The Mitsubishi i MiEV: A fun, sporty, economical, eyeball-magnet!
Published Friday, 21 October, 2011 by Rocky Rawstern. Categories: Testimonials, New Inventory, Green, News.
Let's see, what shall we title this post. How about "Fun Wow!" Naw, too much "ShamWow" for me. How about "Preconceived notions out the window!" Again, nope; too much like I had such notions. I have it!
Fun, sporty, economical, eyeball-magnet!
You might guess from that title that I had both a good time driving the Mitsubishi i MiEV, and that everyone who was able to turn their heads far enough to gape (in some cases open-mouthed) did.
What surprised me
What surprised me (and should not have) was that it only took me approximately ¼ mile to be completely comfortable "driving electric." It should not have surprised me since Mitsubishi put a LOT of time and effort into designing the MiEV to be easy to drive (they've been developing electric vehicles for over 40 years!).
What did not surprise me
I was not surprised by the immediate acceleration, the lack of engine noise, nor the ride height, which put my head above that of a substantial portion of other economy-minded vehicle drivers. I was also not surprised by the very short turning radius and how correspondingly easy it was to park. Further, I was not surprised by the frosty air-conditioning, the barely noticeable road noise, and the almost nonexistent blind spot, as opposed to most vehicles which have a bite-your-nails blind spot that sometimes puts us in a "change lanes at your own risk" mentality.
"the 'Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle' should be an appealing new choice for harried urbanites with an environmental conscience." ~Consumer Guide Automotive
Why would I buy one?
Putting aside the fact that I'm a "be kind to Mother Earth" type, this vehicle possesses all the qualities I need in a daily commuter:
Did I mention that everybody who is able to, looks at it with either envy, confusion, lust, or some combination thereof?
"it's hard to think of any vehicle better suited for pounding across the cityscape than the i-Miev, no matter what the drivetrain." ~Popular Mechanics
What else matters to me?
With the Mitsubishi i, I can:
It has so much to give, except exhaust!
Bottom line: it makes sense!
I can easily see having a Mitsubishi i MiEV as my daily commuter car, and installing an appropriate 240V outlet for overnight charging. I think that our pets would even enjoy the ride!
Fun, sporty, economical, eyeball-magnet!
You might guess from that title that I had both a good time driving the Mitsubishi i MiEV, and that everyone who was able to turn their heads far enough to gape (in some cases open-mouthed) did.
Our own Dee Gibbons behind the wheel
What surprised me
What surprised me (and should not have) was that it only took me approximately ¼ mile to be completely comfortable "driving electric." It should not have surprised me since Mitsubishi put a LOT of time and effort into designing the MiEV to be easy to drive (they've been developing electric vehicles for over 40 years!).
What did not surprise me
I was not surprised by the immediate acceleration, the lack of engine noise, nor the ride height, which put my head above that of a substantial portion of other economy-minded vehicle drivers. I was also not surprised by the very short turning radius and how correspondingly easy it was to park. Further, I was not surprised by the frosty air-conditioning, the barely noticeable road noise, and the almost nonexistent blind spot, as opposed to most vehicles which have a bite-your-nails blind spot that sometimes puts us in a "change lanes at your own risk" mentality.
"the 'Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle' should be an appealing new choice for harried urbanites with an environmental conscience." ~Consumer Guide Automotive
Why would I buy one?
Putting aside the fact that I'm a "be kind to Mother Earth" type, this vehicle possesses all the qualities I need in a daily commuter:
- outstanding "fuel" economy
- comfort
- designed-in safety features
- a high "fun quotient"
- reasonable cost
Did I mention that everybody who is able to, looks at it with either envy, confusion, lust, or some combination thereof?
"it's hard to think of any vehicle better suited for pounding across the cityscape than the i-Miev, no matter what the drivetrain." ~Popular Mechanics
What else matters to me?
With the Mitsubishi i, I can:
- do my grocery shopping (and haul several weeks' worth)
- take three of my friends out to dinner (offering them a roomy interior, and with the money I save on "fuel," buy their dinner)
- choose from maximum fun, maximum economy and maximum regenerative braking
- count on state-of-the-art safety features that put me in a "confident to drive" frame of mind
It has so much to give, except exhaust!
Bottom line: it makes sense!
I can easily see having a Mitsubishi i MiEV as my daily commuter car, and installing an appropriate 240V outlet for overnight charging. I think that our pets would even enjoy the ride!
Comments:
No comments have been posted.