The 2010 Mitsubishi i, which is not available in the United States at this point, was tested by the professionals at InsideLine earlier this year. The reaction? Well, it works in Japan.

Not to insult Japan or the manufacturers of Mitsubishi – it’s just that the Mitsubishi i is required to meet strict limits on size, engine displacement, and power, which entitle consumers to tax breaks. Basically they are designed to meet the needs of the urban commuters – travel at low speed in congested areas and be parked easily. If the vehicle ever comes to the United States, Mitsubishi might need to make several alterations to meet the needs of the American consumer. Those interested in the 2010 Mitsubishi i can obtain information at your Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

With a measurement of 133.5 inches, the Mitsubishi i is more than two feet shorter than the smallest Honda model in America. However, the interior is still spacious enough to fit four average-sized people with plenty of head room. Additionally, the Mitsubishi i’s rear seats fold to create a flat load floor, allowing enough room for packing considerably large cargo. For more details on this deceptive vehicle, consumers can visit their Bloomington, IL car dealers or any other dealership lot where Mitsubishi vehicles are sold.

Many who observe the vehicle in person may not be able to figure out where the engine is, which is actually obscurely mounted under the rear cargo area. As far as the power goes, regulations limit Kei cars to engines of no more than 660cc and 63 horsepower. Therefore, the Mitsubishi i engine is equipped with a 659cc 3B20 inline-3 engine, yielding 63 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. The engine works with variable valve timing, a turbocharger and intercooling. The vehicle also has a four-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. In addition to these features that may appear inferior to the American driver, the 2010 Mitsubishi i reaches 0-60 in a not-so-impressive 14.9 seconds. While this may work on the streets of Japan, the vehicle is not expected to be powerful enough for U.S. highways. Furthermore, the 2010 Mitsubishi i gets only 27.7 mpg – probably because the engine must work so hard to keep up with traffic. Mitsubishi owners can compare their current vehicle with the 2010 Mitsubishi i by visiting any Bloomington, IL car dealer, particularly O’Brien’s Bloomington Mitsubishi dealer.

Although the 2010 Mitsubishi i is not impressive by any means, we must keep in mind that it fulfills its purpose: commuting short distances at low speed. This vehicle definitely meets the requirements for drivers of Japan, but if a model were to ever be introduced to the United States, consumers can expect alterations to meet the needs of American drivers.