramped. Yeah the performance was up on the other small cars, but nothing like the Ralliart and after having test driven the Swift Sport, I can't even imagine why someone would consider it over the Ralliart.
So as of last weekend, I'm now a proud Ralliart driver and this thing just has me hooked.
So for me, the biggest factor in buying it was definitely pricing.
So yeah for someone buying this without the kind of deal I got, the $29,990 RRP is definitely a stumbling block for it.
You need some way of getting more people to put their bums in the seat and taking it for a test drive.
Maybe a cheap way for Mitsubishi to advertise it would be to give people say $50 or $100 just to test drive it. Cos once you do, you'll have em hooked and another sale (*like mine*) on the way.

It's also obvious that Mitsubishi are happy to sell this car well below the RRP at the moment to get its sales up. So why not advertise that fact. Maybe even make the RRP the drive away cost for a while.
But you definitely need some sort of TV or print marketing - otherwise this car is pretty invisible at the moment (I've honestly never seen one on the roads here in Sydney).
With people looking towards smaller cars due to the rising cost of petrol, now is an especially good time to advertise this things amazing fuel economy. I just filled up after a week of driving and was astonished to see I got nearly 500k out of it and the fuel light wasn't even on (I'm changing from a Barina that got just over 400k on the same kind of tank).
What more could you want in a car - power, performance, good looks and a tiny thirst
I know the Ralliart isn't in the same market as the other cars I was looking at (apart from the Swift Sport), but this car is just so much fun to drive and the more people you can get test driving it, the more you'll be ringing up new sales in no time flat.

lovecolt

02-06-2007, 08:46 AM

Nice to see you here. Looks like my effort pays off :p

Unfortunately, reducing the rrp price isn't doing much good to a car's image which is already lacking. In fact, i reckon it only degrades its image. Reduce price = nobody wants it = gives a bad impression to general public who don't even know the car in the first place. But driveaway price at rrp promotion might be the way to go.

Personally, i will slap mitsu/ralliart if they do use the $50/$100 test drive strategy :p Come on, we ain't Hyundai and we ain't even normal mitsubishi.

ozdick

02-06-2007, 04:02 PM

Hi LoveColt,
Yeah I realised after reading a bit more through these forums, that my comments really don't apply here - mainly because I'm not the typical type of person who would usually be buying this car.
It's definitely an enthusiasts car - and I can see why now that I own one (it's just one hell of a beast).
I bought this car, because I basically got a $30,000 car for the same price that I was about to plonk down on a $22,000 car.
But I still stand by some of my comments.
1) You need to get more bums on seats test driving these cars. Cos once you've driven one of these, you're hooked
2) The RalliArt Colt definitely needs more exposure. It's just not a car that you see around Sydney. And I'm sure the majority of people buying these cars are influenced by their friends. And that usually means, that a "cool" car is one that is seen everywhere.
Youtube is a good way to reach people, so maybe some members here could post some more clips of what their cars can do - and then start sharing them amongst their mates :)

cisco

02-06-2007, 09:42 PM

It would be sad to see this car go the same way that the 1995 Nissan Micra did.

Youtube would be a good idea, but would truly never pass on how good the car feels to drive. I think its up to Mitsubishi to market it, not the customer. The customer markets it enough by driving it around. If not enough of them get sold, it sucks because spare parts become rarer, less in stock, more delays to order anything in and more expensive.

Additionally, if not many sell, they are less likely to tweak them and release an updated model later on because they got burned from the Aus market. E.g. I reckon the Colt needs an outside temperature sensor and proper trip/economy computer.

The free test drive thing is a great idea. Not sure about paying them with direct cash, but some kind of incentive.. Sometimes it takes handouts to wake dumb Aussies up into trying something outside of their comfort zone.. :P

lovecolt

02-06-2007, 10:10 PM

Or probably bring a demo rcolt to a bigger organized trackday like Circuit Club and let all to sit in passenger seat to experience the power of RColt?

Steve-B

04-06-2007, 09:47 AM

yeah, thats a good idea lovecolt with the demo / tester there for people to get a feel for it. ozy mate, your ideas are good as well mate, everyone being of different ages and backgrounds, we like to / need to hear how poeple came to buying a rcolt. It was kinda the same for me, my dads a car nut, and didnt believe the rcolt was anything special, we had 4 people in it with the aircon on and it stomped Hard. After that he has been converted.....lol.

Pablo

04-06-2007, 10:12 AM

i really liked the r colt and was looking at for a second car, the only point i stumbled on was safety - as i would have kids in the back sometimes. if it had side and curtain airbags i would purchase. safety is an issue for me, especially on a small car. i know it has a rigid body ('rise' is the term isn't it?) which is obviously good but rise isn't a substitute for airbags. i gather airbags were deleted from the car (as jap spec has them) to save costs. also miffed they didn't bring the canary yellow colour that japan has. if i were 16 then safety probably wouldn't be an issue for me but i'm closer to 30 and it is.

lovecolt

04-06-2007, 10:34 AM

Good point about adding extra safety to RColt as a attraction point. But to general public, adding cost to a already considered expensive RColt (which i don't think its expensive), will just push them away even further. But if they can provide as an option, it might be good....although it will definitely add weight = less fun. And lets not forget that, if you want 6 airbags, you will have to sacrifice your Recaro seat as 2 airbags will have to be built in the side of the front seats. Here is a pic of the RColt that has 6 airbag option. (look at the seats they used)
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/version-r/safety/images/saf01_im_01.jpg

Also, the R.I.S.E (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis technology is on every normal colt, and RColt has a even stiffen chassis that Mitsu admit to be even stronger than a Evo 9.

And....you sure they have a canary yellow and not the butterscotch (looks milky yellow)?? But looking at the color lineup in Jap site, it seems that butterscrotch is deleted and replaced with this
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/colt/lineup/images/lin01_im_23.jpg

Steve-B

04-06-2007, 11:38 AM

mmmmmmmm, butterscotch.....(ali g movie.....)
butterscotch mates my eyes hurt.

ozdick

09-06-2007, 11:37 PM

But looking at the color lineup in Jap site, it seems that butterscrotch is deleted and replaced with this
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/colt/lineup/images/lin01_im_23.jpg

Another shot of the new yellow look
http://www.carfolio.com/images/dbimages/zgas/models/id/14245/2007_mitsubishi_colt_ralliart.jpg

Also looks like a new blue too
http://www.auto-power-girl.com/photo-gallery/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-version-r/mitsubishi-colt-ralliart-version-r-2007-7.jpg

Pablo

10-06-2007, 06:11 PM

lovecolt

10-06-2007, 07:36 PM

i don't think these are new colours as such because they have always been available to japanese. i just think mitsi australia took a selection of colours for australian models and these weren't part of that choice.

That is correct. I think Aus is missing out the yellow and dark blue. The light blue is the Recaro limited edition, which i was told we can get it in aus too.

lovecolt

20-06-2007, 12:40 PM

Just send a report over to Steve Bell. Hopefully, our opinion will help out ;) Thanks to everyone who contribute to this thread.

Corosith

16-09-2007, 08:58 PM

Looking at most of the diplays in store for both the Rcolt and Evo9, they are very bland, and not inspiring at all for two of the better rally bred cars out there.
These vehicles should be at the front of showroom, not stuck up the back waiting for some off chance that someone will wander in and see them. There should be printed banners, cardboard displays showing off ralliarts connection with these cars, including showing desirable aftermaket parts, rally cars inaction, and even video of some rally action.

Even the fact that these vehicles are only sold at 2 select dealerships in Adelaide is stupid, as I went to my closest dealer who had to redirect me to another dealer in the city or across the other side of town. I know it is a try at making things more exclusive but it is also limiting exposure and sales of these great cars. If it is a case of having trained ralliart technicians at more of the city dealerships then so be it, and if the salesmen are passionate enough regarding the vehicles they are selling then they should have no problem selling them/providing information for the customer about them. As we all know there is nothing worse than having a sleazy floor salesman who wants the quick sell, and knows nothing about the vehicle he/she is selling.

If the dealership is a ralliart dealer then let it be known - more billboards and signage is required, and definately more TV exposure please. Suzuki knows how to relate their vehicles back to their rally lineage-RE swift sport adds with rally cars zooming all over the place!. In fact my first sporty car was in fact a Suzuki Gti, great little car, but I wanted a bit more power in the form of a turbo and had to wait until now to find such a similar car. The first exposure I ever had to the rcolt was in the Motor magazine from May 2006, and after seeing it there, I had already made up my mind that this was the car for me if Mitsubishi ever brought it to Aus. From that time on, the internet and having to physically go to the dealer and get a brochure was the only exposure I had to the car (& BFYB magazine tests)

I am finding that day after day I get looks from people driving past me in my rcolt, wandering "what the heck is that car, haven't seen one of them before"? People at work tell me its the meanest little car that they have ever seen (even better with aftermarket wheel - take note mitsubishi!), but yet they continually say to me that they have seen absolutely zero advertising regarding the rcolt or even the evo for that matter.

Another great idea would be (I think others may have mentioned this), is a mitsubishi sponsered track day for prospective and current owners to learn more about the handling/engine and the traction systems in their vehicles, not a 2 minute test drive around the block. I know misubishi has a test track south of Adelaide as I did a rally driving course near there, or even mallala or collingrove hillclimb track. Ather suggestion would be a Mitsubishi sponsered defensive driving course using the new vehicle - as a part of the purchase (not mandatory of course).

I know that after I bought my rcolt, that I would have loved to see any of the aftermaket parts available for the rcolt and evo on display for the owners to see, not on the shelf out the back somewhere. I went into a dealership the other day wanting to see what parts they had for my car - oops, sorry I need a VIN number for them to find anything on their computer system -cmon, these should be on display for the customer to see!

I'm not having a go at anyone, it's just my point of view on the whole shebang, the people I dealt with were nice enough, the service waiting room was well appointed (love that cuppucino machine!) and general attentiveness was good. Oh and one last small criticism, the cutomer satisfaction survey had no room for any general feedback hence all of this -enjoy!:)

Corosith

17-09-2007, 12:12 AM

As an afterthought, mitsubishi/ralliart should take a leaf out of subaru's book with regards to its docklands dealership -you'll see what I mean!;)

http://www.melbourne.subaru.com.au/AboutInteractive/AID010.asp

Macca

17-09-2007, 12:51 AM

unfortunently Ralliart nor mitsubishi have the money to be spending big on the colts advertising, or the above stuff, they are struggling enough, so all there efforts are going to be going to selling there big number cars and not the low volume units like the colt.

Corosith

17-09-2007, 01:55 AM

Fair enough, I don't necessarily expect them to build a docklands type dealership, but the basis upon which that was built I think is the key for mitsubishi's future success. The fact is you simply won't sell lots of cars without good marketing, especially considering mitsubishi are struggling to sell even their mainstream cars such as the magna. They should use their rally heritage to sell the rest of the mitsi catalogue as subaru have done to sell the rest of their range. I am greatful that they took the chance of importing the rcolt to help spruce up their sporting image, but it is upon this that they need to keep building on. As subaru found out, with the good marketing and success of the WRX, the sales of the rest of the vehice range followed suit once the word was out about how the things handled/performed and the vehicle quality. Also, holden and ford aren't silly, they use the V8 supercars to promote their performance range of vehicles with great success.

Unfortunately the magna has no sporting lineage to speak of besides a small number of ralliart magnas in the previous range (which were very good mind you!), and people seem to be shying away from the brand because of this. Marketing doesn't aways have to be expensive, especially with the internet available, and I think mitsubishi made a big mistake by not going ahead with the supercharged magna concept vehicle. Why bother going to the expense of creating it in the first place if there is no intention of building it. They make the same mistake every time a new model comes out, there is no sporting version of the magna to compliment the range as with holden and ford and even when the ralliart magna came out, it was released way too late.(a bit off topic, but still related I think).

Macca

17-09-2007, 03:40 PM

Its the 380 now ;)

Also i beleve money came into it again with the TMR 380, they do have the VRX and GT thou, but they arent hard core sports cars.

