Mitsubishi i MiEV

Electric cars don’t have to be dreary – as this new Mitsubishi proves.
The Japanese maker unveiled the eco-friendly i MiEV at last week’s Tokyo Motor Show. And it’s the mini­car’s second makeover.

The battery-charged model was already a variation on the firm’s i city car. But the latest derivative, the i MiEV Sport, has been given some extra finishing touches, such as a coupé-like shape, side vents and pearlescent green paint.

It shares the same plug-in technology found in its predecessor, which means two in-wheel motors up front, and a single power unit for the rear axle. A lithium-ion battery pack is fitted under the floor and Mitsubishi’s hi-tech S-AWC system integrates traction, stability and braking control. The car has a top speed of 112mph and a range of 124 miles on a charge.