Mitsubishi’s new i City Car has been a run-away success since it was launched in the UK in July 2007.

The first batch of 300 units sold out within two and a half weeks of going on sale, and over 50% of the second batch have been sold before the vehicles even hit UK soil. Over 1,500 units are already planned for sale in 2008, with more available if sales continue to be strong.

Mitsubishi has conducted extensive research of i’s customers, discovering that 83% of buyers were not previously Mitsubishi owners. They also surveyed the key factors influencing the purchase decision. The vehicle’s compact size was the most important factor, with price and high specification coming second. The car’s environmental credentials and styling were also rated in the top 5 reasons for the vehicle’s sales success.

Town and city dwellers accounted for 76% of buyers, predominantly in the South East of England where the threat of additional tax and Congestion Charges loom on the horizon.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi’s Sales and Marketing Director, remarked that “we have proven that Mitsubishi can successfully operate in multiple industry segments. The i has successfully showcased Mitsubishi’s environmental credentials in advance of a range of clean diesel vehicles and even the amazing zero-emission electric i in the next two years.”

Reviews:

 

Reviewed by D.A.T from Leeds on 03 March 2009

Overall impression after nearly 1 year of ownership is very Good.  MPG is not as good as the Smart car although with a very gentle right foot 45+mpg is the norm.
Smooth and spacious.  Well equipped and seems to hold its resale value well.  Radio poor. 9/10

 

Reviewed by Mike Mayhew from Surrey/London on 26 November 2008

After a year of ownership and 7,500 miles of motoring in and around London, I thoroughly endorse Mitsubishi's icar.  Not a give away at £9,000, but it is very well equipped and when compared to a similar specification Smart - it is slightly cheaper.
It is a sophisticated little car and asks me to make few compromises. Fuel consumption has not been as good as advertised but I tend to 'press on' quickly so perhaps that is a price I must pay. The 4 all electric windows and folding and adjustable mirrors work well as does the excellent climate control.

The inadequate radio (Japanese wavelengths) was changed early on by the dealer. They acknowledged the first 300 cars had UK wavelength extenders but they did not work properly. All sorted now and I daresay the newer cars will be OK.

Comfort is good and I receive endless comments about the space and good looks combined with real four adult carrying capacity. The high seat position is also a boon in traffic as is the 'proper' torque converter automatic gearbox. Gearchanges are smooth and you do not suffer the lurching  ride the Smart and other cars give with their automated manual gearboxes.

In all, an excellent all round little car with some quite surprising capabilities.  I await the electric version eagerly.

 

Reviewed by John Flanagan from Norfolk on 19 May 2008

2007 mitsubishi i car: have driven for nine months and 6000 miles. At 4 months gear selector mechanism seized due to air corrosion. Repaired by garage applying grease to assembly. Major gripe is Mpg. After a wide mix of long and short journeys and driving styles, best is 35 Mpg against manufacturers claimed 54.5. local dealer unable to improve. Nice car over all.