Also i dont think mitsubishi wants to sell thousands of R colts, they only bring them in, in low numbers, and have slow but steady sales.

Also read the reviews for the toyota aurion supercharged things, sooo much power to them front wheels is BAD! just look at top gears comments on the vuxhaul VRR aka HSV version of the astra, same comments.

fwd and HIGH power dont mix

Steve-B

18-09-2007, 10:01 AM

heard on the grapevine they have scraped the tmr 380. the super charged one. they didnt think they would get enough sales, so a big wig in the mitsy company has one he got made. but they are dead dead dead sorry to say.

McCoy

01-10-2007, 03:19 PM

Pure and simple. Advertising!

I can tell you from a sales perspective it amazes me how many people walk into our dealership and have no clue about the car. They didnt even know it existed!

nutstar

02-10-2007, 01:56 PM

I think the problem lies with people seeing the car as 'just another colt' if i didnt study up on it first I'd have no idea. and I know i wouldnt spend 25k+ on 'just another colt' but the rcolt is soo much more and I dont think people out there realise this

radiostar69

02-10-2007, 02:06 PM

totally agree with Mccoy....if Mitsi spent the same amount on advertising as ford did with the XR4, then there'd be a tonne of RColt's on the road...90% of the people who've enquired bout the car ask what it is first thing. But it does kinda have a plus side...it keeps our car exclusive and a future cult/colt car ...and hopefully will keep the resale up as well...i guess only time will tell!

McCoy

02-10-2007, 02:57 PM

All of the r-colts I've sold were done on the basis of letting the attributes of the car do the talking, this means a vigorous test drive. I make sure I inform the customer that I require 2 hours. Basically I drive for near on 40 minutes to the destination... 100kph posted winding roads, and thats where the fun begins! The customer at my beckoning is told to brake much much later than first thought, to power through corners they didnt think possible which all builds a strong case for the little blighter.

After that if they still arent impressed, the customer never will be. Think of it this way, if the new WRX runs a 0-100 iin 6.5 but the colt does it in 6.7 well...really that should be enough in itself, and as far as corners, well it out handles my MX-5 which is bilstein equipped.

I cant praise them enough! Its just getting people in the things in the first place and knowing the prodcut stands up in the market place.

lovecolt

02-10-2007, 03:08 PM

You sure about the 6.7 sec? Because we will be laughing if we touch 7 sec flat.

McCoy

02-10-2007, 03:19 PM

James Stanford (was staff now freelance journo for H/sun here in Melb.) did a 6.7 second 0-100 with a coreviet, albeit not being mechanically sympathetic, but nonetheless a good result.

Corosith

02-10-2007, 09:55 PM

As McCoy indicated it is still a matter of getting prospective buyers through the front door to view or test drive the colt, it's just the advertising side of things that needs to be revved up to create interest. Had a report today from a mate that an ad had been placed in the Adelaide Advertiser for the Ralliart Colt. I now have the paper in front of me and well I'll be damned there it is on page3, an ad only for the Rcolt being sold at $26990 drive away, including Ralliart jacket, shirt and cap!!(balance of rego & stamp duty extra) Well done Mitsubishi, looks like someone's been listening - that would have made up my mind if was looking between the swift/fiesta & colt! Also saw a new red VRX Lancer drive past today -very nice, certainly stands out from the crowd!:)

lovecolt

02-10-2007, 10:13 PM

I think i mentioned this before and i will mention it again, RALLIART.com.

Saw TRD's new website and i must say, it does look good. So, what about Ralliart's site?? Damn it looks like its done by a fresh uni grad. I know they are tight on budget, but how much can a professionally designed site cost them??? A website like that, should be treated like the front door / front yard of a house. They might have spent millions deco the interior, but if the exterior looks like a dog shed, no one will want to go in. Via versus for a car make.

Macca

03-10-2007, 09:44 PM

i want free clothing :(

Ill have a look at what they got at the sydney motor show :D

And ill get lots a pics of the evo X

lovecolt

09-10-2007, 10:20 PM

in reply to the 'mitsubishi advertising side of things needs to be revved up' comment.. they already know this, and are working on it I can assure you. My best friend is the advertising specialist for MMAL (Just been appointed the job, a few months ago) and I can assure you, things will change. As for the pricing of the colt, It's not advertising who is making the cars cheaper, it's MMAL themselves. due to the low volume of colts being sold, the dealers are offered a sum of money to clear existing stock. I got my colt brand new, 50km on the clock for $22290 drive away. they're being offered somewhere in the vicinity of $8000 by mitsu motors aust. the reason the colts aren't selling is because they are an ugly car. and being a ralliart colt owner, i'm not ashamed of saying it. it's easily one of the more unnattractive small vehicles out there today.

Don't quite agree. Marketing & Volume of sales are directly related to each other. The discount or the inability of RColt selling, is due to poor marketing. As mentioned in this thread, there is a very significant amount of people who has no idea what RColt is or even know of its existence. Cars never sell itself, there's always some form of advertising involve. Many people said Evo sells itself, but isn't it due to the yrs of Rally which advertises the car?? Plus you said it yourself, MMAL is aware of that and is changing.....

Steve-B

10-10-2007, 09:28 AM

oh and ps, the front and back of the colt arnt ugly, its just the sides have no attitude, they are flat and boring....

lovecolt

11-10-2007, 11:03 PM

Well, your theory's correct if everyone sees it the same way as you. But the reality is, not all people thinks Ralliart Colt is ugly. And we can't really take normal colts into the pic as they are just totally different in looks. Lancer for example, their base ES spec lancer is dead ugly, but it doesn't affect how people see the VRX or Evo range.

Therefore, if they are going to promote, it should be from the nicest looking model of the range. Kinda dumb to showcase the ugliest to public first....

Anyway, despite marketing has its limits, i think that's the easiest approach MMAL can do at the moment. As for building up motorsport image, that can wait. No sales = no motorsport

Mobydisc

13-10-2007, 07:59 PM

lovecolt

13-10-2007, 09:06 PM

My wife and I do not think the Colt is an ugly car, we love the look of the Ralliart Colt.

I believe the reason why the Ralliart Colt did not sell as well as it could have a fivefold, if not more.

Firstly the initial price heading towards the mid thirty thousands was a bit too much when equivalent opposition was a bit less.

Secondly the Ralliart Colt was represented at too few dealers around the country

Thirdly Mitsubishi had a bit of bad name when the Colt was released, with announcements of the companies immenent demise.

Fourthly the Ralliart Colt was not promoted in an appropriate manner. A few years ago there was a formula Mirage series, where racers leased a Mirage for the year and then they raced it against other racers in Mirages. It was a reasonably cheap way to race and it was good exposure for the Mirage. Mitsubishi should have considered a similar deal for the Ralliart Colt.

Fifthly the Ralliart name is not really well known in Australia.

I was talking to a colleague of mine who knows a fair bit about cars and is a Mini (original) buff. He thinks if dealers are still selling 06 cars and we are getting towards the end of 07 then there is an almost certain chance the Ralliart Colt will be dropped.

I believe the Ralliart Colt will be dropped too as Mitshubishi will concentrate its energy on the Lancer, especially when the full Lancer range is being sold. The Colt will go back to being a basic car and the hero cars at Mitsubishi will be the turbo Lancers and warm 380s.

Despite these negatives I think the Colt is a great vehicle for my wife and I circumstances, not doing much daily driving as I walk to work and she catches the train. We are looking for a fun weekend car for mainly city driving but going for drives every now and then. Also the Ralliart Colt is much more practical as a vehicle than many other higher performance small cars.

I took a Ralliart Colt for a test drive and I loved it. I look forward to winning a few Traffic light takeoffs in it.

Agreed to what you have said.

1. When RColt is introduced, there's only Polo GTI to match it up. With the things we get from RColt against Polo GTI, the pricings quite justified. But later, we have Swift Sport and XR4 (which i can still justified the extra money on RColt)

This leads back to the issue of marketing, where nobody know exactly why RColt can command such a price difference.

4. Formula Mirage is on the card as advised personally by Steve Bell to me (He's responsible for Ralliart motorsports in Aus). But the issue now is, they need to get the car out first, before the cup or series can happen.

5. This is very true. If you think about it, Ralliart only exist in the world of Rally. And Rally ain't exactly a big part of Australia's motorsport. To make it worse, WRC withdrew Aust stage and ARC is downsizing. Not to mention, Mitsubishi withdrew its rally team. Hence, its a big challenge for Mitsu/Ralliart to get their names out again.

As for Ralliart Colt dropping out, i think there might only be a slim chance of that to happen. But personally, i don't think we will have to worry too much on this as it takes time to develop the reputation. As far as i'm aware, Ralliart is very passionate about Ralliart Colt. I'm sure they will hang on there and make it work.

Mobydisc

13-10-2007, 09:16 PM

As for Ralliart Colt dropping out, i think there might only be a slim chance of that to happen. But personally, i don't think we will have to worry too much on this as it takes time to develop the reputation. As far as i'm aware, Ralliart is very passionate about Ralliart Colt. I'm sure they will hang on there and make it work.

I hope you are right but even if the Ralliart Colt is dropped it will not stop me from purchasing one.

My wife and I were at the Sydney Motor Show. We looked at the Mitsubishi stand. They had one blackish Colt, I am not sure what it was but looked like a tarted up standard Colt downstairs. There was a red Ralliart Colt upstairs. While I was there it had a bit of interest but it was up in the far corner, close to a couple of Lancers hooked up to a driving video game.

From this it does appear that Mitsubishi is still promoting the Ralliart Colt. Perhaps the middish twenty thousand price will remain and for this price the market will grow. With the strengthening Australian dollar it is reasonable to assume that Mitsubishi can make some money out of selling Ralliart Colts for this price.

My colleague and I believe the Ralliart Colt will develop into a cult car as it has so many favourable attributes. Personally I believe there are few cars out there that combine the performance, what I see as good looks, funkyness and practicality as a city car as the Colt.

If I lived in the country I would keep my Magna as its a great country car and I would not consider a small car like the Colt. But now we live in the city, our incomes have increased dramatically, and it makes sense to get a car which makes city driving more pleasant.

aby82

13-10-2007, 09:29 PM

i also think the motoring journalist attention that the rcolt gets is not sufficient. in all the xr4 reviews that i have read they mention its rivals and not once have they mentioned the rcolt.

from carpoint xr4 review (http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2816213.aspx):
Also consider: Citroen C2 VTS (more here), Fiat Punto Sport (more here), Peugeot 207 GT (more here), Volkswagen Polo GTi

thats just one example, but i read motor and wheels every month and whenever they're reviewing a new hot hatch or doing a comparison - guess what, no rcolt, no mention, no nothing

now i know that motor journos have been known to be bias towards whoevers funding their publication - so maybe mitsubishi/ralliart need to invest some advertising funds into this....

Corosith

13-10-2007, 10:06 PM

5. This is very true. If you think about it, Ralliart only exist in the world of Rally. And Rally ain't exactly a big part of Australia's motorsport. To make it worse, WRC withdrew Aust stage and ARC is downsizing. Not to mention, Mitsubishi withdrew its rally team. Hence, its a big challenge for Mitsu/Ralliart to get their names out again.

I don't think WRC have dropped the Australia leg, it has been given to QLD after WA intially dropped it. The ARC isn't necessarily downsizing, it is just making rallying more competative by reducing the costs of running a rally car - just like everyother motorsport is currently doing, including F1.

I can understand members anger at magazine reviews ignoring the Rcolt, today I picked up wheels & motor magazine (both pro Holden/Ford) and guess what comes up on the front cover over the EvoX - the new commodore station wagon ooohhhh I'm excited by that one! Must be the most exciting thing since they removed two doors and called it a monaro! Enough of that -getting off topic again!:)

Macca

14-10-2007, 07:41 AM

i dont know how people can compare a swift sport to the R colt, come one a 1.6L NA engine, its got nothing :P

Rdster

14-10-2007, 07:47 AM

As I have stated months ago in this thread, the RC is not heard about, and it's not seen about ( in the press ). It still remains an anonymous car.

