Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mitsubishi kei cars "Bloom" for Japan's ladies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/mitsubishi-kei-cars-bloom-for-japans-ladies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/mitsubishi-kei-cars-bloom-for-japans-ladies/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/26/mitsubishi-kei-cars-bloom-for-japans-ladies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for photo gallery

Bloom EditionWhen you boil away everything else, the core elements of the new "Bloom Edition" Mitsubishi kei cars are their Sakura Pink paint; light-colored, water-resistant seat fabrics; and makeup mirrors. Yes, there are other colors available, and we're sure some of the Japanese shoppers (women, specifically) who Mitsu is targeting might also appreciate the cars' UV glass with water-repellent coating (think "factory Rain-X" here). But the real package centers on the Hello Kitty-look that the pink brings.

The Bloom Edition package is available on the "i" (above) and eK Wagon kei cars. It's not uncommon to see keis marketed in pastels with an eye toward female buyers anyway, but these Bloom Editions are about as direct as you can get. Who knew vanity mirrors could actually be promoted as a selling point?

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi i and eK Wagon "Bloom Edition"

Bloom Edition badgeMitsubishi I Mitsubishi i Mitsubishi eK Wagon Mitsubishi eK Wagon

Mitsubishi kei cars "Bloom" for Japan's ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloom editionBloomEditionkeikei carsKeiCarsmitsubishimitsubishi ek wagonmitsubishi iMitsubishiEkWagonMitsubishiIsakura pinkSakuraPinkWed, 26 Dec 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Spawn of eK: New Nissan Otti released in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/spawn-of-ek-new-nissan-otti-released-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/spawn-of-ek-new-nissan-otti-released-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/04/spawn-of-ek-new-nissan-otti-released-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Otti Rider Autech
Nissan Otti Rider

Prior to the release of the latest Mitsubishi eK Wagon, an announcement was made that Mitsu would be supplying Nissan with their own version of the new kei car. No surprise, really, as the previous-gen eK was also sold as the Nissan Otti. Well, the day we all knew was coming has arrived, as Nissan unveils their new Otti minicar. Everything -- the power sliding passenger-side door, the engines, specifications, SU-LEV rating (for the non-turbo) etc. -- corresponds exactly to the new Mitsu. Even the wheels and/or wheel covers are identical. This is as straight a rebadge as you'll ever see.

The Otti S/E/M trims are the Nissanized eK Wagon, while the Otti RS/RX trims are the doppelgangers of the eK Sport. Nissan does offer the new Otti with the Japan-market "Rider" package by it's in-house customizer, Autech. It adds elements like aftermarket grilles and wheels that freshen the look and actually set it apart somewhat from its Mitsubishi clone. It's not all fun and games with Autech. They also make an Otti LV "Life Care Vehicle" that offers easier access for the disabled.

Nissan hopes to sell 2,600 Ottis a month, a number they'll probably exceed in a week or so when you consider that Mitsubishi hit its 6,000/month eK target in the first two weeks it was offered. Ditto Subaru with the Stella and Daihatsu with the Sonica. The Japanese loooove their kei cars and order 'em in bunches when they're new to market.

If you didn't like the eK, you won't like this car. If you like the eK, well, you're not going to find much to dislike here. More info's available in the press release after the jump and at the car's official site, where the "Otti Song" that launches automatically will, without question, make you insane.

Related posts & info:

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source: Nissan Japan]

Continue reading Spawn of eK: New Nissan Otti released in Japan

Spawn of eK: New Nissan Otti released in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ek sportek wagonEkSportEkWagonmitsubishi ek wagonMitsubishiEkWagonottiWed, 04 Oct 2006 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Brought to you by the letter Kei: Mitsubishi's new eK Wagon and eK Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/brought-to-you-by-the-letter-kei-mitsubishis-new-ek-wagon-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/brought-to-you-by-the-letter-kei-mitsubishis-new-ek-wagon-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/brought-to-you-by-the-letter-kei-mitsubishis-new-ek-wagon-and/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi eK Sport R

New kei cars are fun to cover. The impossibly small yet practical Japanese minicars manage to cram a lot of style and usability into a tight package. Mitsubishi's eK Wagon series has been a strong seller since its introduction in 2001, and the redesigned version (on sale today across Japan) looks to build on that success.

The new eK boasts a power sliding door on the driver's passenger side, a first for "bonnet-type" minicars. ("Bonnet-type" simply means the car's nose protrudes in the traditional sense.) The system uses hidden door rails, keeping the small exterior nice and tidy. Obviously, with small, tall wagons, there's not a lot you can do, stylewise, but Mitsubishi does a good job, giving the eK Wagon a clean look with friendly face. The eK Sport gets sterner features up front, and muscles up with front and rear spoilers, sill extensions, and 14" alloys.

Inside, the staid eK Wagon gets a grey and beige interior, while the eK Sport gets done up in all black. Optional Recaros can dress up the Sport even further. Both cars can be fitted with upgraded stereos, nav and other convenience features.

(Continues after the jump. Pics, press release follow as well)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Brought to you by the letter Kei: Mitsubishi's new eK Wagon and eK Sport

Brought to you by the letter Kei: Mitsubishi's new eK Wagon and eK Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ekek sportek sport rek wagonEkSportEkSportREkWagonkk carKCarkeikei carKeiCarmitsubishi ekmitsubishi ek sportmitsubishi ek wagonmitsubishi keiMitsubishiEkMitsubishiEkSportMitsubishiEkWagonMitsubishiKeinissan ottiNissanOttiWed, 13 Sep 2006 16:12:00 EST