Mitsubishi i

Mitsubishi i
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Production2006–2013
AssemblyKurashiki, Okayama, Japan (Mizushima plant)
DesignerOlivier Boulay
Body and chassis
ClassKei car
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutMid-engine, rear-/four-wheel drive
PlatformMitsubishi MR platform
Powertrain
Engine659 cc 3B20 DOHC MIVEC 12v normally aspirated or turbocharger I3
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,550 mm (100.4 in)
Length3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height1,600 mm (63.0 in)
Curb weight890–900 kg (1,960–1,980 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMitsubishi Pistachio
Mitsubishi Minica
SuccessorMitsubishi i-MiEV
Mitsubishi eK

The Mitsubishi i (三菱・i, Mitsubishi i) is a kei car from automaker Mitsubishi Motors, first released in January 2006,[1] twenty eight months after its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.[2] It is the first four-door automobile since the 1960s to employ a "rear midship" setup with the engine behind the passengers, in an attempt to improve safety and interior space without enlarging the overall exterior.[1][3][unreliable source]

The innovative layout and styling of the i proved an immediate critical and commercial success, exceeding Mitsubishi's initial sales targets by 20 percent and winning thirteen awards in its first year.[4][5] Although designed with the Japanese keijidōsha light automobile class in mind, the attention it generated led to its subsequent introduction in right hand drive markets in Asia, Oceania and Europe. It is also used as a basis of the 2009 i-MiEV battery electric vehicle.

  1. ^ a b "New concept for the future of small: 'i'" (Press release). Mitsubishi Motors. January 24, 2006. Archived from the original on April 4, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2006.
  2. ^ ""i" Concept Test Car". Mitsubishi Motors. Archived from the original on May 6, 2006.
  3. ^ Wan, Mark (November 18, 2005). "Mitsubishi i". Autozine. Archived from the original on August 24, 2006.
  4. ^ Facts & Figures (PDF). Mitsubishi Motors. 2007. p. 39. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 22, 2012.
  5. ^ Rowley, Ian (November 14, 2006). "Mitsubishi's award winning minicar". Businessweek. Archived from the original on October 14, 2007.