We all know the merits of this car, hence the reason we purchased one!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I don't consider the RC to be ugly.
It is a unique design,and I still think that the A pillar running in a straight line down to the bumper is a stroke of genius! Compared to other cars in this price bracket, the RC has visual attitude, even just parked in the street. :)

The lack of sales lies solely with Mitsubishi Australia. The same problem is now happenning with the Colt Cabrio. Initially, the Colt Cabrio Turbo was $37990 plus on road costs, now they are $27990 driveaway! That is a massive price cut in anyone's language.

Mobydisc

14-10-2007, 10:51 AM

The lack of sales lies solely with Mitsubishi Australia.

Agreed. Mitsubishi Motors seems to have a real issue with how they price and promote their cars. MMAL seems to really want to tell everyone, "we make the best cars coming out of Japan and we are going to price them accordingly"

In the response the average consumer says "Mitsubishis are crap and the company is going broke. I would rather buy a Mazda."

To really get the brand going they need to do what they are doing with the new Lancer. Having a keen price point in a product thats stylish and has many features, even in the base model. If Mitsubishi can prove to Aussies "Our cars are the best value and the best cars coming out of Japan" Then they will overcome the average Aussie's reluctance to purchase a Mitsubishi.

Pricing cars high and then selling them at reduced prices is bad for business. It basically says you have no confidence in your product and you have to get rid of them no matter what. Their pricing strategy with the Lancer is the way to go. The base model is cheap but to get the extras will cost you.

Personally I have found Mitsubishis to be great. I have owned two of them. The servicing and parts are cheap. The cars are reliable and their performance is good. I had a Mirage and it was a great little car that I did 220,000 kms in it without any mechanical problems. I currently have a Magna which has good performance, is comfortable and again very reliable.

Macca

14-10-2007, 04:06 PM

I had a Mirage and it was a great little car that I did 220,000 kms in it without any mechanical problems. I currently have a Magna which has good performance, is comfortable and again very reliable.

i agree about the mirage the 4g15 is bomb proof!!!

i got 283000 and i think im on the original clutch ( i got car @ 117k km)

i think the new lancer will do what the BA did for ford

lovecolt

14-10-2007, 09:09 PM

Just saw a Colt Cabriolet (or how its spelled) used on "Kath & Kim" show on Channel 7. Looks like they are started to do promotions :D BTW, for some reason it looks like a facelifted Cabriolet and i thought it looks pretty good ;)

Mobydisc

14-10-2007, 09:55 PM

I saw that too Colt too. My wife pointed it out.

However it might be put in the same basket as the apartment with the home theatre room and no bedrooms.

phul007

15-10-2007, 09:31 AM

lovecolt

15-10-2007, 02:26 PM

I wasnt to impressed that the Ralliart Colt was located in a back corner, While I was there about 3 people had a look at it, I think people were more interested in the Panther version because of the nice chrome wheels and the stripes on the car.

i guess there's nothing much they can do as upstair's the ralliart area and lancer evo will always be the star up there..... :( Oh well, at least the panther colt gets quite abit of attention when i was there ;) better than nothing

Flipper

17-10-2007, 06:08 PM

I don't know if it's fair to draw any conclusions from my limited experience, but the two Ralliart salesmen I spoke to in Brisbane didn't seem particularly interested in selling me a car. I made it clear that I was ready to buy immedietly and had no trade-in to contend with - neither of the bozos (Sorry Dan) got back to me as promised. I don't appreciate the hard-sell but I'm not going to chase after these guys. At the end of the day it's a good thing since it gave me the time and motivation to find the slightly-used car I ended up buying.

McCoy

17-10-2007, 06:30 PM

I remember the discussion's I had with Flipper, and it amazed me no end that still, even in 2007 some salesman do this. (Btw flipper, no offence taken, if they were too stupid not to follow up or act professional it’s their problem, btw how's the new car going?)

It’s just as up to the sales force as it is MMAL to make sure these things get sold. For my mind, it’s a holy trinity.

It’s about product knowledge , enthusiasm and the all important test drive .

1. Product knowledge

These days, especially with computers and the internet, customers in most cases are so well versed in the car they are buying that they know more about the car than the sales person does in most cases. I know I pride myself on knowing as much about the car as I possibly can. There is an old rule with product knowledge. Whatever you need to know to sell a car, make sure you know 20% more, and that theory goes for anything, not just cars. Now I don’t claim to know everything, but I make sure I know enough for 99% of the people I talk to daily.

2. Enthusiasm

If you aren’t excited about your job, your product or the service you provide and if you truly don’t believe in any it, then bugger off! What is the point of someone that doesn’t believe in the product they sell? Also, who want to buy a car off some bloke that couldn’t be stuffed? Buying a car should be an exciting experience, but all too often it turns out to be a traumatic experience.

3. Test Drive.

The customer (and this is more so for ralliart customers) should be getting a full test drive. Mine take 2 hours, 15 minutes of me driving and talking about the car, usually non-stop! (Hey, I’m Irish and can talk under water; it’s getting me to shut up that’s the trick so feel free to say “Hey McCoy SHUT UP!”
The next 1 hour 45 minutes of so that the customer can get in tune with the car in low traffic and higher speed limit areas, with interesting roads. Lots of corners, sweepers, elevation changes, areas to brake hard etc… Everything you can basically throw at the car. If after a test drive you still don’t like a ralliart product, well then that’s where we leave it. No point negotiating on a car you don’t like the drive of.

Now I’ve missed out one big factor here, and that’s PRICE!
Sure price is important, hell we all know that, but at the end of the day, and to be brutally honest every dealer buys the cars from the same place, so in theory every dealer can do the same deals... It's just all up to the dealership and the customer, therein lays a whole other thread, so I won’t go into that any deeper.
Some of the conversations I have had with clients have been strange. I had one guy tell me he tried to drive a brand new EVO 8 (new at the time) at a dealership that will remain un-named. The customer called up, asked for an appointment for a test drive of an EVO 8, he was assured they had one, and made a time.
The customer then went into the dealership at the agreed time. (Now from a Dealer's perspective, if someone rings up and books a test drive, chances are they are keen, and sure as much as test pilots do drop in and expect to go for a quick thrashing, the people that call up and make bookings in my experience are keen as, and should be treated as such....well, that’s at least in my experience)
Anyways, customer then walks into the dealership, at the right time, and on arrival was told, 'sorry, we don’t do test drive's on EVO's as they are expensive cars, and you wouldn’t buy a car that’s thrashed and has km's on it...., sorry, but I'm sure you understand as you wouldn’t buy a car that’s been thrashed etc etc." Now it’s at this point the customer is saying "what the hell, I asked you if you had an EVO 8 to test drive and you said yes... since when does yes actually equate to, 'sorry but I lied!' '"
Okay, now there is a whole gambit of things wrong with that above picture. Who buys a car without driving it, especially a 60+K car (they wanted a deposit first!)... Who said the customer would thrash the car? Why not have a demo to test drive, one that they can properly drive as a simple drive around the block is useless in an EVO, and even then that wasn’t offered to him...
To my mind, there are allot of things wrong within dealers, and MMAL knows this and slowly they are addressing it. I never take it personally when you guys tell me horror stories about some dealer that did the wrong thing, if anything it helps me make sure I don’t make the same mistakes. Then again, some of the mistakes I've heard you guys say, well, to be honest.....you'd have to be swinging from trees to make the same mistakes as they have.
Most of the Ralliart customers (if not all) I've meet, have been 'car people' to coin a phrase, and I guess that’s something that you would expect with the brand. And me being a 'car person' well, it makes my job not so much a job, but its kind of like talking to your mates that share the same passion as you all day. Now I know not every Ralliart customer is a car nut, but most are, and luckily for me we share the same passions.

As for salespeople not doing their job? Well, that’s an endless quest and I don’t think there will ever be a fix for that.

phul007

18-10-2007, 10:03 AM

Guys there is a lot of comments so I will keep them short

1. When the Lancer GSR came out it won BFYB the same as the colt, I think MMAL had 1 ad for it , it was a rollercoaster ride and showed how the GSR handled. I saw it twice of TV. For the best Mit.. at the time again not much advertising.

2. Had the same thing at Scoby land, saw a Liberty B4 talked to the salesman got a great tradein figure when I asked for a test drive, his comment was " sorry the only one we have in the showroom is sold, there is a waiting list of 3 months because the cars are SO great you will just have to buy it to find out". With that I left, weeks later I heard about the issues with the B4 and the "valley of death" the lag between the twin turbo cutting over in power, ended up buying a Ralliart Magna which I got a test drive first but only 15 minutes in traffic.

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 10:28 AM

i went to test drive a Golf GTI on Saturday, when i got into the car, the sales person said "we can only do a short round the block drive becos the car is nearly empty". i was like wtf as there was a Shell Station right next to the dealership.........

anyway he wasn't too bad and seemed to know the stuff he is selling. i explained to him about my situation (ie. other cars on my shortlist) and he urged me to check them out before i make my decision.

after the Golf test drive, i went to a Mazda dealership to try a SP23. the sales there was excellent and let me drove alone. he has lots of patients when answering question and waited while i was answering phone call. unfortunately i can't make up my mind as to what car to buy but if i'm to buy a Mazda i'll definitely go back to him.

and a few weeks ago i went to test drive a Civic Type R. i asked specifically if i can drive on some twisties but he was only interested to get on the highway and back to the dealership....

as to the Ralliart dealer, i called last Wednesday to arrange test drive, the sales said they'll try to organise a car for me but i haven't heard back since. will see how it goes.

Rdster

18-10-2007, 01:38 PM

a few weeks ago i went to test drive a Civic Type R

I have owned many Honda vehicles in the past,and was anticipating the Civic Type R to be at least the equivalent of the 99-01 Integra Type R. I was disappointed when it finally arrived in Aust.......

Here is a no holds barred short CTR review http://blog.autospeed.com/2007/09/24/one-reason-i-dont-think-much-of-the-type-r-civic/

Here is the same person test driving the RC
http://www.autospeed.com.au/cms/A_108017/article.html

Also,check out the Golf GT, with the supercharged and turbocharged engine.

lovecolt

18-10-2007, 01:57 PM

Philip, i would suggest to see if any of our guys' willing to let you sit in their car (or even let you drive). Or even let them refer you to the sales that sold them the RColt for the test drive. I'm sure by referring, the sales will take you much more seriously.

I have seem quite a few threads from potential QLD evo buyers, where they have problems getting a test drive. Like what McCoy has described, those dealers doesn't seem to be keen in letting people test driving their car at all. Some of them are resolved after the client escalated up to the Ralliart State manager level, complaining about the level of service these ralliart dealers are.

In Sydney, i only know of Alex G at Alto Gordon who is keen as to test drive any ralliart cars for client (i got my mad test drive from him....although i didn't end up buying my rcolt from him...*long story*)

And in Vic, we have McCoy :D

If only you are in syd, i would have ley you test drive mine...

aby82

18-10-2007, 02:35 PM

hey philip, which ralliart dealer did u talk to? there's 2 dealers in bris that i'm aware of, nundah mits and zupps mt gravatt. i got my rcolt from nundah and they were really good to me, the salesman that looked after me doesn't work there anymore, but i have some other contacts there and if u'd like me to chase them up. i was there a few nights ago checkin out the new lancer and can confirm they had one silver rcolt. (pm me if u want me to give em a call - i'm more than happy to help get u into an rcolt :D)

DAC

18-10-2007, 02:42 PM

Hi Philip, looks like you've got some nice cars in your sights. However some of these cars are like $10k more than the RColt so is that going to make your comparison/decision any easier? In my books $10k can buy a lot of car.

Anyways back to the test drive issue. If you didn't hear back from the dealer then why not just rock up & speak to someone face to face? Maybe the person you spoke to on the phone was just a parrot?

Having driven most of the RColt's competitors, XR4 & polo GTi I think its worth making some effort to get a test drive of the RColt. Just don't expect it to be a Golf GTi :p

Hey Rdster what was wrong with the new CTR? I'm curious as I loved my DC2-R & miss it heaps... haven't driven the newest Type R yet.

