2010 Paris Motor Show: European-spec 2011 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

By Antony Ingram

Antony Ingram

Contributing Writer BIO

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Mitsubishi i-MIEV electric car

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Don't want a 2011 Chevrolet Volt or 2011 Nissan Leaf? Fear not - there are a raft of other EVs waiting in the wings to satisfy your desire for something different.

If you live in the U.S. though, you'll have to wait until late 2011 to get your hands on Mitsubishi's 2012 i-MiEV. For EV fans in 14 European markets, potential buyers will be getting the car as soon as December this year, with prices starting at less than 30,000 Euros ($38,000).

That's still a lot of money of course, especially considering that the price Mitsubishi are quoting takes government incentives into consideration. The price of the car itself including batteries is likely to cost between 33,000 and 35,000 Euros ($42,000 to $44,500), which is the same ballpark as the 2011 Nissan Leaf's price in Europe before discounts.

The European spec i-MiEV is set to debut at the Paris auto show on September 30. The car's specification includes electronic stability control, side and curtain airbags and an improved interior - no doubt as a result of criticism over interior quality in early reviews.

Of course, the compact i-MiEV makes a lot of sense in crowded European cities. The narrow, tall and short body is great for maneuvering in tight streets, providing good visibility and parking where you wouldn't think it possible to park. The disappointing range that USA Today mentioned on their drive in a Japanese-spec model will get you further in a smaller city, too.

The i-MiEV's power comes from a 49kW (67-horsepower) electric motor which gives an 80mph top speed, with a quoted range of around 90-100 miles. For more information, check out our handy i-MiEV reference guide.

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