Mitsubishi ASX, 2011

 

Mitsubishi ASX, 2011

Mitsubishi Motors extends the concept one notch below (C-segment) with the introduction of a smaller and sportier sibling: the all-new Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover. Another "global car for the regions" from Mitsubishi Motors and therefore named and specified accordingly, Mitsubishi ASX was first launched in Japan in February 2010 (as "RVR"). After its European premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, it will be retailed in Europe end of spring 2010.

From Concept-cX to ASX reality
Sharing the same evocative "Kawasemi Blue" introduction color, the new Mitsubishi ASX represents a marketable interpretation of the Concept-cX show car, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, whose success convinced MMC's management to turn it into a full-fledged production car.

Longer by nearly 20 cm (4.295 m vs the concept's 4.11 m), slightly higher (+ 6.5cm) and wider (+ 2cm), and featuring a more upright tailgate all for the sake of optimum packaging, Mitsubishi ASX shares nonetheless Concept-cX's basic design theme as well as its passenger car-like sure-footed stance.

Suggested by the gaping "Jet Fighter" grille - a nod to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.'s F-2 jet fighter and now a trademark feature for nearly all Mitsubishi Motors on-road vehicles in Europe (Colt, Lancer and Outlander) - this car-like "attitude" was a key direction for Mitsubishi designers: unencumbered by any marketing pressure to simulate an SUV look through heavy detailing (no need to with Pajero/Montero/Shogun and L200 already in the range...), they further developed Concept-cX's own vocabulary towards a less polarizing yet sharp, expressive and finely executed "sports hatch" with proper presence & substance.

Retaining Concept-cX's "compact wedge" design concept with its thrusting side character line, they optimized the overall shape, making the best use of a 14.5 cm longer wheelbase (2.67 m vs. 2.525 m) to create a lower and more balanced silhouette with a better integration of the bulging wheel arches. Accordingly, the roof line now flows down toward the rear of the car to enhance aerodynamic performance (Cd: 0.32) and to further highlight its dynamic profile.

At the front, the Jet Fighter grille appears identical to Lancer's or Outlander's. However, it is now framed within a more substantial looking clip, itself merging with a sculptured bonnet featuring a double bulge: this serves the dual purpose of contributing to better pedestrian safety, short overhang notwithstanding, and also to make the body more visible to the driver, improving maneuverability around town.

At the rear, the purpose was both to lower and widen the silhouette, whilst avoiding any sort of chunkiness resulting from the short overhang, hence the sharp aerodynamic lip at the bottom of the backlight, the slim slanted combination lamps as well as the wide trapezoidal license plate recess running in between.

Dynamic quality
Inside, the concept of sharp, sporty elegance continues with a clear emphasis on form, trim and material rather than the usual endless pursuit of fantasized SUV-ness.

Consistent with the exterior, Mitsubishi ASX's cabin reflects a clear sense of "dynamic quality" as expressed through the hooded meter cluster shared with Outlander, the soft padding around the center instrument panel itself extending to the door trim or the carefully applied silver accents either side of the audio system or along the door panels.

At the same time, items such as the chromed round module circling the shift lever, the motorbike inspiration for both the silver accents either side of the console and for the meters.
The texturing and materials were chosen to achieve the same right touch and appearance. Although the interior color scheme is based on a black monotone, contrasting use of textures and materials was made to generate dynamism.

The particular attention was paid to the soft trim for areas touched by the occupants. This led to the development of a new type of two-tone textured padding with contrastive undulations for a smart, sporty feel.

Lancer + Outlander
The latest vehicle developed from MMC's "Project Global" mid-size platform, Mitsubishi ASX aims at blending Lancer's passenger car on-road attitude with Outlander's commanding driving position and convenience of its clever AWC electronically-controlled 4-Wheel Drive system.

The Mitsubishi ASX offers the full palette of active & passive safety devices, including (availability according to model and market):

•  160° Super-HiD "Wide Vision" xenon headlamps
•  Active Stability Control
•  Traction Control
•  Hill Start Assist system
•  ABS
•  Electronic Brake Distribution
•  Brake Assist
•  Emergency Stop signal System
•  7 airbags (incl. driver knee airbag)
•  Low impact MIVEC Diesel

The latest contributor to MMC's green tech strategy, Mitsubishi ASX will also inaugurate an all-new family of all-aluminum DOHC 16v 4-cylinder Common rail Direct injection "low impact" Euro 5 Diesel engines, jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), the latter providing - amongst others - engineering expertise gained through experience in industrial and marine Diesel engines, as well as in gas turbine technologies.