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 03:42 PM

thanks everyone for your comments and suggestion.

i called 2 ralliart dealers actually, firstly the one at Toowong and then Zupps (which is closer to me). when i first called, they both didn't have the Ralliart sales there so i left a message. good for them that they both called back within the same day.

both dealers claimed that they didn't have a car in their dealers and are happy to organise a car for me and will call me back. but it's been a week now and still no call back. i guess i should chase up. i didn't rock up becos there is no point if there isn't a car there to see.

anyway i have around 40k to spend but as the Rcolt is selling for 26k now, i started to wonder whether CTR or GTI are $14k better than the Rcolt. as i am expecting a 2nd child (that's the reason i sold my MX5 for a new car), the less $$ spent the better. but i don't want to compromise too much. life is too short to suffer with ordinary cars.

regarding CTR, i personally have not driven a DC2 Integra Type R so i can't compare between them. but i am happy with the CTR. its got beautiful interior and "distinctive" exterior. it's got good power and handles well and tons of space to carry the kiddies and their stuff. i must admit it's not a "real" type R to the truest sense. it's not a "light weight track car for the road" type of car anymore. but it never pretended to be. there is the JDM CTR for such purpose. the UK CTR is a good competitior to the Golf GTI which many regards as the brenchmark of the current hot hatches.

Golf on the other hand is unreal. it's got good power and handles really well too. very easy to live with and it has tons of little features that are unique to Euro cars (eg. the exterior mirrors will dip when you select reverse to aid parking).

Rdster, that autospeed blog is just "wrong" imho. there are more to driving than outright power. that's why i bought and enjoyed my MX5. also what's the point of comparing NA to FI, he based his whole point on output alone. when the FI car needs electronics to limit output for the first 2 gears, which is very obvious that there is too much power for the chassis to handle. for me personally, balance > power.

right now, i can't decide what car to buy. i definitely try not to make a decision until i try out the Rcolt. but if i'm denied such opportunity, i guess i'm not the only one who misses out........

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 03:51 PM

btw Golf GT is good but when u can buy a GTI for like $3k more and u get better seats and looks etc i just don't see the point.

.....i was there a few nights ago checkin out the new lancer and can confirm they had one silver rcolt. (pm me if u want me to give em a call - i'm more than happy to help get u into an rcolt :D)

thanks for your offer aby82. i'll just wait a little longer for the dealers who i called last week. as i am going to be busy this Saturday, i don't think i can go all the way to Nundah (i live at the south side). if i don't get a call say Wednesday next week then i'll try Nundah Mitsubishi.

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 03:53 PM

I have seem quite a few threads from potential QLD evo buyers, where they have problems getting a test drive.

man it's really bad up here.

my friend just bought a EVO9 last month but he was really really pi55ed off with dealers around Brisbane. i think he ended up buying at Gold Coast.

radiostar69

18-10-2007, 04:24 PM

What about the Renault Sport? Easily the hottest hatch around (esp the F1 version), it was my first choice til i saw the price tag!

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 04:45 PM

i would not touch French and Italian cars at this stage. this is very close to saying "never" but never says never :P

ps. i prefer Porsche over Ferrari but i won't refuse one if someone is giving me one hahahaha

radiostar69

18-10-2007, 06:40 PM

Fair enough...but the french do know how to design beautiful looking cars though.

Philip Lee

18-10-2007, 08:24 PM

Fair enough...but the french do know how to design beautiful looking cars though.

no doubt about it. if i live in Europe then there is no question it'll be on my shortlist.

Macca

18-10-2007, 08:39 PM

Fair enough...but the french do know how to design beautiful looking cars though.

its a shame they dont do the same with there aircraft!

Philip Lee

19-10-2007, 12:33 PM

ok i'm going to the north tomorrow and i have made an appointment to see Mat at Nundah Mitsubishi to check out the Rcolt.

see how it goes.

Mobydisc

19-10-2007, 02:08 PM

I have only driven the Ralliart Colt once. It was a test drive from Alto in Gordon but was not a very long drive, maybe about 15 minutes around the streets of Gordon.

We are currently looking at the following, the 2.0 VW Golf diesel in auto for $34500 on the road, the VW Golf 2.0 petrol in manual, haven't received a price yet, the Focus diesel which we haven't received a price yet and the Lancer.

lovecolt

19-10-2007, 02:25 PM

aby82

19-10-2007, 04:54 PM

ok i'm going to the north tomorrow and i have made an appointment to see Mat at Nundah Mitsubishi to check out the Rcolt.

see how it goes.

best of luck then philip.. hope everything goes well!! :cool:

Mobydisc

19-10-2007, 05:27 PM

So, this means you are not buying a RColt :(

Out of the list you just listed, i would go Golf Petrol. My sis has one in 2.0L auto and the car felt very solid.

Oh no, I forgot to put in the Colt. Its probably number one for us right now. The reasons are as follows:

1. We do not need a daily driver, only a weekend and afterhours car.
2. The price of the RColt is cheaper than the other options
3. We love the look of the RColt
4. We think its size and driving dynamics would be excellent for urban driving
5. I am impressed by the RColt enthusiasts community and it looks like fun to get involved with it
6. The fantastic warranty offered on by Mitsubishi
7. The high tech nature of the RColt
8. The practicality of the RColt interior to carry stuff and people.
9. The excellent fuel economy, especially for a higher performance car
10. Auxillery audio port on the head unit.
11. Its a Mitsubishi. We like Mitsubishis. They have been reliable for us and offer excellent value for money motoring.

Reasons against the RColt:
1. My wife is only on P2 licence and is not allowed to drive a turbo car. However my wife doesn't really like driving much so she is cool with that.
2. The size of it, though a plus its alway nice to drive in a big car.
3. The reduced safety options compared to cars having side airbags.
4. It doesn't look like sunroofs are commonly available on the RColt
5. It would be tempting to get the RColt modified to improve handling and let it breath easier, but I am worried that would void the excellent warranty.

nutstar

20-10-2007, 01:24 PM

^^ good thing about mitsubishi's warranty is replacing/upgrading parts doesnt void the whole warranty, e.g you replace turbo ect. and all suspension dies your cool,.. you up the boost and this causes the engine to run lean and die,.. well then ur screwed,...only voids parts which have a direct affect with what youve upgraded.

Darthrev

18-11-2007, 07:01 AM

Interesting read this topic.

Might be an off topic question:o , but does anyone have any links to RC sales statistics for Australia since its release. Would be interesting to know how many are out there and if sales have increased as more word of mouth interest is sparked by owners like us?.

The topic is way old but here is my two cents worth:
I know my interest came from word of mouth from a friend who had looked at the RC carefully but could not afford one at the time?. I had been huntinng around for a hot hatch for a while eventually reading through a few (googled) car reports on the ralliart but still never really considered even trying one out for a test drive till word of mouth recommended. I just kept viewing the RC as a fancy looking base colt. Never dreamed it would have the poke and performance it does for such a small motor WOW, one test drive and I was sold. Still the credit goes to the word of mouth advertising to get the interest in seriously looking at one for me. I think the RC will build up a solid but small fan base over time on its credentials and word of mouth sales alone. Still it seems the RC needs somethign extra to get it recognised, and there haev been plenty already mentioned suggestions in this topic. My only supporting tip is for Mitsi/ralliart to review the vehicles badging and add a turbo badge or two. added mine cause I got tired of ppl asking is it a turbo as they circled the beast checking it out... just having the colt/mirvec/ralliart badges dont advertise its AWSOME speed imo.

McCoy

18-11-2007, 12:26 PM

Agreed!

I reckon this is one car that could very easily go to cult car status, much like the original DC2R integra. I juts hope that MMAL realises what a well kept secret they have going, and that they continue to bring low numbers of these cars out to AU rather than too many and drop prices also it would go along way to bring in factory optional or dealer fitted options andf upgrades that we want (not the usual carbon fibre dash kits... :rolleyes: , like suspension, brakes, LSD and power upgrades.

All that is missing in my opinion is being able to buy or option, a Ralliart LSD, a performance based ralliart suspension (yes I know there is one overseas), maybe a brake upgrade although the standard brakes are awesome! and finally an ecu upgrade somewhere around the 132kW mark. That in my opinion would turn our colt, into cult.

The car is already raw enough, its a car that can hold its own on the track, but with a little bit more, it really would be a car that people would stive to own as an aspirational car, just like evo.

Darthrev

21-11-2007, 12:50 AM

went and got me 1500km service done today, and the dealer had a dozen or so RC's in stock plus a demo one for sale, never seen so many RC's at once :eek: guess they are expecting to sell em??? maybe many Perthites have seen mine on the road and want one now :cool:

Corosith

21-11-2007, 09:58 AM

Darth, what colours did they have in stock?

Darthrev

21-11-2007, 05:14 PM

hmm not that I was counting but looked like -

x1 Red
X3 White
X3 Gun Metal (+1 Gun Metal Demo with 7000kms on it)
x3 Silver
x2 Black
The new ones were all dusty with plastic protection covering here and there and desperately needing a clean so must have just arrived?

There was also another White one parked in the service area same time as mine.

So 15 RC's together at once, try and beat that! :D wish I had my camera!

aby82

21-11-2007, 05:32 PM

thats what camera phones are 4!! lol

Darthrev

21-11-2007, 05:34 PM

lol yeah but my camera phone is crap! and that is being polite...

radiostar69

21-11-2007, 06:17 PM

that was the same at the Ballarat Ralliart dealer...at least 10-12 of the little buggers...mind u that was 6 months ago.

Corosith

21-11-2007, 06:48 PM

Pity we didn't have such a good selection of colours here in SA, as far as I could see there was only red, grey and silver around the place whilst blue & white were like hens teeth! Then again, most of them were run-out models anyway so that may have dictated what I had to chose from.:)

Darthrev

21-11-2007, 08:48 PM

I saw a butterscotch one for sale ( pale creamy yellow) not my choice of colours but being an RC it still looked okay.

rukboy11

28-11-2007, 01:55 PM

U know there is 1 good thing you guys forgot about in the RC being a lowkey car. That is i like my seats where they are, in my car :D not gone in 60secs :eek:

Corosith

28-11-2007, 04:12 PM

Darthrev I saw a butterscotch one for sale ( pale creamy yellow) not my choice of colours but being an RC it still looked okay.

Strange, I didn't think they were selling that colour in Australia, so far have only seen it on the standard colt., yet another anomaly! At first I didn't like that colour, but I reckon it would grow on you though!:)

McCoy

28-11-2007, 04:21 PM

It was a test color, as was blue. You cant order them in that color, it was only what stock was allocated to dealers in the first place. MMAL do test colors with alot of their cars, They released a heap of strange hews for the TJ Magna as test colors.

Corosith

08-12-2007, 02:24 PM

McCoy

08-12-2007, 02:35 PM

Strange, why wouldnt you pay $1,000 more and pick up a new 2007 complianced model and get the color of your choice?

nstg8r

08-12-2007, 02:49 PM

Latest ad in the Adelaide Advertiser for the rcolt - funny how they claim to be demo models and not new 2007 complianced models, you could take a person around the block, put 500 metres on the odo, and claim it was a demo model??. I wouldn't think there would be that many demos lying around the Adelaide dealerships. I wish Mitsubishi would just bite the bullet and change the base price to compare with the rival vehicles (XR4, Swift Sport)!
these cars are the original stock that agostino's had, complied 12/06...."the boss wants them all gone so we're registering them as demos and shifting them at $24990 drive away"

exact words spoken to my friend this morning by the salesman from agostino's (who, ironically enough, wouldnt do us any deals last week!)

McCoy

08-12-2007, 02:59 PM

nstg8r, you and I know better dont we. ;)

Corosith

08-12-2007, 03:08 PM

nstg8r

08-12-2007, 03:34 PM

I wonder why it has taken till now to sell stock of 2006 complied models, because I'm sure they have sold plenty 2007 complied ones in the meantime. I also noticed that this is for just Agostinos and not the Australian Motors Dealerships - someone at Agostinos may have to do a better job of selling these great cars in future!:confused:

the ralliart manager at agostino's is a dick. end of story! he is the most unwilling salesperson i've ever had dealings with (and believe me, i've dealt with plenty) and had no interest in selling the rcolt, even though he had 2 possible sales in 1 hit!

