Mitsubishi i: In Detail

Press Release

Summary

• Mitsubishi Motors UK is currently undertaking feasibility study with a view to importing the “i” early in 2007
• Innovative supermini mixes style with practicality
• One highly-specified model proposed to be priced at £8,999
• All-new platform with rear-mid-engined layout
• One-motion silhouette
• Narrow width gives it a key advantage in the city
• New 660cc, 3-cylinder, 12valve engine with turbocharger/intercooler and MIVEC variable valve timing.
• Develops 64bhp@6000 rpm and 93Nm@3000rpm.
• INVECS-II 4-speed automatic gearbox standard
• Environmentally-friendly and cheap to run: 55.0mpg, CO2 g/km <120 (est)
• Ample space for four adults and their luggage
• Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, keyless entry, electric windows/mirrors, Xenon headlights, front fog lights, radio/CD
• Space-frame structure provides exceptional crash protection
• ISOFIX child seat mounting points, twin airbags, ABS with EBD
• “i” was launched in Japan in January 2006
• “i” will be Mitsubishi’s first vehicle to be launched with its ‘green technology’.  The “i” MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle) is scheduled to be launched in Japan in 2010

Design and Packaging

• One motion silhouette capitalises on rear-mid-engined configuration
• Wheel-at-each corner stance benefits stability and interior space
• Designed in Mitsubishi ’s Tokyo studio
• Narrow stance is a boon in city traffic
• Shorter than its rivals for easy parking, but with a longer wheelbase for improved passenger space
• Ample space for four adults and their luggage
• Ergonomically designed fascia with generous storage space
• First Japanese car to use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified hypoallergenic seat fabric

Exterior

The “i”’s one-motion silhouette fully capitalises on its rear-mid-engined configuration. The elegant one-box shape optimises the car’s interior volume while creating at look that is neat, contemporary and self-consciously Japanese. This is a shape that will appeal to a wide demographic and stand out from the crowd without looking contrived.

Styled at Mitsubishi’s design studio in Tokyo, the “i” employs a wheel-at-each corner to optimise cabin space and improve high speed stability. There is some terrific detailing, such as the geometic head and tail lamps, which contribute to the car’s sense of fun. The “i” appears friendly and upbeat, without being effeminate or unnecessarily cutesy.

Its dimensions are ideally suited to the demands of modern, urban motoring. At 1475mm, it’s significantly narrower than both traditional supermini, such as the Mitsubishi Colt, and city cars such as the Peugeot 107. The “i” is 155mm narrower than the 107, which affords it a key advantage in the cut and thrust of city traffic. The “i” will slide through gaps that would be impossible in a more traditional city car.

At 3,395mm long, the “i” is shorter than all its key rivals, including city cars such as the Toyota Aygo, making it exceptionally easy to park. But its rear-mid-engined configuration and wheel-at-each-corner stance has created a wheelbase that’s even longer than full-size superminis, such as the Colt. This has considerable benefits for both passenger accommodation and vehicle dynamics.

If the car is given the green light for the UK, it will be available in a choice of three different colours: silver metallic, black pearlescent and light blue metallic. There will be no additional charge for any of these colours.

Interior

The benefits of a compact, rear-mid-engined configuration are self-evident the moment you step into the cabin. The cab-forward stance, ultra-long (2550mm) wheelbase and wheel-at-each corner proportions combine to provide generous passenger accommodation. In contrast to its city car rivals, the “i” offers ample room for four adults and their luggage. Head room is particularly generous and this helps to give the cabin a light, airy, spacious feel.  This feeling is perpetuated by the large windscreen and low-slung dashboard, which also contributes to excellent visibility.

The interior has been sculptured to give the occupants the impression that they’re enveloped in a protective cocoon. Soft, organic curves generate a sense of well-being and the plastics are of a high standard. The vehicle’s fascia is self-consciously Japanese in design – it’s neat, modern and functional. All the controls have been ergonomically optimised for the driver and operate with a crisp, positive action.

The “i” is the first Japanese car to use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified hypoallergenic seat fabric. This, in combination with a clean air filter for the standard automatic air conditioning system and a deodorant roof lining, helps to reduce unwanted odours (including body odour!) and the level of volatile organic compounds (VOC). For passenger’s susceptible to allergies, this represents a major breakthrough.

Interior storage space is generous, befitting the “i”’s urban aspirations. Careful attention has been paid to ensuring that precious items, such as telephones or MP3 players, can be stored out of the sight of prying eyes.

If larger objects need to be carried, the rear seatbacks split 50:50 and fold forwards at the pull of a lever to create a flat and roomy luggage compartment.

Running Gear

• New 660cc 3-cylinder, 12valve engine with turbocharger/intercooler and MIVEC variable valve timing.
• Develops 64bhp@6000 rpm and 93Nm@3000rpm
• 0-50mph in 11.2sec, top speed c.90mph
• Evironmentally-friendly: 55.0mpg, CO2 g/km <120 (est.)
• INVECS-II 4-speed automatic gearbox standard

Engine

The “i” is powered by an all-new, technologically advanced petrol engine. This all-alloy, 660cc unit has been designed to be as light and compact as possible. A turbocharger and intercooler combine with MIVEC* variable valve timing on the intake valvetrain to deliver 64bhp at 6000rpm and 93Nm (69lb ft) of torque at 3000rpm. An electronic throttle optimises the engine’s response to combine sprightly acceleration with lowly fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The “i” will reach 50mph from rest in 11.2 sec, while the top speed is around 90mph. It is expected to achieve a combined consumption of 55.0mpg and its carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at less than 120g/km. The “i” is not only cheap to run, it’s also an ideal choice for the environmentally-aware.

The engine is located in front of the rear axle, in a rear-mid-engined configuration. In the event of an accident, it has been designed to deform in harmony with the body structure to protect the occupants.

* Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system

Gearbox

• 4-speed automatic

Unusually in the supermini class, the “i” is fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard. The technologically advanced INVECS-II 4-speed automatic proves an ideal foil to the three cylinder engine. For urban dwellers in particular, where stop-start traffic is the norm, the benefits of a self-shifter cannot be overstated. The fully-automatic system is also smoother and more intuitive than the semi-automatic alternatives offered by some of Mitsubishi’s rivals.