Mitsu and Chrysler did a lot of cross licensing in the 1970s. Starting with Dodge Colt back in IIRC 1968 - it was a Mitsu Colt given to Dodge to sell.
You’re close, Colt started fall 70 (MY 71) when the Vega and Pinto came out. Also the Plymouth Cricket came out that year.
Yeah, I remember the Dodge Colts and Champs. First talking car we’d heard—in a metallic female voice: “Ding*The door is a jar. Ding*The door is a jar.” Maddening to work on with the door open, if plain old buzzers bugged you...