- Mitsubishi will debut the North American version of its i MiEV next week at the L.A. auto show.
- The redesigned North American edition is larger than the original Japanese model.
- The i MiEV will go on sale in the U.S. next fall as a 2012 model.
LOS ANGELES — Mitsubishi has released the first images of its North American-spec i MiEV, which will make its public debut next week at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and is expected to go on sale in the U.S. next fall as a 2012 model. The U.S. edition is nearly a foot longer and considerably wider and roomier than the i MiEV that's sold in the Japanese domestic market.
The four-passenger battery-electric vehicle has been leased to Japanese customers since July 2009, at prices ranging from $41,000 to $45,000 before government subsidies.
A Euro-spec version, with few changes from the Japan model, was shown last month at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Mitsubishi will begin delivering the first vehicles to European customers in December, with prices ranging from $42,000 to $44,500 before government incentives.
Mitsubishi said the North American i MiEV gets "an enhanced, enlarged body structure to secure plenty of space for four adults and better meet the expectations of U.S. consumers." The vehicle also receives new front and rear bumpers and will include adaptive airbags and active stability control as standard.
The new specifications released by Mitsubishi indicate the U.S. i MiEV will be 11.2 inches longer and 4.3 inches wider than its Japan-market sibling. Front and rear track also have been increased by 4.3 inches.
Mitsubishi officials previously have said the U.S. version of the i MiEV will be priced from less than $30,000 before incentives, including a $7,500 federal tax credit. The car's nearest competitor is the Nissan Leaf, which goes on sale next month in the U.S., priced from $33,600 before tax credits and incentives.
Inside Line says: If Mitsubishi slashes the i MiEV's price in the U.S., will it make any money on this car? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
nwng says:
10:24 AM, 11/17/2010
come on mitsu, give us a gas model with manual or cvt
shahulx says:
01:04 PM, 11/10/2010
This is a base model... wait until you see the "MR" version of this ;) haha
jazzor says:
05:00 AM, 11/10/2010
"zoomzoom22 says:
05:06 PM, 11/09/2010
Jazzor, would you mind posting a few of said "comments"? I usually ignore Mitsubishi posts altogether, like most people ignore buying one. That seems to be the unfortunate trend for them these days.
You people need to relax, I did read the post but misunderstood. So I was off by a few thousand...whether its $33k or just under $30k, my point still stands. Do you really think ANYONE will spend $22k, even after incentives, on this thing? Who would choose this over the Leaf, which actually looks like a car and not a glorified (and very unsafe) golf cart? I'd pay the premium for the Leaf on looks alone, nevermind the fact that it is a better vehicle in every other respect as well. "
You really do talk without thinking first don't you?
Where's the data that says this car is "very unsafe"? You need to stop trashing cars you know nothing about... and focus more on learning the reasons why this car is totally worth the 23k (repeat after me: 30k minus 7.5k tax cut)... it's a brand spanking new technology which Mitsubishi happens to develop ahead of the Leaf... it's an all electric, no-gas vehicle... the amount of technology that goes inside this kind of car is the same reason why Chevy dealers are charging 50k+ for a Volt;
And btw, here's your previous mitsu-hating post:
"zoomzoom22 says:
01:35 PM, 11/05/2010
An Evo, on the other hand, offers barely any handling gains and the ride will literally rattle your teeth out. Plus, the STI has a nice, solid, well-put-together interior, making the Evo's look like complete junk. "
This post shows how you have ZERO idea what you're talking about and also shows how you've never been behind an Evos' steering wheel lol... stop trashing just because you have Evos beating your little Mazdaspeed3 ;-)
4g63 says:
12:17 AM, 11/10/2010
sure it's not everybody's cup of tea, i think it looks kinda odd.. but i'm sure it will find its buyer even at this price. this is definitely something different. kudos to mitsubishi's effort.
PikachuRacer says:
05:10 PM, 11/09/2010
How about a Gas model Mitsubishi "I" too?
How about this for a US-spec Mitsubishi "I". A Turbocharged version of the 999cc engine from the Smart Fortwo (it's Mitsubishi's engine anyway) producing around 98hp, using a 6spd Manual standard or an optional Automated Manual Transmission, and is Rear wheel drive or optional AWD.
It should be quite easy for Mitsubishi to place into it. Even though the JDM Production model was a mid-engine model with RWD or AWD and 660cc engine in Japan, the concept model in the 2003 Frankfurt auto show actually used a 999cc engine.
Sure it loses it's original Kei-car power rating, but the USA does not give limitations in power like Japan does. Still It would be a reasonable car to compete with the the upcoming 4-door Smart and Nissan Micra that are likely to arrive to the US in the next few years.
zoomzoom22 says:
05:06 PM, 11/09/2010
Jazzor, would you mind posting a few of said "comments"? I usually ignore Mitsubishi posts altogether, like most people ignore buying one. That seems to be the unfortunate trend for them these days.
You people need to relax, I did read the post but misunderstood. So I was off by a few thousand...whether its $33k or just under $30k, my point still stands. Do you really think ANYONE will spend $22k, even after incentives, on this thing? Who would choose this over the Leaf, which actually looks like a car and not a glorified (and very unsafe) golf cart? I'd pay the premium for the Leaf on looks alone, nevermind the fact that it is a better vehicle in every other respect as well.
cr_driver says:
03:43 PM, 11/09/2010
Wow, plenty of changes for the US of A!
fast_cars says:
12:28 PM, 11/09/2010
I think it looks nice because it's different. I've seen enough Priuses on the streets. Bring on the electric vehicles from the other car manufacturers. The more cars like these being offered, the better it will be for the consumers. More choices! Now if you don't like, don't buy it. You're not being forced to drive one of these things. Kapeeesh!
jazzor says:
12:05 PM, 11/09/2010
"zoomzoom22 says:
$33k? Is this a joke? I wouldn't buy one of these for $5k."
This clearly shows what a Mitsu-hater you are... whenever I see a comment from you regarding a Mitsubishi is surrounded in negativism...
Learn to read before your posts end up making you look like a total fool ;-)
back on topic...
I wonder why didn't Mitsu add an "Evo-ish" front fender? I thought that was the brand identity they're trying to push forward ??
I can't wait until I see this and the Leaf and the Volt all over the road... hurry up and bring it, I want to see that petrol-to-electric transition happen already!
aston_dbs says:
11:46 AM, 11/09/2010
@zoomzoom22:
Read carefully: $33k is Nissan Leaf.
"U.S. version of the i MiEV will be priced from less than $30,000 before incentives, including a $7,500 federal tax credit."
IMO though, in terms of saving gas, this car is a MUCH more sense (and more practical) than Smart Fortwo.
I can't wait to see who else that will offer more electric vehicles (with successful implementation)!!
Bring it on!! ;-D