Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s (MMAL) ground-breaking all electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, will take pride of place on the Mitsubishi Motors stand at this year’s Melbourne International Motor Show, ahead of its public sale debut in August.
Attendees at the Melbourne show will also have the opportunity to experience the i-MiEV first hand by participating in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV test program. The program will invite members of the public to get up close and personal with the i-MiEV in a chauffeur driven ride in the streets around the motor show. MMAL has assigned three vehicles to the test program for the entire duration of the show, ensuring that environmentally aware consumers will have plenty of opportunities to road test the innovative city commuter.
While the vehicles on the test program and on display at the show will be the current model, MMAL has just announced the new 2012 model – which features a host of safety and comfort specification upgrades – will arrive in Australia in a matter of weeks.
And the best news of all is that the 2012 model will be the first-ever all electric vehicle available on the Australian market for both private and corporate owners to purchase outright.
The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, first arrived in Australia in July last year, when 110 were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organisations, prompting a large number of public enquiries.
Sales of the i-MiEV to individuals will begin from mid-August when the first shipment of MY 12 i-MiEVs arrive in Australia. The significantly decreased recommended retail price of $48,800 represents a price reduction of almost 23 per cent over the previous model, providing the latest EV technology at a more affordable price.
The MY12 i-MiEV includes additional features over the original i-MiEV, boosting the vehicle’s occupant safety and comfort levels.
Safety has been enhanced with the addition of side and curtain airbags, taking the total number of airbags in the vehicle to six. The addition of Electronic Stability Control to the previous model’s Active Stability and Traction Control and braking system helps the i-MiEV maintain traction on slippery or rugged surfaces and ensures stability and prevents loss of control when cornering. An In-Cable Charging Circuit Interrupt Device has been added to the vehicle’s electric management system and provides an extra safety precaution when recharging.
Finally, the vehicle is secured by the MiEV OS (MiEV Operating System), an advanced integrated vehicle management system that will instantly shut down all high voltage electric system should an impact occur.
The European-styled upgrades to the MY12 i-MiEV’s exterior include a larger rear bumper which adds a stylish finish and complements the vehicle’s smooth lines. Auto Lighting control and Multimode Keyless entry complete the upgrades to the 2012 model and enhance the overall i-MiEV experience.
The i-MiEV is available in six stylish colours; White, Black, Cool Silver, Ocean Blue, Raspberry Red and Titanium Grey.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available from selected Mitsubishi dealers in all capital cities from mid-August. In the interim period, all customer enquiries regarding the availability of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV should be directed to 1300 13 12 11.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited recommends that the i-MiEV electric vehicle always be charged using renewable or “green” energy.