The Mitsubishi Colt Aiolia, whose original Japanese name was written as 三菱コルトAolia, was a concept car built on the top-spec, 16-valve version of the then-new Colt line, sold in Japan as the Mirage. Its name, meaning "lord of the winds", referred to its convertible transformation feature rather than to a production body style.
Instead of the standard three-door body, the Aiolia used a modified rear section with a hardtop that could lower electrically down to belt height at the push of a button, turning the car from a five-seat closed model into an open two-seater. This design was considered acceptable because rear passengers in open cars are already exposed to significant wind. An upturned trailing edge at the rear of the hardtop functioned as either a roof or a rear spoiler depending on its position. A raised front apron, sill extensions and pronounced rear fender flares emphasized the sporting intent of the concept, along with distinctive fan-shaped white alloy wheels.
Mechanically it used the Mitsubishi Colt/Mirage 16V running gear, a 1595 cc four-cylinder engine with DOHC and 16 valves producing 125 hp at 6500 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 5200 rpm. It measured 3950 mm long and 1670 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2385 mm and a track of 1430 mm, seating five or two depending on roof configuration.