With Mitsubishi ASX and later on during the second half of 2010 in the related Lancer family - this "4N13" set of powerplants is a derivative of MMC's recent petrol engine and features innovative technologies, including a new variable geometry turbocharger as well as high-efficiency combustion characteristics that stem from the application of MMC's and MHI's own analytic technology.

Highlight of the technological showcase is Mitsubishi's proprietary MIVEC variable valve timing system: a world first for passenger car Diesel engines.

Of strategic importance in Europe against high profile competitors in a very competitive segment, the very smooth running 1,798 cc "4N13" Mitsubishi low impact Diesel MIVEC engine will be further supported in its environmental mission by the adoption - standard on all versions - of a full ClearTec low CO2 package, including:

•  "Automatic Stop & Go" system
•  Closed-flow Diesel particulate filter
•  Electric power steering
•  Generation Control System
•  LED rear lamps (for low consumption)
•  Low resistance tires

The Mitsubishi ASX  proposed with a new 1.6 liter DOHC 16v MIVEC engine: another in-house development, this time of Mitsubishi's own 1.5 liter engine as fitted to Colt. In this Mitsubishi ASX application, it will also be made available with the full ClearTec package and be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Lounge style
Stylishly restrained, Mitsubishi ASX's interior is also a very pleasant place to lounge in, whether in its layout, its functionality or its features.

The best usage of its long 2.67 m wheelbase, the 5-seater Mitsubishi ASX brings a comprehensive set of utility features well suited to both its compact size and the likely loading needs of its potential customers in its 416 L at rear seat back angle at 17 degrees (forward position) (393L at rear seat back angle at 23 degrees) trunk:

•  Adjustable rear back rests
•  Rear armrest with:

          o ski slot
          o cup-holders

•  60:40 split rear seat,
•  Easy-fold rear bench,
•  Under floor tray (approx. 30l),
•  Convenience hooks + lighting

The lounge feeling is first felt thanks to Mitsubishi ASX's panoramic glass roof: a first for Mitsubishi Motors, this wide UV-proof glass panel is equally enjoyable during day time (as a sun roof) as night time (as a moon roof), courtesy of the ambient "Moonlight" LED lighting that frames it. This panoramic glass roof comes standard with a power sunshade.

The host of equipments, even from the entry model featuring standard items such as: radio CD w/MP3, AUX-in and 4 speakers, manual air conditioning, 7 airbags, Active Stability Control & Traction Control systems, etc

Up the line, automatic air conditioning, rain & dusk sensors, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, rear parking monitor, Bluetooth™ & USB connectivity, privacy glass, Super HiD "Wide Vision" xenon headlamps, keyless operation system, engine stop-start button, leather upholstery, Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System with HDD navigation system & music server, Rockford Fosgate™ Premium audio, etc are also available with Mitsubishi ASX.

Mitsubishi CUV, 2011

 

 

 

Mitsubishi CUV, 2011

SMART-SIZED PACKAGING
In essence the Outlander's "little brother", this entry-level crossover merges the Outlander family's impressive real world capability with a smaller, more maneuverable urban package. Designed to fit with a wide range of active lifestyles, the vehicle features the easy entry, exit, and turning radius of a smaller vehicle yet also the higher sightline and interior volume of a CUV. Seeking to create a dynamic new shape without compromising interior space, designers came up with a spacious five-passenger body that is 14.6-inches shorter than the Outlander. Compared to the Lancer passenger car, the new Mitsubishi CUV features a visual reference point that is almost 5-inches taller.

The entry-level CUV is also more agile and maneuverable than its competitors, featuring an independent suspension design and dynamic shape that leads to easier parking and driving. At just 34.8-ft., its turning circle is smaller than the Ford Escape (36.7-ft.), Nissan Rogue (37.4-ft.), and Honda CR-V (37.8-ft.).

The new crossover's dynamic and compact design is also lightweight at just 3,042-lb. for the ES 5-speed manual transmission model. This reduction in weight was achieved through the use of thinner high-strength steel in the hood, tailgate, and doors, recycled plastic front fenders, and new interior materials. Just a few examples of the design team's attention to detail include changing the handle lock body from zinc to magnesium and using less door trim. Compared to the Hyundai Tucson's 3,179-lb., Nissan Rogue's 3,281-lb. (with roof rails), and Mazda CX7's 3,496-lb., Mitsubishi's new CUV's lower curb weight allows it to deliver better fuel economy and better handling.

