What’s it like to drive the Mitsubishi i MiEV electric micro car?
We had our chance to drive and ride in the little critter at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s (EDTA) ride and drive event in Washington, DC early last month.
The i MiEV is smooth, quiet, and quite unlike a golf cart that some might imagine it to be … not only that, it’s quick off the line to boot. Out in the crowded streets, the i MiEV’s diminutive dimensions are a huge asset. With plenty of that trademark immediate electric motor torque, the i MiEV proves itself to be a fun scoot through city traffic.
Interior space is maximized, and while it is a bit tight, the i MiEV didn’t feel nearly as small as I expected it to be. I had the chance to both drive and ride in the rear seat and had no problem getting into or out of the seats. (Four doors are a great thing in such a small car!)
Don’t expect to see i MiEVs roaming American streets en masse any time soon. The only i MiEVs here now are strictly for testing. While the i MiEV is slated to go into production this year, no plans have been announced for importation into the States.
Nevertheless, MPGomatic is floating the meme for a Celebrity i MiEV Racing Series …
The Mitsubishi Lancer has a solid history of delivering good gas mileage figures, with the most fuel-efficient of the 2009 models hitting 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. The Lancer is available with either a 2.0- or 2.4-liter four cylinder engine. The best fuel economy is be found in the 2.0-liter Lancer, which delivers 22 city / 30 highway when mated with the five-speed manual transmission.
The 2.0 liter engine is available in three states of tune, with the most powerful (and thirsty) found in the Lancer Evolution (or Evo, for short). Premium fuel is required in the higher horsepower 2.0 liter engines, while regular will suffice for the 2.4- and base 2.0-liter. Continue reading →
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse gas mileage estimates fall in the mid to high twenties on the highway, as the sporty coupe competes with a diverse range of competition including the Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Ford Mustang, and Dodge Challenger.
Eclipse owners must decide between a four cylinder or V6 engine, depending on the model. The Eclipse GS is fitted with Mitsubishi’s 2.4 liter SOHC MIVEC inline four delivering 162 horsepower (HP) and 162 foot pounds of torque. The Eclipse GT is fitted with a 3.8 liter SOHC V6 providing a healthy 265 HP and 262 foot pounds of torque.
The four cylinder Eclipse GS is fitted with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The V6 Eclipse GT is fitted with 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The Eclipse GS is rated at 20 city / 28 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the manual and 20/26 with the automatic. The Eclipse GT is rated at 16 city / 25 highway MPG with the manual and 16/24 with the automatic. Continue reading →
The 2008 Mitsubishi Galant delivers middle of the road gas mileage, as it battles it out in a highly competitive segment with the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Chevy Malibu.
Galant owners can choose between a four cylinder or V6 engine, depending on the model. The 2.4 liter SOHC MIVEC inline four delivers 160 horsepower (HP) and 155 foot pounds of torque, while the 3.8 liter SOHC V6 provides 230 HP and 250 foot pounds of torque. The more economical four is rated at 20 city / 27 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The V6 requires premium fuel.
