2008 New York Auto Show: Mitsubishi i, i MiEV

• Looks like: Something a meter maid would drive
• Defining characteristics: Small size, electric power plant
• Ridiculous features: “Minority Report” looks
• Chance of being mass-produced: These are already on sale in Japan, but the chance they’ll come to the U.S. is less than 50%

Mitsubishi’s tiny i minicar has been on sale in Japan since 2006, but the company will display it at a U.S. auto show for the first time next week at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The gasoline version isn’t a concept but a production model, while an electric-powered version called the i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) is a concept.

The concept i MiEV will sit next to the i at the show and has a small electric motor that the company says is a better performer than the small, 64-hp gasoline engine already on sale. It has a lithium-ion battery, and Mitsubishi says it can travel 100 miles on a single charge. The kicker is, the i MiEV will go on sale in Japan in 2009.

The i car (133.7 inches) is a couple feet longer than a Smart ForTwo (106.1 inches) and about a foot shorter than a Mini Cooper (146.2 inches). We’d guess it could pass U.S. safety regulations, but Mitsubishi is pretty mum on its intentions when it comes to putting it on sale in the U.S. That makes us wonder why the company would bother showing the cars at the New York show. Perhaps it just wants some green-friendly publicity. What do you think? With the Toyota iQ possibly coming to the states, is there room for another similar model? Or even the electric one? A few more photos below.

Comments

[ziggy]

This is something that I would consider buying, either all electric, all gas or hybrid. It reminds me a lot of the Smart forfour. The gas version gets about 45mpg and sells for a lot less than hybrids with the same mpg figures. Hope it comes stateside.

[Mart]

It's on sale in the UK too (th eonly EU market to get it, being that its RHD only). It's pretty highly rated within that market for sub-supermini cars. I think it looks GREAT...

[j]

Despite the infamaous Mitsubishi recall-coverup scandal in Japan recently, this car is selling like hot cakes there. single woman love it's cute style and low price. Starts at around $9,500 and comes with around 50 HP.

[drivin98]

I really want the electric one.

[ziggy]

Just read on another site that there is a European company called Think that has developed an electric that can go 150 miles on a charge. They have a 2 door and 4 door version that could go into production soon.

[J]

The original i K-car is already impressive.
It would be a great chance for Mitsubishi to recover in the US market if they do bring this electronic version over. Still better than getting a smart.

[Ben Brown]

Wow! I thought the electric version wouldn't be available to US citizens. I definitely like it and would buy one.