SMART PERFORMANCE
Come standard with a MIVEC-equipped 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 148hp at 6,000rpm and 145lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) models produce 143hp at 6,000rpm and 143lb-ft of torque at 4,200rpm. In order to reduce weight, the engine block is cast out of lightweight aluminum and MIVEC variable valve timing technology is used to improve both engine output and efficiency.

Paired with the 2.0-liter engine in ES models is a 5-speed manual transmission or a steering column-mounted paddle shift 6-step Sportronic CVT available. SE trims come standard with the fuel economy-optimized CVT transmission. Mitsubishi engineers have spent countless development hours optimizing the CVT transmission's shift patterns and gear ratios, as well as reducing friction within its hydraulic oil control for greater fuel economy. To enhance the driving experience, magnesium alloy paddle shifters are mounted just behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes without moving their hands. The CVT's manual gear shifting Sport mode can be selected by either pulling the paddle shifter while the lever is in "D" or by selecting Sport mode with the shift lever. After Sport mode is activated, the driver can shift up or down using the paddle shifters. Pulling the right paddle shifter for at least two seconds will deactivate Sport mode.

FUEL ECONOMY INNOVATIONS
All models are equipped with revolutionary new lightweight and dent resistant plastic front fenders. Made from recycled materials, the plastic body panels contribute to a lower curb weight and increased fuel efficiency. Reducing friction and drag with the road surface also helps increase fuel economy and the new crossover comes specifically equipped with tires with a low rolling resistance coefficient. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system has also been added to eliminate the parasitic engine drag found in conventional hydraulic power steering systems, freeing up engine efficiency and increasing fuel economy.

FUN TO DRIVE
Its low curb weight, compact mobility, and available electronically controlled AWC, the compact crossover also features a fun-to-drive handling balance that resonates with active Mitsubishi CUV buyers. Designed to be nimble and swift both on-road and off-road, the vehicle combines outstanding ground clearance with a tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension design. Lightweight suspension pieces and front and rear swaybars are just a few elements of a suspension that has been tuned for better agility, roll control, and ride comfort. Four-wheel independent gas-charged shock absorbers and coil springs are used at all four corners.

Standard on all models are the driver assist aids Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Making for a more controlled and pleasant driving experience through all situations, ASC helps ensure stability during slippery driving conditions and maintains control after sudden driving inputs. ASC also features traction control to prevent wheel spin, ensuring worry-free take-offs and increased grip on slippery roads. Hill Start Assist uses front and rear gravity sensors to detect steep hills or gradients and applies brake pressure to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards, making for easier starts.

ALL-WHEEL CONTROL (AWC)
Building upon Mitsubishi's reputation in off-road performance, the SE features an available electronically controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) 4WD system. The AWC system comes with the same capable "drive anywhere" functionality on other Mitsubishi vehicles the AWC provides increased handling, traction, and stability during any driving or weather situation. The compact design of the AWC system also calls for low viscosity transfer case oil for reduced friction and is capable of being switched between 2WD and 4WD modes, optimizing fuel efficiency.

The new crossover's AWC system also features a driver control knob, conveniently located in the center console, to adjust the electronically controlled coupling. With selectable fuel-efficient 2WD, capable 4WD Auto and rough surface 4WD Lock modes, AWC allows the driver to maximize fuel economy and traction at all times and over all surfaces.

FRESH AND HIGH-GRADE INTERIOR
New premium materials, the interior is designed for sporty functionality and possesses a look previously found only in more expensive SUVs. From the first press of the One-touch Start System (OSS), standard on SE models, the new crossover offers the driver a modern experience. Highlighting the driver's experience is a first-in-class full color, high contrast LCD instrument display meter, accented with bold meter rings, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. The instrument display also features an ECO driver indicator light, which signals when the vehicle is driven in a fuel-efficient manner. Covering the dashboard surfaces and extending to the door trim is a stylish, grained soft padding that gives a premium look and feel.

