Mitsubishi i: In Detail

Mitsubishi i

Innovative four-seater city car

By Text & Photos edited by F. de Leeuw van Weenen
August 18, 2006 7:45 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Mitsubishi

Press Release

Overview

Mitsubishi Motors UK is carrying out a feasibility study on the “i”, an innovative four-seater city car that went on sale in Japan in early 2006. If the study proves successful, the “i” will be imported as a single, highly specified model and priced at £8,999. It will compete against city cars such as the Toyota Aygo, and lifestyle-orientated susperminis such as the Peugeot 1007.

The name “i” implies many things. It is a play on the Japanese word “ai” meaning love, which emphasises the car’s people- and eco-friendly properties. “i” also implies individuality, innovation, imagination and intelligence – qualities that are encapsulated in this diminutive Mitsubishi.

The “i” is built around a bespoke aluminium space-frame chassis with a 660cc, three cylinder turbo engine located in front of the rear axle. This unique rear-mid-engined configuration is reflected in the ‘one motion’ shape, which optimises the car’s interior volume while creating a 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.

Its dimensions are ideally suited to the demands of modern, urban motoring. It’s both narrower and shorter than its city car and supermini rivals, which is a key advantage in the cut and thrust of urban driving. But while the footprint is small, the wheelbase is longer than most full-sized superminis, including the Mitsubishi Colt, to the benefit of both passenger space and vehicle dynamics. (see quick reference table)

The benefits of the long wheelbase are immediately apparent when you open one of the five doors. There is ample space inside for a quartet of adults and their luggage. The large windscreen and low-slung dashboard provide a light, airy ambience and contribute to the vehicle’s excellent visibility.

The fascia is constructed using high quality plastics and the soft, organic shapes conjure a sense of well-being. The “i” is the first Japanese car to use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified hypoallergenic seat fabric, which, in combination with a deodorant roof lining and a clean air filter for the standard automatic air conditioning, purifies the cabin. For passengers susceptible to allergies, this represents a major breakthrough.

The cabin is also packed with secure storage space for the odds and ends that are part of contemporary motoring life. And if more luggage space is required, the rear-seat back splits 50:50 and folds flat.

Powering the “i” is an all-alloy, 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine that combines a turbocharger and intercooler with MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake valvetrain. This provides drive to the rear wheels through the standard-fit INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission, which helps take the stress out of urban motoring.

The engine delivers 64bhp at 6000rpm and 93Nm (69lb ft) of torque at 3000rpm, helping the “i” accelerate from 0 to 50mph in 11.2sec and on to a top speed of around 90mph. The average consumption is estimated at 55.0mpg, while the carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be lower than 120g/km, making the “i” an ideal choice for the environmentally conscious.

MacPherson struts at the front and a 3-link De Dion set-up at the rear make-up the suspension. The rear-mid-engined configuration has enabled the engineers to optimise the front-suspension set-up and combine a comfortable ride quality with responsive, nippy handling. The vehicle’s exceptionally long wheelbase and wheel-at-each corner stance promotes high-speed stability, while the taxi-like 4.5m turning circle adds to its appeal as an urban runabout.

The aluminium space-frame chassis and rear-mid-configuration also contribute to the safety credentials of Mitsubishi’s “i”.  The nose of the car contains a large crumple zone and the aluminium frame has been designed to absorb energy in frontal and side impacts. In a rear impact, the platform and engine work in unison to dissipate the energy.

Twin front airbags are fitted as standard while ISOFIX child seat mounting mounting points and anti-trap electric windows help protect the next generation.  Pedestrians are well protected thanks to an innovative energy-absorbing wiper pivot under the front bonnet, while the standard ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) helps drivers avoid an accident in the first place.

Just one version of “i” is being considered for the UK and, in the best Japanese tradition, it will come packed with standard equipment and the latest technology. Automatic air conditioning (climate control), a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, front and rear electric windows and electrically operated and folding door mirrors all feature as standard. So too does metallic paint and a keyless entry system that allows the driver to open the car and start the engine without taking the key out of their pocket or handbag.

Jim Tyrrell, Mitsubishi Motors UK managing director, says: “The “i” would offer a genuine alternative in a congested market. Its diminutive dimensions make it an ideal choice for the forward-thinking city dweller, but it’s equally capable on the open road. The “i” has already become a cult car in Japan and we’re confident that its space and sophistication, coupled with Mitsubishi’s reputation for quality and reliability, would also make it a hit in the UK.”

Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electric Vehicle (MIEV)

Mitsubishi has announced that the “i” will become the first production car to feature MIEV (Mitsubishi In-wheel Motor Electric Vehicle) technology. The Japanese launch is scheduled for 2010.

As its name suggest, MIEV locates the motor within the circumference of the wheel. This makes it possible to regulate drive torque and braking force independently at each wheel without the need for a transmission, drive shaft or other complex mechanical system. By locating a motor in each wheel, the “i” will offer the benefits of four-wheel drive.