McCoy was willing to cut a better deal for myself and my friend, even though we were interstate and would have had to do a 1500km round trip to pick them up so it shows they weren't willing to try for sales....

Corosith

08-12-2007, 05:35 PM

nstg8r

08-12-2007, 08:21 PM

Maybe the whole reason why this thread was started in the first place was due to the shit response a lot of customers have had through these "select" ralliart dealerships (not speaking for all of them of course - McCoy). I don't know how many times I have heard such a negative attitude given off from so many different dealerships in different states - it's almost like they didn't want to sell them at all!
Maybe they should go and be productive and get a job emptying garbage bins or something, and not ruin the reputation of a good performance brand such as ralliart! (or go and sell fords & holdens!)

Why do we bother filling out surveys on customer service, and on how well we were treated, blah, blah, blah, when all Mitsubishi has to do is read this forum on how well their salespeople are treating prospective customers!
totally agree! there are dealers out there who are willing to look after you, but to find one in SA is a hard ask! Especially since there are only 3 ralliart dealers here, 1 of which has only just started selling the ralliart brand (this one will look after their clients, they did the same price as agostinos did but they did it on a car that will have 12/07 compliance :eek: )

nstg8r

08-12-2007, 08:24 PM

nstg8r, you and I know better dont we. ;)
sure do mate! if it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't get the finance company to play ball, I dare say I would have been on my way to Vic next weekend to pick myself up a RColt from Chadstone

lovecolt

08-12-2007, 09:28 PM

Maybe Mitsubishi / Ralliart should send undercover quality inspector to all ralliart dealers to check if their representatives' doing their job properly or not.

Macca

08-12-2007, 11:47 PM

dealers i found only want to know you if you have the cash.

walk in and say you got the money and your all up for deals, walk in and say you going to buy in a month or two and your not sure what you want, and wanna chat they dont wanna know you. This is what i found, and is like this in most sales.

Hell a 21yo standing in the middle of washing machines for half an hour means he wants to buy one. You would have thought they sales people would have realised this, but no they didnt. Man it took forever for them to serve me. HAHA

Morph

09-12-2007, 12:35 AM

exact words spoken to my friend this morning by the salesman from agostino's

lol, that was me!

I went into Agostinos last weekend to check out the Colts.
The salesmen there don't seem to know the product they're selling very well didn't even seem eager to make a sale. 'Sorry, the cars are listed at $25 990 and we can't reduce it any further' - they were the exact words I heard. To sour the deal even more, their selected Ralliart Specialist had a chat to me about the car and honestly, he had the worst people skills I've ever seen/heard. I doubt they've even taken the car for a decent drive because all I heard were brochure figures and statistics which I already knew from looking at the brochure myself!

Funnily enough, got a phone call this morning from the salesman there - apparently they need to shift their RColts (they've got 5 RColts in their yard) and they're now letting them go for $24 990 drive away. I told them that I've already been speaking to another dealer who can get me the colour I want and with registration for a better price ;)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not slandering that particular dealer but they came sooo close to having a confirmed sale (and possible second sale) on the one day. I'm not a tyre kicker, lol i had cash to put a deposit down there and then but needed more convincing. Asked them about taking a demo model overnight to get a feel for it, they flatly refused (even after i offered a cash deposit and to leave my Lancer there as security). Went to another Ralliart Dealer in Adelaide and they were more than happy to oblige.

McCoy - Mitsubishi need more guys like you. If I was in Victoria you'd be the first person I'd speak to. Hell, i almost DID end up buying the car through you! Definitely not the typical car salesmen I'm used to dealing with with and you were prepared to sweeten the deal for an interstate sale. Very impressed!

nstg8r

09-12-2007, 05:59 PM

McCoy - Mitsubishi need more guys like you. If I was in Victoria you'd be the first person I'd speak to. Hell, i almost DID end up buying the car through you! Definitely not the typical car salesmen I'm used to dealing with with and you were prepared to sweeten the deal for an interstate sale. Very impressed!
Seconded! :cool:

Corosith

09-12-2007, 06:29 PM

Oh well, good on you guys for talking with your feet and taking your business elsewhere!

And Macca, I know what you mean, sometimes you almost need to steal the product just to get some service and get noticed around the place. Either that, or walk in with wads of cash hanging out of your pockets- lol!

Macca

09-12-2007, 08:03 PM

rukboy11

21-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Hey Mccoy how do u guys register an interstate purchase? you register it in vic? or can we get them registered in our own states when we purchase?

fauxpas

20-02-2008, 09:57 PM

90% of reviews say the ride is harsh and there's a huge hole in the gearing...

That's enough to get most people offside and not even bother with a test drive.

aby82

20-02-2008, 10:03 PM

90% of reviews say the ride is harsh and there's a huge hole in the gearing...

That's enough to get most people offside and not even bother with a test drive.

mmm i spose but pretty much every hot hatch has a harsh ride - hasn't stopped ppl buyin civic type r's, swift sports, xr4's - i've seen more type r's around than rcolts

if the new model with the non-recaro seats, has more airbags and a lower rrp will help alot!

fauxpas

20-02-2008, 10:09 PM

I'm coming over from a 1700kg BA Fairmont Ghia. Believe me, the word 'rattles' in 2008 pertaining to a new car is blasphemy. :eek:

aby82

20-02-2008, 11:34 PM

haha i used to drive an XE Fairmont Ghia ESP not quite the same as ur BA i'm sure but a big FORD with a smooth ride..

but we're not talkin about a ghia / luxury / ppl transporter here. we're talkin about a sports-oriented car.. even sports saloons like VE hsv's and ss's have firm rides - because they're designed to allow u to take em to track days and have a bit of fun on some back roads when u feel like it.. and the bonus with the rcolt is is that it doesn't hurt ur back pocket when u go to the bowser! :D

the more than half a tonne of weight diff makes things a bit different as well

i guess u've gotta ask urself whats important to u.. i know whats important to me ;) LOL

lovecolt

21-02-2008, 12:43 AM

I think the point here is, many people are basing their car search by reviews and mitsu's poor marketing/promotion doesn't help too.

To be honest, i don't find RColt's ride anywhere near harsh. Everyone has its own definition for everything, that's why i always tell people not to base their decision on reviews.

disguy2k

12-05-2008, 02:43 PM

Mitsubishi's performance wing has always had a world class product backed up by third world support, which is very unfortunate. If they had any sense, they would've brought back the lancer GSR the second they saw the WRX entering as a high volume import.

Unfortunately, their best products only show up here as gray imports (Galant VR4, 3000GT), because Mitsubishi Japan has a very big influence over MMAL.

After all the reviews and test drives, there is no other vehicle in the same league as the colt as an efficient fast buzzbox, with alot of upgrade potential.

Personally, it works out better for me that they are rare, and unknown. Not only do the public not know what I've got, the cops and thieves don't either.

bunnybash

12-05-2008, 02:58 PM

Personally, it works out better for me that they are rare, and unknown. Not only do the public not know what I've got, the cops and thieves don't either.

Yup over anzac weekend I got caught doing 118km (was going downhill out in the middle of nowhere, on the way back from Denmark, not racing or speeding or anything)... basically i had been driving for 2 hours on a dead straight road... :( boredom was setting in!

The cop who pulled me over said "going a bit fast, you must have had to really push it to get a colt going that fast *chuckling to himself*" then just lets me off with a warning... I just bit my tongue and smiled the whole time... the cop had a no idea there is a turbo in the car or anything!!! :D

so chalk up one less speeding fine for me that I am sure would have been handed out in a commodore or rx7 or anything remotely fast!

love the incognito nature of the colt! ;)

alba

12-05-2008, 03:19 PM

took my old man for a drive on saturday and he was of the same mind as that cop... totally surprised at the hp the little motor puts out and the way it handles.

its reflective of why the sales or rcolts have been poor... most australians are small minded and think that cars have to be a 2tonne, rear wheel drive, large family v6 or else they are toys.

its the same reason the aurion, 380, camry etc will never be sales topping vehicles in australia. and personally, i'm with our butterscotch driving friend here, i'm glad we sneak under the radar. i love making trev's in falcodores look like chumps.

McCoy

14-05-2008, 02:55 PM

Actually this thread needs a facelift, the things are selling well now. Many a dealer dont have any left...

bunnybash

14-05-2008, 03:21 PM

Actually this thread needs a facelift, the things are selling well now. Many a dealer dont have any left...

i guess MMAL can thank sky rocketing fuel costs, apart from the fact that it is indeed a great car! ;)

I love chatting to V8 owners right now... talked to my mate's sister the other day, drives a Landcruiser, she is spending $200 A WEEK on petrol!!! :eek:

Spaceboy

14-05-2008, 03:42 PM

the fact that there is a thriving online community dedicated to them indicates that they are selling well and to enthusiasts also.

GM Grey

14-05-2008, 06:05 PM

Thank god i got the 1.5L alternative than a 3.6L V35 ..... the CVR is way more fun than large cyclinder cars.

T-Jet

25-12-2008, 06:26 PM

I dont want to offend anyone here... but seriously, the design is not what many would prefer as a HOT hatch... it may have a turbine sitting under the hood but thats all that is attractive about the car... I drive a sport and this is why I have one. I know my car sucks when it comes to power but in looks it won my heart...

Each to their own but i think this is a MAJOR reason to why COLT has not sold as much... even though my father wants to buy one because of what you get for the price... He also mentioned that the looks let him down and is making him think twice about the purchase...

So i say 1 reason why the Rcolt or Colt has not sold as much is "looks"...

my 2 cents...

bunnybash

25-12-2008, 06:56 PM

Corosith

25-12-2008, 09:51 PM

Mmmm, going by a lot of comments on my car and the looks I get from people I would say to say the opposite (I'm an ex-swift owner), and I know that you don't want to offend, but making comments like that on the rcolt site are bound to draw a flaming, just as I would expect if I said the swift looked crap on your site!:rolleyes:

Yes the Swift is a nice looking car and handles well, but the colt in my book is better value for money and will be a much easier car screw power out of once the ECU is sorted out. As much as I like the swift, I feel that I would be back at square one again re power modifications as I was with my original swift - wanting more power! The only option was an aftermarket turbo kit and that was going to be pricey and not necessarily legal.

Why don't colts sell like hot cakes, I put it down to continual crap marketing -how many ads have you seen for the latest incarnation of the colt (or the previous one for that matter) - none! Whereas the Swift Sport has had regular rally inspired advertising campaigns directed at the younger generation. Two years after release I still get people asking me what the hell is that car and what's under the bonnet.

Regarding looks, well personally I chose the colt for both looks, power and handling - a better all round package. At the end of the day, if I had to justify buying a car purely on looks then I would get sick of it pretty quickly. Let's see, what hot hatches do look good? The Polo looks boring, the Clio goes well but has crap looks, Civic type-r yuck, XR5/XR4 - OK, but since they all vary that much lookwise, what is a typical hot hatch meant to look like?? Every one of these cars has a compromise of some description whether it be looks, performance, handling, interiors and so on.

Remember beauty is only runs skin deep, it's whats underneath that really counts - happy motoring.:)

T-Jet

25-12-2008, 10:02 PM

Corosith...

I didnt really read much about what you said but noticed about the fact that you mentioned I shouldnt state what I said on this forum...

Let me rephrase this again for you :)

I think the Rcolt is a good car when it comes to what you get for its money... probably the best...

BUT in the looks department seriously... I dont think its what i says it is... i mean all the needed to do is spend a bit more time on the looks and whack that turbo and then you would have had a HOT seller...

I dont think the swift is anything special other then looks... yes handling etc is great but... no power so I think it isnt enough to make it a GREAT car...

It has its downs like the Rcolt. But the topic is "why do you "think" the Rcolt hasnt sold as much..."

My personal thoughts are that its related to looks as one of the reasons...

Marketting is another too...

I do think though, the first thing you do is look at a car and go WOW... that looks nice... Most people that maybe bought the Rcolt probably thought, hmmm the looks can grow on me... but it has balls (turbo) and is good value for what you pay... So i can live with it. Eventually those people love the car naturally...

