Mitsubishi's New Minicar: The Future of Small?
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 01.26.06
Mitsubishi launched its new "i" minicar this week in Japan. Using a newly developed platform with an original rear-midship layout that mounts the engine forward of the rear axle line, the new "i" series includes both 2WD and 4WD models, and continues the trend of small (but safe -- the press release boasts "excellent multidirectional impacy safety"), efficient autos that Japan has been producing for years but the US has only recently begun to embrace. The rear-mounted engine allows for increased interior space and comfort while keeping the efficiency of the small design intact. The i platform is also the basis for Mitsubishi’s recently-introduced Concept-CT series/parallel hybrid. The "i" uses a new 3-cylinder, 660cc turbocharged engine that delivers between 5.56 l/100km (42.3 mpg US) in the 4WD version and 5.43 l/100km (43.3 mpg US) in the 2WD model, with emissions (126 grams of CO2/km) that are 50% lower than the Japanese 2005 Low-Emission Vehicle requirements, making this a pretty clean, pretty efficient little number. No word on whether Mitsubishi will be chasing the Toyota Yaris for US small-car market share; if it did, it would cost between ¥1.3 million and ¥1.6 million; the equivalent of US$11,300 to US$14,000. ::Misubishi Motors Corporation via ::Green Car Congress
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I really like that, particularly the gas mileage.
I bet European drivers -- at least French female drivers -- would adopt this car. It looks like the Renault Twingo. Anyway, it shouldn't available for old Europe for now.
Too dainty for most women drivers. I like the style. Quiet distinctive. http://autopartsdealers.blogspot.com/2005/10/mitsubishi-concept-x-soon-to-induce.html
not nearly enough info do we have to wait five years on sky tv to get top gears comment.
questions is this a microcar can it be driven on a b1 prvisional license . whats its weight . whats its insurance listing. engine is mounted forwards of rear axle under the passengers seat what will the vibration and heat factors be like. and are you sure of the price it seems a tad expensive for it's size.