From its 60/40 split-folding rear seats to its spacious luggage area and armrest pass-through, the compact crossover is designed for interior space and functionality. Available on SE models with the Premium Package is the striking and fresh Panoramic Glass Roof with LED ambient lighting. Almost 20% wider and 219% longer than a typical sunroof, the Panoramic Glass Roof offers a spacious view of the surrounding skies and offers rear seat occupants a new feeling of greater interior space. Adding modern styling cues, LED lighting within the Panoramic Glass Roof provides an ambient accent to the cabin at night.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES
Based on the Outlander structure, which has received the highest NCAP safety rating for collision-worthiness, the new crossover uses the same Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design. This improves impact safety from all directions by utilizing a high rigidity body and crush zones which progressively crumble to absorb collision energy. The windshield has been given a wide glass area and high eye point for increased visibility and its lower base designed with the hood to reduce injury to pedestrians. Key structural areas on the chassis also direct energy away from the cabin and occupants while front and side members feature crush box front sections, which help reduce the cost of body repairs after minor incidents.

Other by-product of a rigid structure is increased stability and ride comfort. To further reduce cabin noise and vibration, the crossover's pillars have been foam filled for strength and the engine bay fitted with sound absorption material. Triple-sealing the side sills and double-sealing the door surrounds further improve sound insulation.

FUSE HANDS-FREE LINK SYSTEM
Offering greater convenience and reduced distractions, the FUSE Hands-free Link System combines advanced voice-recognition capabilities with Bluetooth 2.0 enabled hands-free calling and audio playback. With the FUSE system, drivers can experience new levels of entertainment convenience while still retaining the capability to focus fully on the road. Automatic phonebook transfer and multiple phone support are both elements of the FUSE Hands-free Link System, as well as control of the SE model's optional navigation system, which is equipped with a 40GB hard disk drive for quick point-of-interest lookup. Full iPod and USB music device charging and playback are featured as well for portable music compatibility.

PREMIUM ELECTRONICS
The new crossover features a variety of electronic accessory options. These additional features solidify the CUV's already refined and rich driving experience. SE models include a number of convenience features that would normally be found only in more expensive offerings such as standard automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the keyless FAST-key passive entry system with push-button, One-Touch Start/Stop (OSS). Also available on SE models, the optional 40GB hard disk drive navigation system provides accurate mapping and lifetime real-time traffic updates with its 7-inch LCD display and doubles as a music server. The optional Rockford Fosgate in-car entertainment system has a full 710 watts of power and nine speakers for greater sound detail and quality.

PERSONALIZED ACCESSORIES
Realizing the desire of many hip and stylish urban buyers to customize their crossover, Mitsubishi has announced a number of optional customization packages. The Exterior Sport Package includes a large tailgate spoiler, front corner extensions, rear diffuser garnish, front skid plate, and alloy fuel door. The Protection Package offers a scuff plate cover, rear bumper plate, and front and rear mudguards. The Interior Package features a chromed Piano Black panel garnish and gearshift panel, and a black leather and aluminum CVT shift knob. The Illumination Package includes blue LED floor illumination lighting for the driver and front passenger, and a blue LED tailgate light. Also available is the Cargo Package, which includes a cargo mat, tonneau cover, and rear cargo net. With so many options and customization choices, Mitsubishi's all-new crossover is designed to fit with nearly any owner and active lifestyle.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 2011

Making the best use of the mid-ship architecture of this new urban vehicle, the electric "i" or "i MiEV" then was announced in October 2006 as a research vehicle powered by a compact and lightweight motor and high-energy density lithium-ion batteries.

Thorough development process was completed accumulating over 500,000 km of testing, the car was launched in Japan as "i-MiEV" in July 2009 first with fleet customers. Books were then opened for private customers as well, the first deliveries to this second wave of Japanese clients taking place from April 2010.

The next commercial step starts today in Paris, prior to a start of production at MMC's Mizushima plant in October. Deliveries to European customers will then start in 14 selected markets from December 2010, depending country by country.

40 years of EV know-how at Mitsubishi
When announced as an EV research vehicle back in October 2006, the then non-hyphened "i MiEV" was the outcome of forty years of research and development at Mitsubishi in the area of electric powertrain.

As a reminder, work on the development and production of EVs started at Mitsubishi in October 1966, when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (In 1970, the automobile division of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. was spun off to become today's Mitsubishi Motors Corporation) was commissioned by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to build EV prototypes and conduct testing programs using improved battery technology: an inaugural EV program that was followed by several others, all laying the foundations for today's i-MiEV production car.