The MIEV “i” will be powered by a Lithium-ion battery. It is estimated that by the time production starts, the car will offer a range of 250km from a four-hour charge. MIEV owners will be able to plug the car into their domestic plug socket and overnight charging could achieve an efficiency saving of up to 90per cent compared with a traditional petrol alternative. The car will initially be targeted at urban dwellers, who only use their vehicle to travel short distances.

In the future, MIEV could also be used in conjunction with hydrogen fuel cell technology. By mounting the motors in the wheels, MIEV will provide designers with greater freedom, creating exciting possibilities in the field of body design.

Quick reference information

In the UK the Daihatsu Sirion, Chevrolet Matiz, Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 are seen as key competitors to the “i”, together with lifestyle alternatives such as the Peugeot 1007.  The Citroen C1 and Suzuki Wagon R are felt to be on the fringe.

Dimensions compared to key compatitors and Colt 5 door

 

“i”

Colt 5dr

Sirion

Matiz

Aygo 5dr

107 5dr

Length

3,395

3,870

3,600

3,495

3,405

3,430

Width

1,475

1,695

1,665

1,495

1,615

1,630

Height

1,600

1,550

1,550

1,500

1,465

1,470

Wheelbase

2,550

2,500

2,430

2,345

2,340

2,340

Displacement

659

1,124

1,298

995

998

998

Power

64

74

86

64

67

68

Summary

Design and Packaging

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

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

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.

Dynamics

Platform

Mitsubishi’s engineers were asked to develop a platform that combined a low mass, with impressive structural rigidity and crash-protection. They responded by developing an all-new aluminium space-frame body structure, which employs a combination of die casting, extrusions and press formings. The side members, cross members, roof rails and bow use extrusions, the frame pillars use dies castings, and the floor pan and roof panels use press formings. They are joined together using a combination of laser welding and self-piercing rivets.

The net result is a structure that weighs 35% less than a traditional steel monocoque while achieving similar levels of bending and torsional strength. This rigidity is of benefit to both vehicle dynamics and occupant protection.

Suspension

The Mitsubishi “i’”s suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a 3-link De Dion set-up at the rear. The rear-mid-engined configuration has enabled the engineers to optimise the front suspension set-up and combine a comfortable ride quality with responsive, nippy handling. The vehicle’s exceptionally long wheelbase and wheel-at-each corner stance also promotes high-speed stability.

The car’s rear-wheel drive set-up is reflected in the tyre choice – 145/65R15 tyres at the front are joined by larger, 175/55R15 tyres are the rear. Grip levels are high and the Mitsubishi’s traction is further enhanced by a 45:55 front/rear weight distribution, which also helps reduce front-end ‘dive’ under braking. The “i” might call the city home, but it’s no less competent on the open road or motorway.

Steering

The rear-mid-engined configuration allows the “i” to offer light, responsive steering without the need for power assistance. This benefits the fuel consumption – there is none of the power-loss associated with traditional hydraulic assistance – and helps reduce the car’s complexity and overall mass.

The front-wheels can offer a wide-angle of movement, reducing the car’s turning circle to just 4.5m. The benefits of this for urban driving are self-evident.

Safety

Few subjects have dominated the motoring agenda in recent years more than safety. Today’s cars are safer than ever before the “i” has been designed to optimise both occupant and pedestrian safety.

The rear-mid-engined configuration allowed the engineers to develop a large crumple zone in the nose of the car, offering excellent occupant protection in a frontal impact (see picture below). The aluminium space-frame structure also has an important role to play in absorbing the impact energy. Large-section straight side rails extend along the length of the body and absorb and diffuse impact energy in a frontal collision. Strong cross members link these side rails and absorb side impact energy, while the floor and engine act in unison to alleviate the risk of injury in a rear impact.

Twin front airbags are fitted as standard to the “i”, while ISOFIX child seat mounting mounting points and anti-trap electric windows help protect the next generation.  Mitsubishi’s own analysis suggests that the “i” should achieve a 4star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Pedestrians are also well catered for. The absence of an engine in the front reduces the risk of a pedestrian striking a hard point under the bonnet and the “i” features an innovative energy-absorbing wiper pivot to reduce the transmission of impact energy in the event of a pedestrian striking a car. Mitsubishi is confident of achieving a Euro NCAP three star rating for pedestrian safety.

The standard fit ABS with EBD, coupled with secure handling, will help a driver avoid an accident in the first place. EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) automatically modulates the braking performance between the front and rear wheels to ensure the car stops as quickly and safely as possible. HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights are also fitted as standard and dramatically improve the driver’s night time visibility, making an important contribution to active safety.

Pricing, equipment and warranty

If the feasibility study proves successful, Mitsubishi Motors UK will import just one version of the “i” which, in the best Japanese tradition, will come packed with the latest technology. Automatic air conditioning (climate control), a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, front and rear electric windows and electrically operated and folding door mirrors all feature as standard. Its standard specification compares favourably with its main rivals, as the table below illustrates.

Mitsubishi also has a tradition of providing exceptional after-sales support, and the “i” would be no exception. It would be supplied with a 3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, a 3-year Pan European Recovery Service and a 6-year Anti-Corrosion Perforation warranty.