Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1

Overview

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1, discontinued in 2021, was a true pioneer, zipping onto the scene as one of the first mass-market electric city slickers. It’s a quirky, compact charmer perfect for urban explorers diving into the EV world on a budget. While new ones are off the table, you can snag a used Gen 1 in the EU for around €3,990. Its standout features were its zero-emission footprint and nippy handling, making it a fab little runabout for threading through tight city streets. It carved a niche for simple, no-frills electric motoring.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the i-MiEV Gen 1 wasn't about flashy updates; it was more of a fond farewell as production wrapped up. This final iteration carried forward the familiar, tried-and-tested formula that defined its long run. So, no major new gadgets or design tweaks for its curtain call in the European market. It remained the straightforward, accessible EV many came to know, bowing out gracefully after a commendable innings as one of the early electric warriors. Essentially, the 2021 model was the last chance to grab this piece of early EV history.

Design & Exterior

Rocking a distinctive "tall-boy" kei-car inspired silhouette, the 2021 i-MiEV Gen 1 is instantly recognizable. It's unashamedly a city car, prioritizing function over flash. Its dimensions are perfectly petite for urban adventures: just 3475 mm long, a slim 1475 mm wide (mirrors tucked in!), and standing 1610 mm tall. This gives it a unique, bubble-like appearance. Simple lighting and wheel designs underscore its practical nature. It’s not trying to be a sports car; it’s a clever, compact cube designed to conquer the concrete jungle with ease.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the i-MiEV, and you'll find a cabin that's all about no-nonsense functionality. Expect durable plastics and a straightforward layout, perfect for its city-dwelling purpose. It comfortably seats four, with surprisingly good headroom thanks to that tall roofline. For your bits and bobs, there's 235 litres of boot space, expanding to a useful 860 litres with the rear seats tumbled. No frunk here, though! Tech-wise, it's pretty basic; think essential infotainment rather than massive touchscreens or fancy connectivity suites, keeping the focus on simple, electric driving.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't expect the i-MiEV to tear up the tarmac; its 0-100 km/h sprint takes a leisurely 15.9 seconds. But that's not its game! The rear-wheel-drive setup, powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) churning out 49 kW and a healthy 196 Nm of instant torque, makes it wonderfully nippy for city sprints. It zips away from lights and dives into gaps with gusto. The ride is geared for urban comfort, and its tiny turning circle is a godsend. Regenerative braking helps eke out extra range.

Range, Battery & Charging

The i-MiEV Gen 1 packs a 14.5 kWh usable battery, delivering a real-world range of around 105 km, as estimated by Green Cars Compare – ideal for daily city hops. It sips energy at a rate of 7.24 km/kWh. For charging, its 400V system supports standard AC charging at up to 3.7 kW, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 4 hours using its Type 1 (J1772) port. Need a quicker boost? DC fast charging via its CHAdeMO port can hit up to 50 kW, getting you back on the road swiftly.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Gen 1 achieved a respectable 4-star rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting its performance in tests earlier in its lifecycle. Standard kit focused on the essentials for its time, including features like ABS and ESP to keep you steady. Don't expect the latest advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist here; it was built as an affordable, straightforward city EV. Its primary safety comes from its nimble handling for navigating urban environments.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a discontinued model from 2021, any original Mitsubishi new car warranties (typically around 3-5 years in Europe) would likely be nearing their end or have expired. The crucial battery warranty usually offered was for 8 years or around 160,000 km, so some coverage might still remain on later examples. One of the big pluses of the i-MiEV is its potentially low maintenance needs – electric motors are simple! General reliability for these early electric pioneers was often quite good, especially for the core EV components, promising cheap-as-chips motoring.