The first auto manufacturers to recognize the superiority of the lithium-ion battery over lead-acid batteries in terms of energy and output densities as demonstrated through the development in 1994 of the Chariot HEV plug-in hybrid, itself followed by various and successive testing programs to seek further improvements in performance, safety, reliability and durability.

Over 500,000 km of thorough testing
With the intention of moving the then "i MiEV" into commercial production Mitsubishi Motors carried out a number of in-house testing programs where the car sailed through, including extensive poor surface track, durability and reliability and crashworthiness.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV went through a process of acquiring data through extensive fleet testing under a variety of climatic and real driving conditions. As an example, in Japan, a year-long joint proving program with 7 Japanese power companies using 37 development cars was carried out, covering a total of 300,000 km of testing and everyday commercial use.

The same process was engaged outside of Japan as well. In the case of Europe, 11 cars were used for a further 200,000 km of testing in a joint effort among Mitsubishi Corporation, its MC Automobile (Europe) N.V. subsidiary, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Europe towards European customers, be they corporate or private.

Self (battery)-reliant
In a further step towards making electric vehicles a viable business proposition, on December 12, 2007 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation joined hands with GS Yuasa Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation and set up "Lithium Energy Japan" (LEJ), to develop, manufacture and sell large-size lithium-ion cells.

The LEJ joint-venture each partner brought its own leading:

• GS Yuasa possesses advanced technologies in large lithium-ion batteries and is striving to broaden their applications.
• Mitsubishi Corporation intends to enter the battery manufacturing business and aims to create other related businesses as well.
• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation - which had electric cars on the road in Japan as early as 1971 - is working to strengthen its prominent position in (proprietary) EV technology.

LEJ plans to ramp up production of lithium-ion cells for use in powering Mitsubishi i-MiEV, enough from a start during FY2009 at its new plant in Kusatsu City Shiga Prefecture - the world's first plant dedicated to the mass-production of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, and to increase production volume thereafter with appropriate capacity to accompany the sales development of MMC's EVs:

•     2,300 units (= equivalent of Mitsubishi i-MiEV traction battery packs) from June 2009,
•     4,500 units from June 2010,
•     With the start of production at LEJ's Kyoto plant the figure should reach 11,000 units,
•     Lastly, the Ritto plant should allow for a total of 50,000 units from December 2012.

Space saving architecture
As a reminder, Mitsubishi i-MiEV is based on the "i" minicar platform where the rear-midship petrol engine and floor-mounted central fuel tank are replaced with a lithium-ion traction battery pack, the motor, the inverter and other EV components with only a modicum of modifications required to turn the petrol "i" into Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

The feature allowed the installation of a large capacity high density lithium-ion 88-cell traction battery pack within the long 2,550 mm wheelbase, i.e. without compromising seating for 4, whilst lowering the center of gravity of the car (by 65 mm vs. the petrol-powered "i") and protecting the batteries in case of a crash. Same for replacing i's 660 cc internal combustion engine with the 66.6ps/49 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and ancillaries which preserved all 227 l of luggage space (extended to 860 l when both rear seats are folded down - VDA method).

High Capacity / Low costs
EV traction batteries must have high energy density. For that purpose, Mitsubishi i-MiEV utilizes LEJ's specifically developed high density lithium-ion battery pack, where each high capacity battery module can fit under the floor.
 

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV accepts 2 types of traction battery charging systems:

•  The "Household Charging System" for anywhere near an ordinary electric outlet, via the household charger plug located on the right side of the vehicle: using European 230V 1 phase (16A) current, Mitsubishi i-MiEV can be re-charged in 6 hours from "Low Energy" warning. (Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status).
•  The "Quick Charger System" for speedy charging - where utilities, power companies, municipalities or corporations have installed quick chargers. There, Mitsubishi i-MiEV can be connected via the Quick Charger plug located on the left side of the vehicle: using the three-phase 200V 50 kW Quick Charge System, the car can be recharged from zero to 80% of its total charge in about 30 minutes (Actual charging times may vary depending on such factors as air temperature and power source status).

Motor

Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle.

The unit generates maximum torque from low engine speeds (180 Nm - 0 to 2,000 rpm) to deliver powerful response (66.6ps/49 kW) and a seamless driving experience. When the vehicle slows down the regenerative braking system causes the motor to operate as a generator, the energy recovered being stored in the drive battery.

Transmission
Mitsubishi i-MiEV uses a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission, exploiting the high low-end torque inherent to the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex gear shifting mechanisms as found in internal combustion engine powered vehicles.

