6 AMP HOUR CHALLENGE: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Odd-ball styling and a poor value equation mask a forward-thinking all-electric drivelineMitsubishi i-MiEV
>> Good vision
>> Logical controls
>> Cheap, plasticky interior
>> Challenging styling
Its rear-mounted engine sends drive to the rear wheels via a single reduction gear and produces 49kW/180Nm. An 88-cell, 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack supplies a claimed range of 150km; however a full charge before commencing the 6 AMP HOUR CHALLENGE yielded a displayed range of only 97km. Mitsubishi claims a top speed of 130km/h.
The supplied 240V charging cable can be plugged into a 15 Amp socket, with a full charge taking approximately seven hours. The i-MiEV can also be connected to a fast charge outlet to provide an 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes.
In reality, the 145-section front tyres proved comparatively gripless, especially around Broadford’s last two large-radius corners, where understeer and appreciable body-roll was evident at modest speeds. Interestingly, the stability control appeared to let the front wash out quite far before cutting in, which could potentially lead to a dangerous situation if the modest limits were unintentionally breached.
In regular drive mode, the engine provided a pleasant enough surge but this mode dramatically reduced range; a mix of ‘ECO’ and ‘B’ (for braking) modes was used for the remainder of the drive with both dramatically reducing acceleration.
Yes, the Nissan LEAF is more expensive again, but you gain in almost every vital aspect – from usable range and power through to comfort and accessories, the LEAF has the i-MiEV covered. And if the rumour of the Renault Fluence ZE coming in at sub-$40k is true, Mitsubishi has a lot to worry about.
You do get power windows, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, MP3-compatible CD player and electric steering, while satellite-navigation is optional.
The interior, though spacious and especially generous in front and rear headroom, felt cheaply trimmed, with harsh, scratchy plastics and unsupportive seats. There was nothing to suggest this was a nigh-on $50,000 vehicle, even with the decently-sized satellite-navigation screen.
That said, the display information was easy to understand, and the drive mode selection via a conventional gear lever will become quickly intuitive to anyone who has driven a conventional automatic.
Unfortunately that sub-100km range and 15 Amp recharging requirement means that you are constantly aware of the range gauge…it’s not exactly relaxing.
Until Mitsubishi can reduce the price (or up the specification) I fear that i-MiEV, though truly innovative, may fade into the past as other manufacturers provide a more complete EV solution.
The wrap-up of the 6 AMP HOUR CHALLENGE:
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