Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2009-2014) review

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is one of the first all electric cars, but it comes with plenty of flaws

Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Cheap to run, spacious cabin, easy to drive
Cons
  • Poor cabin, limited range, handling
Find your Mitsubishi I-MiEV
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2009-2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. If you are interested in information about the best electric cars, please follow the link provided.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is one of the few all-electric models on sale today and it's far smaller than the Nissan Leaf. While the Leaf is aimed at models like the Golf and Focus, the i-MiEV is aimed at the smaller supermini market where owners will be spending the majority of their time driving around narrow city streets. And the i-MiEV is very good at that: it feels quick from 0-30mph, it's very relaxing because of the silent electric motor and it'll be cheap to run too. Buyers should be careful though because the limited range can quickly make you think twice about making longer journeys. It's also quite expensive to buy in the first place thanks to the costly battery technology. 

Engines, performance and drive

Driving around town you'll notice that the i-MiEV feels very quick indeed, and that's down to the fact that it boasts 180Nm of torque from 0rpm. As soon as you floor the throttle you'll take off at speeds that feel unusual for a motor that boasts only 66bhp. As the speeds rise, acceleration slows and the final 0-62mph time is quoted as 13 seconds. There's not much fun to be had in the corners, with a fair amount of body roll and a lack of grip from the skinny tyres preventing you from pushing too hard.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Mitsubishi claims that the i-MiEV has a range of about 93 miles but in everyday driving you'll experience more like 60 miles. A full overnight charge will cost around £2, which looks very good compared with the amount of range you'd get from £2 worth of petrol. There are other benefits to having an electric car though, including exemption from road tax and the ability to travel in central London for free, rather than paying the £10 a day congestion charge.

Interior, design and technology

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV could easily pass by without anyone realising it's an electric car. It does look a little bit strange, with its jelly-bean shape and small wheels but the only real giveaway as to what sits under the bonnet is the lack of an exhaust pipe. The interior is a bit short on flare too, with quite a few dull coloured plastics making up the dashboard and centre console.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

With the high roof line, there's quite a generous amount of room inside the i-MiEV's cabin for front and rear passengers. Unlike most vehicles the rear bench can only seat two passengers so if you'll regularly be carrying five people then it's best to look elsewhere. Boot space isn't spectacular but the 227-litre load area on offer should be enough for most people's needs. The i-MiEV won't be for everyone though as you can't charge it unless you can park near a plug socket.

Reliability and Safety

When Mitsubishi crash tested the i-MiEV it managed to score four stars in the EuroNCAP test, falling short of the maximum five stars. It comes as standard with six airbags, stability control and ABS. The i-MiEV has been on the roads for a couple of years now and no problems have been reported with the electric drivetrain. There aren't too many examples driving around though, so it's difficult to say for certain.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025