Caught at a promotional photo-shoot in Berlin, Germany, the 2009 Mitsubishi Colt is clearly sporting the current generation Lancer's distinctive shark-nose treatment up front (those neat lines having been penned by Aussie designer Peter Arcadipane), with similar Lancer-style taillights out back. Not a bad thing in my book.

As manufacturers increasingly look to distinguish themselves from each other, it's becoming increasingly common for their models to share a design template for improved brand cohesion and awareness.

Reports indicate that the 2009 model Colt is set to debut at this year's Paris Motor Show. It will be interesting to see how the new front end beefs up the looks on the more sporting Colt offerings - I think it will work a treat.

What do you think guys and girls? Is it a smart move to share visuals between models or does it remove too much of a car's individuality?

[Source: CarScoop]

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  Adam says,
  5 years ago

  I think in general it is a good move to share (more-or-less) the same design across a whole model range, especially for parts availability, but in this case it's too chunky and 'korean' in shape. The current ralliart colt has a tightly styled body and would look good with the lancer front, imho..
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  DriveCritic says,
  5 years ago

  I think it's a good move to have a corporate face a la BMW's kidney grille, Merc's distinctive grille and Audi etc. It does create better brand awareness that's for sure.
  It'll be interesting to see a Pajero with the 'shark nose' though.
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  This post has been listed on http://www.DriveCritic.com/
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  Alec says,
  5 years ago

  Looks much better that the current colt!
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  Tony says,
  5 years ago

  The only problem I see is that the sides are now too boring compared for the rest of the car- let's see a nice looking side skirt to jazz it up a bit!
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  Bobby says,
  5 years ago

  I am a big fan of the new Lancer front, gives it that agressive front that they used to have on old Galants and to an extent on the Legnums. The rear however, I don't like. Even on the Lancer, I feel the rear tailights just aren't agressive at all which is a big shame, particularly in the case of the EVO.. a car which should look angry!
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  Haydos says,
  5 years ago

  OMG!
  
  When do we get that?? That new front end would look sick as on the Ralliart Colt.
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  Andrew says,
  5 years ago

  I like the new Lancer's front end design, & think the rear end is very Alfa Romeo in the tail light treatment. As for the photos of the proposed 09'Colt with Lancer influenced grille, mmm I dont think it fits with the Colt body design at all-the tailights are also an unhappy combination.
  If this is the work of a professional auto stylist, I do hope they are'nt paying them too much...