Mitsubishi To Show Tiny Car in NY

Published March 15, 2008

Unlike the i-MIEV, the gas-powered i-minicar is a production model that has been selling in Japan since 2006. With its planned American debut, some are now speculating that Mitsubishi intends on making it available in the U.S.

Mitsubishi will show its ultra-compact i-minicar next week at the New York International Auto Show. The stylish little vehicle is a gas-powered version of the slightly-better-known i-MIEV electric car [1] concept, which will also be on display at the show. Unlike the i-MIEV, the 'i' is a production model that has been selling in Japan since 2006.

The four-seater i-minicar utilizes a lightweight aluminum chassis. It is powered by a three-cylinder 64-horsepower gas engine, combining a turbocharger with variable valve timing to achieve approximately 55 miles per gallon. Top speed is approximately 90 miles per hour. Though highway-capable, the 'i' is ideal for city driving with its concise overall length of 133.7. inches—28 inches longer than the Smart ForTwo [2] and a foot shorter than the Mini Cooper [3]—and a tight 13 foot turning radius. ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution come as standard safety features.

American consumers thirsty for greener car alternatives may want a definitive answer on when the i-minicar and/or i-Miev wil be introduced in the United States. But that question is not likely to be answered in New York or anytime soon.