On-board charger
Mitsubishi i-MiEV comes with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the traction battery to be charged using a domestic AC line (voltage depends on the country).

DC/DC converter
The DC/DC converter is used to charge the 12-volt auxiliary battery and power electrical equipment. It is integrated with the on-board charger in a single unit to reduce size and weight.

The Inverter
Mitsubishi i-MiEV 's motor is driven by an alternating current. The inverter converts high-voltage direct current from the traction battery to alternating current and supplies motor with the power required to drive the vehicle.

The "MiEV OS" operating system
In this respect, Mitsubishi's "MiEV OS" (or "MiEV Operating System") - an advanced integrated vehicle management system into which the company has poured its wealth of know-how gained from decades of electric vehicle R&D - has provided the kind of high performance and reliability that befits a new-generation EV. "MiEV OS" has been awarded "2009 Japan Automotive Hall of Fame Car Technology of the Year" by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization.

Living
Meant to be driven and used just as "normally" as a traditional ICE-powered car, Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a compact runabout which seats 4 within a short 3,475 m footprint, with the added bonus of 4 large doors, a real trunk (227 l of luggage space - extended to 860 l when both rear seats are folded down - VDA method) and a tight 4.5 m turning radius

Driving
In addition, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV adds range (150 km - "New European Driving Cycle "protocol), real life performance (top speed governed at 130 km/h, swift accelerations thanks to the 180 Nm of torque available from standing start), ultra-low well-to-wheel emissions, superior quietness and low level of vibrations to its potential customers.

When driving, the man-machine interface is materialized through two devices:

•     Combination meter instrument cluster: It includes 1= an energy usage indicator that presents a visual display of power consumption and energy recovery status, 2= an energy level gauge that indicates how much remaining power there is left in the traction battery, and 3= a cruising range indicator that displays an estimate of how far the vehicle can be driven on the basis of average power consumption over the last few kilometers.
•     Shift selector: Similar to the one of a traditional automatic gearbox, to accentuate the "regular car" feeling, it offers the usual P (Parking), R (Reverse), N (Neutral) and D (Drive) normally found with an A/T.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV features two specific positions:
    B (Brake) which Increases the regenerative brake bias (for downhill driving).
    C (Comfort) which reduces the regenerative brake bias (for suburban driving).

The Safety

• As with all MMC vehicles, i-MiEV has been designed with a high standard of active & passive safety, including the specifics of its powertrain:
• i-MiEV features MMC's patented "RISE" design meant to integrate and interconnect structural elements for an active protection of the passengers during an accident. This design brings dramatic advances in multi-directional impact safety performance, dispersing energy loads during front, side and rear crashes and controlling distortion.
• The high voltage system traction battery pack is located inside the body frame - itself within the wheelbase - and is further protected by a well-crib frame against damage from any direction of impact.
• The rear combination lamps use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps, making these lamps more instantly visible to following vehicles while also cutting power consumption.
• Further standard safety measures include 6 airbags (driver + passenger + 2 x side + 2 x curtain) as well as Active Stability Control.

Cost of ownership
Translating the EV experience in financial terms, Mitsubishi i-MiEV's energy costs are minimal. In Europe and taking France as an example, a complete charge costs about € 2,00: just as low as the overall running costs of the vehicle, EVs being freed from the maintenance constrains of internal combustion engines and their transmission system.

Mitsubishi Motors plans to set the price (car + traction batteries) of the European-spec i-MiEV to around €33,000 - €35,000 (or equivalent) so that the final cost to the customer after government incentives (where applicable) remains under €30,000 (or equivalent) in a majority of the countries it is to be sold in.

Last but not least, MMC will offer a specific 5 year - 100,000 km warranty on all EV components.

The EU-spec. version has been further developed to add a left-hand-drive version for continental markets and to comply with local regulations:

•     Larger front bumper & newly-designed rear bumper,
•     New lightweight aluminum wheels,
•     Rear fog lamp,
•     Larger outside rear view mirror,
•     Immobilizer,
•     ISO-FIX child seat anchors,
•     9-inch brake booster,
•     Active Stability Control (ASC),
•     Side & curtain airbags,
•     Large head restraints,
•     Seat belt warning lamp,
•     Day-time running lights,
•     Specific left-hand drive developments

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi, 2012

Mitsubishi, 2011

= Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
= Mitsubishi i-MiEV
= Mitsubishi CUV
= Mitsubishi ASX