I was the same with my Swift... The front was so strange... So round... My father and friends laughed at me... They said its a chicks car. But it grew on me and I now love it... Bit off topic is that the reason why the swift sold so well is its reputation... Maybe also because it was so different compared to what was out there back in '05... anyways lets stay on topic!

I didnt come here to say bad things or to stir the pot, i was being honest :) If you have anything to say about the sport, feel free to join our forum and say all you like :) & sorry if i have offended any of you out there... I was just answering and expressing my thoughts to what the topic was asking...

T-Jet

25-12-2008, 10:05 PM

very valid statement swiftsport... i agree i think the swiftsport does indeed look better, but i wanted an engine more than looks... looks come waaay back in importance for me, especially when i am sitting inside the car... which has HEAPS of headroom for someone of my height...

I agree with you as well :) But I went for looks because, I just didnt want to spend money on fuel... However I was wrong!!! The Rcolt uses less fuel then the Sport LOL... Oh well...

pAuL

25-12-2008, 10:25 PM

becuase most bogans think/say things like this about it.

"No one cares simply because everyone knows it's a peice of shit. And the people that say it's a mini-evo shold just die in a fire."

4NICK8

25-12-2008, 10:39 PM

I have never owned a mitsubishi before, after driving a new 2002 and 2004 WRX, as well as owning a 2002 Forrester and quite a few other marques including a 2007 turbo peugeot.

This year, due to building a new house, I had to buy a smaller 'cheaper' car, but due to my need for some sort of 'performance' looked into the 'hot hatches'..... and settled on the RColt; and I HAVE TO SAY that the Colt has to be one of the nicer looking hatches I have seen.

EVERY time I see one of those Suzuki's (including the sports) I vomit silently into my mouth and have to force it down..... DAMN they are ugly and funny at the same time

But, as you said... looks grow on you anyway, so you may as well choose the car with better performance in the first place LOL

I dont want to offend anyone here... but seriously, the design is not what many would prefer as a HOT hatch... it may have a turbine sitting under the hood but thats all that is attractive about the car... I drive a sport and this is why I have one. I know my car sucks when it comes to power but in looks it won my heart...

Each to their own but i think this is a MAJOR reason to why COLT has not sold as much... even though my father wants to buy one because of what you get for the price... He also mentioned that the looks let him down and is making him think twice about the purchase...

So i say 1 reason why the Rcolt or Colt has not sold as much is "looks"...

my 2 cents...

Corosith...

I didnt really read much about what you said but noticed about the fact that you mentioned I shouldnt state what I said on this forum...

Let me rephrase this again for you :)

I think the Rcolt is a good car when it comes to what you get for its money... probably the best...

BUT in the looks department seriously... I dont think its what i says it is... i mean all the needed to do is spend a bit more time on the looks and whack that turbo and then you would have had a HOT seller...

I dont think the swift is anything special other then looks... yes handling etc is great but... no power so I think it isnt enough to make it a GREAT car...

It has its downs like the Rcolt. But the topic is "why do you "think" the Rcolt hasnt sold as much..."

My personal thoughts are that its related to looks as one of the reasons...

Marketting is another too...

I do think though, the first thing you do is look at a car and go WOW... that looks nice... Most people that maybe bought the Rcolt probably thought, hmmm the looks can grow on me... but it has balls (turbo) and is good value for what you pay... So i can live with it. Eventually those people love the car naturally...

I was the same with my Swift... The front was so strange... So round... My father and friends laughed at me... They said its a chicks car. But it grew on me and I now love it... Bit off topic is that the reason why the swift sold so well is its reputation... Maybe also because it was so different compared to what was out there back in '05... anyways lets stay on topic!
I didnt come here to say bad things or to stir the pot, i was being honest :) If you have anything to say about the sport, feel free to join our forum and say all you like :) & sorry if i have offended any of you out there... I was just answering and expressing my thoughts to what the topic was asking...

I agree with you as well :) But I went for looks because, I just didnt want to spend money on fuel... However I was wrong!!! The Rcolt uses less fuel then the Sport LOL... Oh well...

bunnybash

25-12-2008, 10:41 PM

yeah my bro is a bogan who loves his utes etc... which is funny, cause his has a stock falcon ute, which is a POS and handles like a boat and in a straight line sucks too and in braking, the Colt has it beat on all fronts, ESPECIALLY at the pump, but he insists "retards car" half of it is missing... etc...

i just laugh at the idiot and leave him behind, which is incedently a long way behind because he has to pull into the nearest servo to fuel up...

but incidently yeah i am gonna have to go with marketing too...

when i was looking at cars to buy my mate who is kinda fount of all knowledge about cars suggested that i look at the Rcolt and i said "no" without even seeing or hearing anything more... he insisted i look though and when i saw the power figures and then read about the BFYB win it got in some mag i was hooked and didn't think about anything else... the only other option for me was the Swift cause i wanted 4 doors, and well no power :( hot and sexy car in looks dept though!! especially that crazy yellow colour...

Corosith

25-12-2008, 10:45 PM

Don't worry, it's all in good fun ;) - remember, like I said, I do like the Swift Sport as a package - just that I was disappointed see that they simply carried over the same engine from the Ignis Sport with no futher power hikes.

In reality for me the clincher was the first time I ever saw the rcolt which was in the wheels magazine article on the TMR Evo9 and TMR Ralliart Colt. Even before the colt was released I knew that was the car that I wanted in my garage - I loved the looks, plus it had everything I wanted in a hot hatch performance wise. Since that article Mitsubishi had failed to do any further serious advertising to try and rope me or any others in to buy the car.

So no bad blood brother, we are all on the same team with the same interests at hand - just different tastes I guess!:)

Ahhh, I see you are in the market for a standard colt, hope u enjoy it.

lovecolt

26-12-2008, 01:54 AM

I think what Swiftsport said, is quite on the point.......to a certain extent.

The main thing that fails RColt's image, is the plain side look. Its like a huge whiteboard. Otherwise, the front/rear looks beast among all hot hatches. A simple side bumper protector like what YR Advance done to their RColt, would make it looks miles better.....IMO

http://www.yr-advance.com/colt/gazou/colt028.jpg

Darthrev

26-12-2008, 02:03 AM

When I first used to look at the RColt I always thought it a little fugly with the black trim and all. But it grew on me and one test drive and I was sold. The swift does look cool but the power leaves it in the 'chicks car' department for me :p

I also look at it this way there are tons of Swift Sports out there compared to our RColts and I sort of prefer to keep our numbers lowish, makes the cars a little exclusive. I did like some of the WRX models (not the current hatch one though!) but every 50th car on the road seems to be WRX :rolleyes: might as well drive a Commodore or Falcon.

Spaceboy

26-12-2008, 06:56 AM

i think it doesnt sell more because its a niche market and nobody sells many vehicles in this segment. I dont think there are loads of polo GTI's or XR4's on the road.

i like it this way, makes the car rare, interesting and exclusive :)

i personally do not like the way the new swift looks, and we owned a 94 swift GTi before our colt.

as for the colt, the mini people mover style is very popular in japan. :D

Silverado

26-12-2008, 08:19 AM

Don't worry, it's all in good fun ;) - remember, like I said, I do like the Swift Sport as a package - just that I was disappointed see that they simply carried over the same engine from the Ignis Sport with no futher power hikes.

Im pretty sure the ignis sport had a 1.5L vvt engine with about 83kw....im sure u know the swift specs.

Anyway..i would have to say advertising and initial pricing of the Rcolt is "why i think" it didnt sell so well. i still havent seen an Rcolt ad in Aus (not on TV or paper). Then again i havent seen many xr4 or polo gti ads either, but they still sold better than the Rcolt - so thats where i think pricing played a role.

Turbo_Tim

26-12-2008, 09:32 AM

I think whats wrong with it are the following;
1. Its a mitsubishi, years of seeing mitsubishi's blowing smoke does not inspire confidence. People are dubious of their quality, something even they recognise with the 5/10 warranty.

2. Its called a colt. When you tell someone you drive a colt they instantly think pack to the pos's from 1985.

3. It looks like a bit of an abortion, I admit it grows on you and is really good from some angles, but sometimes you catch it and think what a bloody ugly car.

4. Its a small market and they probably never thought they would sell that many anyway.

5. The initial over pricing, which all the mainstream mags are still listing as list price.

I think that'll do for now.

I must admit the one in the wheels or motor mag with the evo 9 was probably the first place i saw one, thought it looked alright, but didn't give it any more though than that.

LordGaz

26-12-2008, 02:15 PM

I've always been a huge fan of the Swift and Swift Sport, Ommeh can back me on this. The looks, handling, high compression NA of the SS is just like my old Ignis Sport, but better in all respects, (don't even get me started on the dual exhaust, that is just HOT!), but after my IS, I decided on the RColt because of the performance you get out of the price you pay. For what I paid, it was a much better package than the SS IMO, but I still really want a SS because you can go part-crazy on it!

Just a note here, recently me and Ommeh were checking out cars (you must have heard our little "accident" with the Swift Sport) and, just out of curiosity, I told Ommeh to get a quote on the trade-in price for his car from the Subaru dealership. The answer that we got, including all mods that was done to Ommeh's car, was a whooping $11000!! :eek:

Apparently there is no market for the car, so make sure you don't try and trade your RColt for another car 'cause it seems you get jack all!!

LordGaz

26-12-2008, 02:17 PM

lovecolt

26-12-2008, 02:37 PM

Im pretty sure the ignis sport had a 1.5L vvt engine with about 83kw....im sure u know the swift specs.

Anyway..i would have to say advertising and initial pricing of the Rcolt is "why i think" it didnt sell so well. i still havent seen an Rcolt ad in Aus (not on TV or paper). Then again i havent seen many xr4 or polo gti ads either, but they still sold better than the Rcolt - so thats where i think pricing played a role.

Coro's referring to the power to weight ratio, the current new Swift Sport is almost identical to what a Ignis Sport used to be years ago. Hence the reference of no improvement.

And.....you don't take much public transport do you......because when XR4 first came out, i swear its poster's only every second bus stop or train station i'm at. XR4 was marketed the biggest among all hot hatches's marketing budget.

If talking about marketing budget, Polo GTI was marketed even less than the rcolt. But why does it still sell?? Main thing would be.....because its a VW. Don't know why, but a Euro always seems to sell by itself.

I think whats wrong with it are the following;
1. Its a mitsubishi, years of seeing mitsubishi's blowing smoke does not inspire confidence. People are dubious of their quality, something even they recognise with the 5/10 warranty.

5. The initial over pricing, which all the mainstream mags are still listing as list price.

..........

I must admit the one in the wheels or motor mag with the evo 9 was probably the first place i saw one, thought it looked alright, but didn't give it any more though than that.

1. hmmm....What do you mean by seeing years of Mitsubishi blowing smoke??? Throughout the years, Mitsubishi's vehicles are always tough as nail. And imo, if someone's willing to give such a good warranty, my impression will be: they must be damn confident about their product ;) Not saying that your statement's wrong, but if that's what many thinks, then there's a huge misconception about Mitsubishi. If you do a research on all hot hatches' forum, you will find that RColt has the least known problem among all.

5. Again, a huge misconception by many. Consider the initial cost difference and the difference in given equipment, i (for one) don't think its over priced at all.

Spaceboy

26-12-2008, 02:57 PM

i think the reason you see old mitsi's cruising around blowing smoke is that they're still going, unlike most of the other stuff from that era that has already hit the scrapyard.

the original mitsubishi colt was made in australia! good ol adelaide.
and they soldiered on and made lots of ppls first car :)

Corosith

26-12-2008, 03:18 PM

Quite frankly, if I had the choice, I'd have both the Swift Sport and Rcolt in my garage - each has its own plusses/minuses. Lovecolt is also correct re p/w ratios - Ignis Sport (83kw, 935kg), Swift Sport (92kw, 1060kg)

I think Spaceboy has hit the nail on the head re the niche market comment, same goes for the Evo9, 10 - there are no huge marketing campaigns, just success through word of mouth, good engineering and a bunch of die hard rally fans lining up at the dealership door.

