Mitsubishi's i is a funky little machine that performs well around town, writes Conor Twomey
MANY CARS are touted by their manufacturers as revolutionary or innovative when they're launched, but few can make that claim as legitimately as the Mitsubishi "i". For a start the "i" looks like nothing else on the road, futuristic and egg shaped, sure, but also oddly cool and appealing thanks to crisp detailing and a purposeful wheel-at-each corner stance.
Its basic shape is defined by its rear-engine layout, which allowed the designers to move the cabin forward, thereby creating a staggering amount of interior room without sacrificing safety. By pushing the glasshouse as far out as possible, occupants enjoy an expansive view of the world without that sense of being jammed into a tiny city car.
The driving position is fine for those who are 6ft despite the lack of steering wheel adjustment, while the simple seats are deceptively supportive and comfortable, even during the most procrastinated of commutes.
The cabin is also very attractive, with funky detailing and neat space-saving features like a handbag storage area under the dashboard, a digital speedometer within the rev-counter and neatly recessed door trims.
Although it doesn't look it, the "i" is an astonishing 155mm narrower than a Toyota Aygo, but because of its tall cabin and a wheelbase that's longer than most superminis, it's easily able to accommodate four adult occupants, provided, however, they don't need to bring too much along with them.
A 660cc, three-cylinder, turbo-charged engine lives under the boot floor (although it's technically mid-engined because the engine is slightly ahead of the rear axle) and that does tend to eat into the boot space somewhat.
There's no additional boot space up front either (the front compartment is packed with the car's auxiliary units to help balance its weight), so unless you can fit it into the cabin, you'll just have to leave it behind.
Although the engine is tiny in terms of capacity, the turbo and intercooler manage to boost output to 64hp and 93Nm, which is enough to propel the "i" to 100km/h in 14.9 seconds and on to a top of 145km/h.
Oddly, a four-speed automatic - rather than a CVT or clutchless manual - is standard, emphasising its purpose as a commuter car, but thanks to its aluminium space frame chassis and all-alloy engine, the "i" weighs only 900kg so remains extremely CO2 efficient, pumping out only 114g of CO2 per km.
That light weight also pays dividends in terms of ride and handling, although the long wheelbase and Mitsubishi's decision to use an elaborate De Dion rear suspension design play their part as well.
The "i" rides with surprising refinement and suppleness, shrugging off even the worst backroad potholes, and because the front wheels are only asked to steer (it is rear-wheel drive) it changes direction with unexpectedly eagerness.
Push it too hard and understeer will quickly set in, but it's easily righted with a lift of the throttle, although the automatic transmission ruins any chances of steering the "i" on the throttle - power delivery arrives in all-or-nothing batches, accompanied by a fair bit of coarse engine noise.
Around town, the "i" comes into its own, zipping through traffic with remarkable ease, and squeezing into spots that would be impossible for normal cars to tackle.
Mitsubishi also plans to produce an electric version in Japan in 2010, with European exports expected shortly thereafter.
An electric motor, inverter and an on-board recharger replace the conventional petrol engine in the rear while compact, latest-generation lithium-ion batteries replace the fuel tank.
The car's bodywork requires only the slightest of changes to accommodate the electric motor, and two recharging systems will be available, one using household sockets and the other special quick-charge outlets which can recharge the battery pack to around 80 per cent capacity in only 30 minutes.
Mitsubishi reckons that because it has twice the torque of the petrol car (180Nm versus 94Nm) it will perform better around town, while also being considerably quieter and more refined.
It should also be considerably cheaper to run than the conventional petrol model, costing around a third as much to run in Japan.
The good news is that both versions are probably coming to Ireland, albeit in vey small numbers and to special order only. Mitsubishi Ireland knows that the "i" isn't for everyone, so it really doesn't have any sales targets for the futuristic city car, although with only 500 allocated between the UK and Ireland, it's expected to be a case of demand outstripping supply.
Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but an entry-level price of around €13,500 now seems feasible since it falls into the new 14 percent VRT band.
Standard specification should include climate control, 15-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors and a leather steering wheel.
It even comes with a little booklet that explains what the "i" is all about which is a handy thing to have as it answers all the questions prospective owners are likely to be asked every time they head out around town in their little innovation.