Japan’s Kei cars are restricted to a maximum length of 3400mm and a maximum width of 1480mm, with the i sizing up within 5mm of both criteria. That means it’s slightly shorter and considerably narrower than a Toyota Aygo; the fact that it offers considerably more interior space is one of the most impressive things about the car.
A good range of seating adjustment means even taller occupants will fit into the front seats. The back is less roomy, but even with a full-sized adult occupant in the front, a second can still be squeezed into the rear. Children will fit easily.
The i’s narrowness means that it is strictly a four-seater, and the boot is predictably tiny, especially as the floor is raised slightly by the engine compartment. This is accessed by raising the boot floor mat and undoing four wingnuts holding a heavy metal cover.
Ergonomics are good, with the rotary ventilation controls being particularly easy to use. The stubby gearlever is well positioned atop a raised console between the front seats and there are lots of oddments trays and storage compartments. The quality of the interior trim is generally reasonable, despite a couple of cheap-feeling areas.
Mitsubishi is hoping that buyers will be prepared to pay more for an i than for a rival city car on the basis of its sophistication and design. It certainly shouldn’t be difficult to find sufficient early adopters to take the 300 coming into the UK, although the baby Mitsubishi still looks very expensive for what it offers.
On the plus side, other ownership costs should be low. CO2 emissions of just 114g/km mean that the i falls into the lowest road tax band (just £35 a year). Mitsubishi is also offering a fixed-price servicing deal inspired by Mini’s TLC package, just £150 buying the first three scheduled services.
Residual values are less well assured, though, and our test fuel economy of 38.2mpg compares badly to the claimed 54.6 mpg.
