An unlikely visitor made the trip from Japan to London for the British Motor Show. Joining the rest of Mitsubishi's lineup at ExCeL is one of Mitsubishi's "i" kei cars. Mitsubishi UK is in the final stages of a feasability study as to whether or not there's a market for the "i" in Britain.
The automaker is conducting surveys nationwaide to gauge demand, and if you're in London, you can make your voice heard at the Mitsu stand as well. In Japan, the "i" is equipped with a 600cc MIVEC DOHC 3-cylinder engine that's good for 64 horsepower. It's mated to either a 2WD or AWD drivetrain. Current speculation is that if the "i" is exported to the UK, it'll use that powerplant and be a 2WD-only vehicle.
Given that small city cars are very practical and popular in Europe, and that the "i" is a uniquely stylish little car, there's probably a good chance that our British friends will be seeing them on local roadways in due time.
(Press release after the jump)
[Source: Mitsubishi]
Press Release:
Mitsubishi needs you and 'i' at the British International Motor Show
Following extensive regional showing of its innovative new-age addition to its range, the 'i' car, Mitsubishi is showcasing this exciting model at the British International Motor Show in ExCeL London.
After a successful Japanese launch, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is carrying out nationwide opinion surveys to establish how appealing on the 'i', it is to the British public.
Gabi Whitfield, general manager, press and public affairs at Mitsubishi in the UK said, 'The British International Motor Show in London is the final stage of our feasibility study into our plans for the 'i' car here in the UK. So far, the programme has been well supported and has generated a lot of interest in this exciting new offering from Mitsubishi. Come and take a look at the model on our stand to help us in our final decision.'
If Mitsubishi does go ahead and bring the 'i' to the UK, it is likely to be available in the guise of the 600cc, two-wheel drive four-speed automatic version and will be limited in numbers. Your vote counts and you will decide whether the 'i's have it for Mitsubishi's stylish little car – make it count.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hank @ Jul 22nd 2006 3:18PM
I don't know why, I think it's the side of me that really likes practicality, efficiency and my little Swiss Army knife, but I really like this funky little car.
epp_b @ Jul 22nd 2006 3:47PM
Another too-girly-for-girls car a la Nissan Micra?
Tim UF @ Jul 22nd 2006 3:49PM
"In Japan, the "i" is equipped with a 64-horsepower 600cc MIVEC DOHC 3-cylinder engine that's good for 64 horsepower." from the Department of Redundancy Department.
If theres a market for the smart, how is there not a market for this? Is the smart so well established that competition can't wiggle into the market?
Joe Condon @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:34PM
From what was said in the review of it in CAR magazine, they said it was kind of like a four door smart fortwo, like what the forfour should have been. Hope it comes to the U.S., though the likelihood is zip.
Alex Nunez @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:34PM
Thanks for pointing that out, Tim. Corrected...
Tim UF @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:45PM
I got your back Alex.
Cervus @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:45PM
There are motorcycles with engines bigger than this car. Hell, I can buy a Suzuki Burgman 650 with a bigger engine than this car.
I strongly doubt it could meet US safety standards.
Clarence @ Jul 22nd 2006 4:51PM
It would probably be a SMART thing for them to do.
Tim UF @ Jul 22nd 2006 7:29PM
"a SMART thing to do", thats awesome.
starlightmica @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:08PM
Hey Zap, looking for another funky little product? here's the next one. Don't know if it comes in LHD, though.
RisingSunofNihon @ Jul 23rd 2006 2:40AM
I don't think I've ever seen one of these cars on the road over here. They do look different than the current crop of kei cars on the road, though. Wonder how that will do in the UK...?
Donald @ Jul 23rd 2006 8:26AM
The fact that it should not be forgotten is that this car seats 4 unlike the Smart ForTwo, and has a mid-engined layout with RWD.
The car also has aluminum-ceramic brakes and weighs less then a Lotus Elise.
Also, the car can fir the 1 liter class engines that are in the Micra/March according to Mitsubishi, and those engines may be much more cheaper to make then the high strung 660cc Turbo engines.
The are currently on sale in Japan for $11,000 and gets around 45mpg.
gabba @ Jul 23rd 2006 9:05AM
The fact that it should not be forgotten is that this car seats 4 unlike the Smart ForTwo, and has a mid-engined layout with RWD.
The car also has aluminum-ceramic brakes and weighs less then a Lotus Elise.
Also, the car can fir the 1 liter class engines that are in the Micra/March according to Mitsubishi, and those engines may be much more cheaper to make then the high strung 660cc Turbo engines.
The are currently on sale in Japan for $11,000 and gets around 45mpg.
jon @ Jul 23rd 2006 9:15AM
The day for these little cars is coming soon (gas prices).There's just too many SUV's and bigger cars on the road right now to make people feel safe driving one.Might be good on local roads in a resort community but not on the frantic Long Island Expressway.
Dan @ Jul 23rd 2006 11:58AM
Queer "i" for the straight guy?
John @ Jul 24th 2006 12:26AM
this car rocks! I want to see it everywhere.
Joe @ Jul 24th 2006 11:33AM
Agreed. Since the SMART will be coming to the US, this could be an alternative for the the people who can't afford the SMART car.
Tim C @ Jul 24th 2006 4:44PM
"7. There are motorcycles with engines bigger than this car. Hell, I can buy a Suzuki Burgman 650 with a bigger engine than this car."
Hell, you can buy a Cadillac Escalade if you like. What's your point?
wayne p @ Jul 25th 2006 9:52PM
I saw this car traveling down Valley View St in Garden Grove Ca last week. It was going in the opposite direction and I couldn't get my camera out in time. I didn't know what it was at the time as i couldnt see any manuf name on the front. On the drivers side there was a very large 'i' like a magnetic number you would see on race cars. And then it was gone....
mitsubishi concept cars @ Oct 7th 2006 12:51PM
this model is very powerfull, at 64hp, for it's weight.
i like that