Mitsubishi concept a frugal 'i'tem

01 September 2003: The Mitsubishi 'i' small concept car the company will be showing at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show has achieved maximum lowest environmental impact in fuel consumption and emissions testing conducted at the ADAC1 TechnikZentrum technology center in Lansberg, Munich.

The powertrain mates a new 1.0-liter MIVEC engine with a continuously variable transmission and employs a Stop-Start system that automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Vehicle weight is minimized with the extensive use of aluminum and plastics in the body and chassis.

The 'i' returned an average consumption of 3.8 liters/100 km with emissions of 89 g/km of CO2, thus meeting both the 90 g/km Three Liter Car fuel economy and the Euro 4 emissions standards.

The car sits on a midship engine/rear wheel-drive platform. Mitsubishi is planning to introduce this next-generation small car in Japan in 2005. It could make its way to Europe later.

©2003 irishcar.com