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Mitsubishi i could be U.S.-bound

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

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Mitsubishi’s all-electric i-MiEV will be arriving stateside in about 18 months, but the Japanese automaker is also considering a plan that would see a gasoline version of the city car in United States Mitsubishi dealerships.

Mitsubishi currently sells a gas version of the i-MiEV — dubbed i — in Europe and Japan, and is considering a plan to bring the minicar to the United States. The i would naturally compete with Smart’s ForTwo.

At 133.7 inches in length, the i is about 2 feet longer than the Smart ForTwo. The i uses its extra space well, providing enough cabin room to comfortably fit four adults. Smart’s ForTwo is strictly a two-passenger affair.

Power for the i is provided by a turbocharged 660cc engine in other markets, but the i’s engine bay would likely be upgraded to a 1.0L three-cylinder for the U.S. market, according to Automotive News. Thanks to a tie-up between Mitsubishi and Daimler, the proposed three-cylinder powerplant is actually the same unit that powers the ForTwo. The ForTwo is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle currently sold in America, per the EPA’s ratings.

Mitsubishi has yet to commit to bringing the i to the U.S. market, but will do so if it can sustain a sales volume of about 1,000 units per month. The i currently sells for the equivalent of $16,000 in Europe, but the price would likely come down for U.S. sales.

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