-Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today
announced that the "i" concept test car it will be showing as a world
premiere at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show achieved maximum 5-Star ratings
(lowest environmental impact) in fuel consumption and emissions testing
conducted July 31 through August 5 at the ADAC1 TechnikZentrum
technology center in Landsberg, near Munich, Germany.
In the ADAC/FIA2 EcoTest, "i" returned an average consumption
of 3.8 liters/100 km with emissions of 89 g/km of CO2, thus
meeting both the 90 g/km Three Liter Car fuel economy and the Euro 4 emissions
standards.
Developed to a "small & surprising" theme, the Mitsubishi "i" sits on
a midship engine/rear wheel-drive platform to provide a roomier living
space that boasts superior crashworthiness performance than its dimensions
would suggest.
The high-efficiency powertrain mates a new 1.0-liter MIVEC engine with
a continuously variable transmission and employs a stop-start system that
automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Vehicle
weight is minimized with the extensive use of aluminum and plastics in
the body and chassis. This and the careful attention to aerodynamics give
"i" exceptional fuel economy.
Going further than the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) used in Euro
4 testing, the FIA EcoTest includes highway driving and air conditioner
"ON" components to provide a more thorough measure of emissions and fuel
consumption. To date, ADAC has put 33 popular models sold in Europe through
the EcoTest.
The "i" not only became the first car with the air conditioner switched
on to achieve the maximum 5-star rating, it is also the first car to be
awarded 5 stars in both the fuel consumption and emissions testing categories,
setting a new standard for ecological performance.
1: Allgemeine Deutsche Automobil Club
2: Federation Internationale de l'Automobile
