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When 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]

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:

• Autoblog: Brought to you by the letter Kei: Mitsubishi's new eK Wagon and eK Sport
• AutoblogGreen: Mitsubishi Motors launches more environmentally friendly eK Wagon & Sport in Japan
• Nissan: Autech Rider Collection

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source: Nissan Japan]

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]