Ommeh, you got ripped - arm yourself with some research, the rcolt has a redbook dealer trade in price of $14000 -16000, and private selling price of $17,700 - 19,700 and that's for a 2006 model. If trading in through a dealer, return the colt to standard, it will have a better chance of getting a good price. Unless you are desparate, don't trade in, sell privately as dealers always need to make a profit whereas private buyers don't.:)

Corosith

26-12-2008, 03:23 PM

Correct Spaceboy, my grandma still drives around in an old mustard coloured colt, it has been a very reliable car over the years, in fact one of my first cars was a 1972 Mitsubishi/Chrysler galant and I still see some of them getting around!:)

LordGaz

26-12-2008, 06:02 PM

Ommeh, you got ripped - arm yourself with some research, the rcolt has a redbook dealer trade in price of $14000 -16000, and private selling price of $17,700 - 19,700 and that's for a 2006 model. If trading in through a dealer, return the colt to standard, it will have a better chance of getting a good price. Unless you are desparate, don't trade in, sell privately as dealers always need to make a profit whereas private buyers don't.:)

Well in Ommeh's defense, we did it out of curiosity, $11000, psst...only if you're REALLY, REAAAAAALLY desperate will I go that low!

Turbo_Tim

27-12-2008, 10:28 AM

I think everyone has images of old magnas (or not so old in many cases) smoking and generally falling apart. They weren't built cars. I was always under the impression that people generally had a poor perception of mitsubishi reliability. Maybe im wrong, but thats the main stream impression i got.

The whole better built, better backed compaign is bleedingly obvious that they were well aware of the whole public perception. A few people told me i was brave buying a mitsubishi.

On another note, trade ins will always be a rip off. Its not in there best interest to give you a good price. Its more hassle for them to move it on again and less hassle for you. Thats why you cop the big hit. Generally you can negotiate a better price without a trade in.

T-Jet

27-12-2008, 04:58 PM

lovecolt

27-12-2008, 05:36 PM

hmm......not really wanted to convert this into a flaming VS topic as well, but if you look at the youtube video of full modded Monster Sport Swift Sport vs a stock RColt Special edition........you might reconsider the potential....

And Ken's RColt ain't the best reference in terms of mod potential, but i would not go there.

In all, everyone has their own preference / requirement, hence the existence of different forum/community. Therefore, the "vs" ain't really something that needs' to be further discuss.

As for reputation of the older gen cars.....if i'm not wrong, old Holden/ford has far worse reliability, so no idea where the reputation comes from. Anyhow, if people still think Mitsubishi has poor quality, they must be living under a rock or people that still think Holden/Ford are the king.

Corosith

27-12-2008, 07:38 PM

Sometimes I feel this thread is simply inviting people to flame our colts, and that is not what this forum is about - we are here to enjoy our cars and learn from each other. Since the colt fills a bit of a niche market, like Spaceboy indicated, there will never be huge sales, and it would be very hard for Mitsubishi to accurately know how many cars it will end up selling - let us just be thankful it ended up here at all.:rolleyes:

We also already have a "what don't you like about your colt" thread anyway for owners to vent their opinions on various topics, so no need to go there.

In the meantime, to help stay on topic, maybe we could divert our energies to start up a new thread on the modifying potential of both the Swift Sport/RColt for a bit of friendly rivialry, and measure up on which car is better value at the end of the day - if that is a good thing.:p

Thoughts people?

Darthrev

27-12-2008, 08:14 PM

Consider the latest BMW M3 or Ferrari, they don’t do hardly any advertising and only sell a few?

Buyers will purchase what they can afford and desire, many may desire an RColt but simply can't afford one or justify the expense. Others just don't like something about it? or prefer options and or price of another car out there.

If you cant afford a higher performance car you lower your sights, hence the more affordable cars become more of an option for more buyers.

All cars have those that love em and those that hate em and those that don't care either way. In the end you generally get what you pay for and need to be happy with what you have.

And swiftsport all cars have 'potential', check out the Colt with a 2.0ltr turbo all wheel drive system in it some time, it is an EVO killer!, 90% of car buyers don't buy cars for their potential though, you only have to see the percentage of RColt owners here that are 'seriously' chasing higher performance (in power/brakes/suspension and handling) on this forum to see it is not what the majority are after or can afford.

The stock RColt was not something that was overly attractive to me, but I am one of those chasing its full potential, and to push it to be able to challenge the next class of cars (ie standard WRX etc... level) in some areas of performance. If I can't achieve this after a couple years then I am likely to move on. But if I can get close to what I am after then look out :)

filofaith

28-12-2008, 10:44 AM

Ok... after all this, i didnt really intend this subject to be focused or turn into a rcot vs SS topic.. but hence we are all now drawing attention the sport and how slow it may be and lacks power... all I have to say is go to youtube and watch the R's Racing Supercharged Sport... if you have that racing the Rcolt, you will see what potential this sluggish Sport really has... It really will put many of its rivals to shame...

Point is... The sport may turn into the car you like IF you wanted it to... MONEY??? Well... it probably will cost you a bit... But we aretalking about potential here...

Rcolt is great for the money you pay... great value... power wise especially...

I spoke to Ken for Hiso care care...the money he spent on it is HUGE... if i spent that on the Sport... it would have had higher power and performance difference...

But lets stay on the topic why the Colt isnt selling as much. I really refer it to looks, reputation from older gen cars and like most said... poor advertising and marketing.
i think my rcolt is a better example then ken's in respect to money vs gains

main mod list
dump pipe back exhaust - $800
vr4 front brake package - $700
Fmic - $270
Pod Filter kit - $150
Pedders Springs - $400
____
$2320
im not sure im my power but i think it will be round 130fwkws

McCoy

29-12-2008, 04:13 PM

im not sure im my power but i think it will be round 130fwkws

Doubt it.

Spaceboy

29-12-2008, 07:16 PM

Ok... after all this, i didnt really intend this subject to be focused or turn into a rcot vs SS topic.. but hence we are all now drawing attention the sport and how slow it may be and lacks power... all I have to say is go to youtube and watch the R's Racing Supercharged Sport... if you have that racing the Rcolt, you will see what potential this sluggish Sport really has... It really will put many of its rivals to shame...

Point is... The sport may turn into the car you like IF you wanted it to... MONEY??? Well... it probably will cost you a bit... But we aretalking about potential here...

Rcolt is great for the money you pay... great value... power wise especially...

I spoke to Ken for Hiso care care...the money he spent on it is HUGE... if i spent that on the Sport... it would have had higher power and performance difference...

But lets stay on the topic why the Colt isnt selling as much. I really refer it to looks, reputation from older gen cars and like most said... poor advertising and marketing.

yeah modified doesnt mean anything mate. anyone can spend anything on anycar.

stock vs stock, the colt ralliart simply blows the swift sport away, in engine, handling, ride, brakes, price, warranty, fuel economy and looks because i can hardly tell the difference between a stock swift and a swift sport on the road.

even if you supercharged a swift sport, a stock colt ralliart would cane it, as proven by the best motoring test.

as i said earlier, this thread is dumb because the colt ralliart is selling well for the niche market it was intended for and is by a mile the best value new performance car under 30k

i had a swift GTi and loved it, but the swift sport is not the king like the old GTi was and i didnt even bother to test drive a SS because it was so far behind the competition on paper.

filofaith

29-12-2008, 09:45 PM

Doubt it.

why do you doubt it?? theres already a rcolt with less mods that got 134kws (matty's rcolt) so i said 130kws which is less then his??

McCoy

08-01-2009, 10:24 PM

why do you doubt it?? theres already a rcolt with less mods that got 134kws (matty's rcolt) so i said 130kws which is less then his??

Do you even know what a standard R-colt dyno's at?

Payload

08-01-2009, 11:32 PM

Darthrev

09-01-2009, 01:43 AM

Well atleast the RColt is still being made, unlike the Ford XR4 which is getting the chop! maybe the Swift Sports will be cut next? :p

lovecolt

09-01-2009, 07:42 AM

Ken's car isnt the best example of money spent to performance gained. He has done quite a bit of work on the cosmetic side of things which would have been very expensive. firstly those enkei's aren't cheap and from memory he has the ralliart wing and airdams which are very expensive as well etc etc.

Actually, that's not the best way to describe Ken's car. Ken spent alot on performance gain mods (as much as his visual side of things). However he don't drive his RColt anyway near as much as most of us (a.k.a barely). Therefore, he never go around to maximised the potential of his mods. FYI, his airdams/wings are from the groupbuy. It ain't the geninue ralliart parts.

At the end of the day though, the rcolt probably sold well enough, i see enough of them driving around so they arent exactly rare, although most of the ones i see are stock or just have rims which is probably where the lack of aftermarket support comes from, simply the lack of demand. They must have sold well enough for mitsubishi to bother continuing their production for the 08 model and to have plans for the next which means they will be continued into the future as well. Just a shame they didn't think the recaro's were an important enough selling point to keep them, i would have had second thoughts about buying it if they didn't come stock though so maybe it was a poor decision on their behalf since other people seem to agree.

I doubt that they are still selling RColt in Aus are due to the sales figure. If anything, I think they are still selling below average. At the moment, all small hatches seems to have a hero car of their own and we all know how a hero car can push sales on their normal version brothers (example, evo and the normal lancers) So if Mitsubishi don't follow suit, i bet it will affect its normal small hatches' sales figure. Therefore, its what i call "Make a small loss here and make a bigger gain somewhere else"

Not so sure about your Recaro comments, but the speed of 08 RColt going out of the showroom, is definitely faster than 06s. Therefore, they are on track on the sales strategy. The only thing that they should retain, is the option for Recaro if needed.

Well atleast the RColt is still being made, unlike the Ford XR4 which is getting the chop! maybe the Swift Sports will be cut next? :p

Is XR4 getting the chop?? Because i have already seen the new Fiesta on the road....or just the performance side XR4's getting the chop?? Weird if they do as they are not having much trouble selling the XR4s.

Swift Sport cut next?? 100% double it. RColt will be chopped first before the Swift Sport as they sold more Swift Sport in Japan than RColt in Japan/Australia/Singapore combined.

Macca

09-01-2009, 12:11 PM

yeh i dont think they are making a new xr4

why_bother

09-01-2009, 12:43 PM

I can't see why 130fwkw is unreasonable given mattys $2k upgrade to score the 134 fwkw. The stock colt is 113flykw/93kwatw. TMR upgrade was a +10kwatw. Dyno proven history from matty has everything in it. I think it's a fair call (can't personally vouch for the pod filter kits effectiveness).

How is this thread still going? We all know the car wasn't advertised (niche car) and it was percieved as being 'ugly-as-sin' initially... and it was initially overpriced.. I should ask around and find out the _actual_ sales figure on the car (although Dan could probably get it from work anyway)

Add to all this, MMAL are raising prices on their cars too because of this credit crunch bullshit.. the goodguys store i used to work at have 'in the first time for 15 years had a price increase on brown goods' aka tv/dvd/plasma/hifi stuff

The colt has unrivalled new-car power for money and economical fuel consumption.. that's about the only thing it has going for it at the moment imho.

Corosith

11-01-2009, 12:06 AM

From what I've seen ford are only offering a 1.6l zetec engined fiesta as the top of the range, but there is talk of a small capacity turbo engine if the xr4 eventuates (more environmentally friendly than a 2litre engine apparently).

The current (now old fiesta range) didn't last long as it had already been released in Europe several years ago and we only got that model just recently. That would piss me off if I was an xr4 owner as they had basically been sold an older model, hence why the new model came onto the scene so quickly. Maybe ford were just testing the market & popularity of the older model before they committed to importing the new one?

Macca

11-01-2009, 10:12 AM

possibally, the new focus hasnt been in the euro area for too long, top gead did some insane things with one (raced it thru a mall, and did a beach landing with the pommy army from a beach assult craft)

But you could be right, they tried selling the KA here and it was an ugly small hunk of shite

ommeh

11-01-2009, 10:29 AM

Its strange tho, our car is possibly the best small car performance wise on the JDMarket. Yaris, Jazz and Swift sport struggle to keep up with our baby on the track. What i would love to see would be our car vs XR4's, Polo GTi's and other small hatches and see how they go.

