Cult of "i" to Initiate 300 UK Drivers

The Mitsubishi "i" minicar already enjoys cult status in Japan. This July, 300 British drivers will join the circle of "i" devotees when the wee (not "wii") vehicle goes on sale in the UK.

That limited release is presumably just for starters — after all, "i"-crazed Japanese car buyers scooped up more than 37,000 of the nanocars in 2006. 155mm narrower than the Peugeot 107, with a tiny turning radius of 4.5m, the rear-mid-engined configuration still leaves room for four adults plus luggage. As for the engine, Mitsubishi says:

The "i" is powered by an all-alloy, 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine that combines a turbocharger and intercooler with MIVEC variable valve timing. The engine delivers 64 bhp at 6000 rpm and 69 lb ft (93Nm) of torque at 3000 rpm, helping the "i" accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in 11.2 seconds and reach a top speed of around 90 mph. Drive is to the rear wheels via an INVECS-II 4-speed automatic transmission, which helps reduce the stress of city driving.

Among a slew of other awards, the "i" was named "RJC Car of the Year" by the Automotive Researchers & Journalists of Japan (RJC). Got allergies? The "i" is the first Japanese car to use Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified hypoallergenic seat fabric and has — you guessed it! — a deodorant roof lining.

A few more pix after the flip.

[Source: Mitsubishi via AutoMotoPortal]