I find it sad that Mitsu know they have a killer car but dont advertise it enough for people to buy it.

Corosith

11-01-2009, 11:21 AM

Fiesta not Focus Macca!:D Unfortunately not everyone buys a small hatch based on its on track performance, lots of people simply buy on looks alone and whatever suits their tastes - handling & performance take a backseat! I bought a colt not because it was pretty, but it had aggressive and purposeful looks, with the performance and handling to match.:)

Macca

11-01-2009, 12:43 PM

exactly the KA was ugly as hell.

The new fiesta is an awesome looking and spec'ed car im not talking performance but in reguard to the other cheaper hatces.

Darthrev

11-01-2009, 09:08 PM

why_bother

11-01-2009, 09:11 PM

because ralliart is a niche market of hero cars that often aren't advertised. see evoloution & rcolt.

Spaceboy

11-01-2009, 09:29 PM

Why is it Mitsubishi constantly advertises the Highest spec Triton (the GLX-R) but never seems to advertive the highest spec Colt or Lancers????? they only ever advertise the basic/ES cars???????? I realise they are cheaper and sell more of them but then why advertise the 'higher spec' Triton? numpties! don't make sense to this ignorant consumer :rolleyes:

they sell more GLX-R than base model triton, its in direct competition with the hilux so promote your best, and the GLX-R makes mitsubishi more money so it makes sense to me.

pAuL

11-01-2009, 09:50 PM

ive seen more evo ads then rcolt ads

ob1tanobey

21-03-2009, 10:31 PM

Because people go into one of these forums and find out about the clunky gearboxs that MITSUBISHI can't fix!

Macca

22-03-2009, 05:22 AM

there is nothing wrong with the box. a few clutch issues that's about it, this has come up before, jump on a ford or vw forum, and then you will see how light the issues the colts have had.

ommeh

22-03-2009, 10:43 AM

Because people go into one of these forums and find out about the clunky gearboxs that MITSUBISHI can't fix!

I'm sure anyone who runs a getrag will say the same thing. Its a STRONG box. Like macca stated try driving the Polo's Clutch for a while. Yer ours is clunky and makes some noises but at least it doesnt fail. Its clunky for a reason.

If people cant handle the pro's and con's to a performance car and they complain about noises and comfort they should of bought a camry. Enough said.

Spaceboy

22-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Macca

22-03-2009, 08:35 PM

all true spaceboy.

this thread is ages old and was named when theyere was still 06 stock in late 07.

Corosith

22-03-2009, 09:39 PM

We should rename it to "How should Mitsubishi better market their cars" as a general statement rather than single out the rcolt, especially as the current "family friendly" 2009 model seems to be selling reasonably well. (family friendly is a reference to the new front seats)!:)

TenX

23-03-2009, 12:16 AM

as one thing i notice is that people still think the price is still $29,990.

Corosith

23-03-2009, 01:20 AM

Pretty sure the base price still is $29990, but all the dealers seem to put 10-15kms on the clock & then sell them as demos for $25000-26000 drive away - strange!:confused: Seems that if you bought a 0km colt, you'd pay full price, plus on-roads, but if the car has say only 100kms on the clock on a currently model rcolt, then you can potentially save over $7000-8000!

Then again there is the odd colt for sale around the $25000 mark with 0kms?? What the??

Turbo_Tim

23-03-2009, 07:13 AM

Nah they are $25 290 + on roads now. Even mitsu website lists them as that much.

ob1tanobey

23-03-2009, 10:15 AM

as one thing i notice is that people still think the price is still $29,990.

What is the price?? I think its the design of the car. I like it. But my g/f doesn't. I bought the car because of its performance and fuel saving rated at 6l per 100km i think.. thats not true!!! lol normal driving i would see it at 8L/100km. its still alrite i guess. I didnt' buy it for its looks. Its ugly to some or most, thats why its not selling. If it looked like a mazda2 with 120kw at the wheels??? woah!!!! :eek:

ob1tanobey

23-03-2009, 10:17 AM

Nah they are $25 290 + on roads now. Even mitsu website lists them as that much.

sorry i didnt' read that

why_bother

23-03-2009, 11:27 AM

lovecolt

23-03-2009, 12:30 PM

evo ads sell colts.

btw colt ralliart advertised alongside other models in the carsguide two weeks in a row.

as far as comfort or noise, compare with other cars in its class or pricerange.

saying colt ralliarts are not selling well does more damage to its reputation than clunky gearboxes.

Colt ralliarts are exclusive and sold only in limited numbers, we personally had to search around for a black one.

There is no need for mitsubishi to waste advertising $ it could spend much better on the bog lancer range.

colt ralliarts sell themselves.

I tested the competition, bought one and i still feel good about that decision.

thread should be renamed IMO

I don't know so much about RColt selling themselves. Isn't this the very reason why you can still get brand new 06 RColt in Early 2008???

this thread is ages old and was named when theyere was still 06 stock in late 07.

We should rename it to "How should Mitsubishi better market their cars" as a general statement rather than single out the rcolt, especially as the current "family friendly" 2009 model seems to be selling reasonably well. (family friendly is a reference to the new front seats)!:)

Correct, this is a thread that's started before 08 model's out. I agree on the change of the title, but still focusing on RColt as we can't cater for other audiences for other mitsu models.

as one thing i notice is that people still think the price is still $29,990.

Not surprising, but its not a half bad news as this means people are starting to know the existence of RColt (which isn't the case before)

Spaceboy

23-03-2009, 12:53 PM

the dealer we bought our 06 build from only got theirs delivered in 08.

lovecolt

23-03-2009, 06:18 PM

the dealer we bought our 06 build from only got theirs delivered in 08.

You will find alot of them is complianced on 08 (a.k.a delivered in 08) because they are in Mitsubishi or some other dealer's warehouse all the time.

According to reliable source from within Mitsubishi, the last 06 batch that comes in Aus, is at very early 07. No more RColt came in till the run out suicide sales of remaining 06 stock and the release of MY08.

Corosith

23-03-2009, 09:19 PM

Seems that there is some profiteering going on then, as several rcolts are being advertised on carsales as $29990 for a 0km current model, whilst other ones are selling for the supposed lower current price, no wonder people are confused! Best to go to the dealer and get prices straight from the horses mouth!:rolleyes:

Spaceboy

24-03-2009, 12:17 AM

You will find alot of them is complianced on 08 (a.k.a delivered in 08) because they are in Mitsubishi or some other dealer's warehouse all the time.

According to reliable source from within Mitsubishi, the last 06 batch that comes in Aus, is at very early 07. No more RColt came in till the run out suicide sales of remaining 06 stock and the release of MY08.

im saying they only just got them or became a ralliart dealer.

rino

25-03-2009, 06:29 PM

I bought the car because of its performance and fuel saving rated at 6l per 100km i think.. thats not true!!! lol normal driving i would see it at 8L/100km. its still alrite i guess.

That's strange mine gets around the six mark or even better on the hiway.

Spaceboy

25-03-2009, 08:01 PM

6.7 = combined

city = worse
highway = better

Blaze

25-03-2009, 11:28 PM

i get around the low 8l/100km or high 7l/100km.
Mainly driving around the suburbs and city. giving here and there.

lovecolt

26-03-2009, 12:57 AM

Guys, getting abit off topic here. There's a thread for fuel consumption for you guys to discuss ;)

ob1tanobey

26-03-2009, 10:40 AM

i get around the low 8l/100km or high 7l/100km.
Mainly driving around the suburbs and city. giving here and there.

Yeah normal driving.. 8l/100kms

Guys, getting abit off topic here. There's a thread for fuel consumption for you guys to discuss
Sorry :)

Reason why its not selling well?
Very ugly car!!!! In my Opinion of course.. don't hate me... it looks better than that nissan micra though...

raasclaat

02-05-2009, 07:47 PM

I agree. The fact that it looks like a girls car is what hinders sales. In australia small bubble cars dont have the same appeal as in Japan.

This is what has personally made me hesitate, and even after i do buy one this week i will always have a complex.

Thats just my opinion....

Spaceboy

02-05-2009, 08:48 PM

raasclaat

03-05-2009, 03:52 AM

the rcolt sold better than the TRD aurion and hilux and they dont look like girly cars.

would be interesting to see the numbers because i have a feeling the rcolt outsold some of the competition also.

True but no-one was talking comparative sales....who would buy an aurion?

I think the colt shape could have done better to make the sides and rear a bit more aggressive.. Maybe some slanting to the rear window instead of that chopped off back end.
But what i was getting at is that its quite girly looking for guys to buy, however girls might find it a bit ugly. Its kind of in between.

bunnybash

03-05-2009, 11:32 AM

the colt is what is it is...

a very sedate mum car - completely gutted and redone into a performance car by ralliart...

most people don't get past the original "colt" though, the sedate mum car...

bchliu

03-05-2009, 07:06 PM

reminds me of the comment in Motor mag.. "Nanna's shopping trolley on steroids" or something..

It looks alright now.. the next model will be crap when they do bring it out here.. (be worse than now).

Corosith

03-05-2009, 07:27 PM

The colt seems to selling just fine atm. Plenty of new members and new purchases happening lately!:)

Spaceboy

03-05-2009, 07:44 PM

i own minis so i dont care if a car is a "girls" car or whatever.

but we bought the colt for my wife :p

i dont feel as if it is girly at all though. and if you dont like the styling then buy something else or get used to it :D

the current model rcolt is styled similar to the evo 9, so it only makes sense the new one will have similar styling to the evo x

lovecolt

03-05-2009, 08:15 PM

Looks is subjective as usual. Just like my wife hate the looks of EVO where she reckon why the heck do that car have so many holes everywhere :D

IMO, RColt looks hot as and nothing like the normal colt.

However, i do hope the next colt will take the Mazda 2 approach where they have gone from a boxy tall hatch to a more smooth lining shape.

emporerone

01-10-2009, 10:36 PM

I think its mostly to do with the lack of marketing and getting the actual RCOLT recognised. In my experience, I didn't even know the RCOLT existed or what it was until last Thursday evening (exactly 1 week ago), shopped around on Friday, bought one on Saturday! Ralliart/MMAL were probably targeting a very niche market with the RCOLT.

IMO, the RCOLT looks stunning... Definitely the best looking, best performing car in its class hands down! The ES, cabriolet, and VRX etc. Colts look very average and were nowhere near my radar when I was looking at buying a car, thus I had no idea what an RCOLT was!

I :heart: my RCOLT! :D

coltz

22-09-2010, 01:35 AM

I have to say i am also guilty for not looking too much into the Colt Ralliart since it was released in 2006, until 2 weeks ago! Now i have laid a deposit on one :) Main reasons for me are pricing, practicality, reliability and safety. As someone already said, times have changed and people want better efficiency and value in cars. I was looking for a small, practical, reliable hot hatch as a 2nd car, and needs to be fuel efficient yet fun to drive and not cost me much to buy and upkeep. So i looked at the usual popular suspects, Mini Cooper S, Polo GTI, Polo TSI, Fiesta XR4, Renault Clio Sport, but end of day i decided no expensive European cars, and i didn't like the XR4 for flawed design and ergonomics, not to mention its reliability. So i found a well priced 2nd hand RColt and took it for a test drive and bingo, choice made. I used to drive a heavily modified 200sx, also had a modified Mazda 3 MPS, and MY97WRX so i am quite over the tuning / mod scene, but the Colt Ralliart made me passionate about driving cars again. However if it wasn't for the price i am paying ($23,990 driveaway NEW) and the extra side/curtain airbags that came with it, plus Mitsubishi's fantastic warranty and capped servicing price, i probably would not be buying one. And seriously the only Mitsubishi i used to look at was the Lancer Evolution, nothing else and i nearly got a Evo9 (lost a deposit because of that). But since then pricing have been steadily creeping up and i think its a bad move. If Mitsubishi wants to challenge for market share, keep prices low and improve value and quality! If Hyundai can do it, so can you!