You and “i” or MiEV (plus a little giveaway)

Recently Jimmy and I have been talking about the next step in our lives. We are less than a year away from retiring after 20 years in the Navy. It is an overwhelming time for us with so much to think about. One thing we are discussing is cars.

(If you are reading this, cover your eyes Andrea)

We have an older Toyota Corolla that Jimmy has been using as his commuter car. We are thinking about giving it to Andrea so she will have a car at college. Then we will get a new little commuter for Jimmy.

When I was contacted by Mitsubishi, it seemed to be a perfect time for us to check out the brand new Mitsubishi i.

What the heck is the Mitsubishi i???

The  first thing I would like to say about the “i” is….this car is CUTE. It’s all about the rounded edges and…well….cuteness. But, don’t think this is a chick car. Jimmy instantly liked the lines of it as well. It appealed to both of us equally. Opening the door, I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious the car was. Looking from the outside, you might think it would be cramped. It’s not. Four adults can comfortably fit. Starting this car is not what I expected. Turning the key results in a “click” like flipping a light switch! I actually asked our “i” specialist, who was along for the ride with us, if it was actually on! I’m serious when I say there was no sound at all. Pure silence. Part of me expected that when I moved the shift to “D” that it wouldn’t go anywhere….since it couldn’t possibly be running….but it did! And away we went!

The “i” has quite a bit of pep! It sprints forward smoothly, turns in tiny spaces and even has a back up camera! To be honest with you, if you are looking for horsepower or to be the first off the starting line, this is not going to be your car. The “i” gets up to speed at a decent clip, and has a top speed of just over 80 miles an hour. During my drive, which encompassed both twisty country roads and fast paced city driving, I found the “i” to be more than acceptable! I’m not a slow-poke driver, but I’m not a speed demon either.

Jimmy enjoyed his turn at the wheel also. And from the back seat, the “i” sounds exactly like the car from the Jetsons! I’m serious! Even if you are not in the market for an electric car, or any car, go take a test drive with someone just so you can sit in the back seat and listen.  Just like the Jetsons!!! This car was a blast to drive and is now sitting squarely at the top of our list of possible cars to purchase once we move.

Hey Jimmy! You grab that end, I'll grab this one and let's see if we can sneak it off the lot! They probably won't even notice!

More about the Mitsubishi i

The breakthrough Mitsubishi i is the most affordable 100% electric-powered mass-market production vehicle available in North America. Its starting MSRP IS $29,125 and the net MSRP* after federal tax credit is a very affordable $21,625 for the standard ES model and only $23,625 for the upgrade SE version, making the starting price for the all-new Mitsubishi i several thousand less than other mass produced electric vehicles available in the market.

 Powered by Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV) technology, the rear-wheel drive vehicle’s drive system includes a 49 kW (66 bhp) AC synchronous electric motor; an 88 cell, 330V lithium-ion battery pack for a peak storage of 16 kWh; and a single fixed-reduction gear transmission. This electric motor is capable of producing its peak torque of 145 lb.-ft. almost instantaneously when accelerating from a standstill; the vehicle has a top speed of approximately 80 mph.

 The driving range of the Mitsubishi i is a very robust EPA certified “real world” rating of 62 miles/charge. The Mitsubishi i can be recharged using three advantageous methods: A 240V/15A Level 2 home EVSE Eaton charging system (estimated charge time from completely empty battery to fully charged – 7 hours; charging method recommended by Mitsubishi), a CHAdeMO Level 3 public quick charging station (estimated charge time from very low battery to 80% full – 30 minutes; requires optional DC charging port available as an option), and through the conventional 120V/8A Level 1 portable charging cable that plugs into a standard wall outlet (estimated charge time from very low battery to full charge – 22.5 hours; included on all Mitsubishi i models).

 The Mitsubishi i may be compact in its overall dimensions, but this EV’s clever packaging and design make for very roomy and comfortable accommodations for four adult-size passengers. With its relatively tall roofline, rear-mounted electric motor and battery pack placed safely and securely in a watertight, stainless-steel safety cell underneath the floor of the passenger compartment, even the rear passengers will experience an exceptionally satisfying degree of legroom. There’s even a small cargo area at the back of the vehicle that is more than capable of carrying numerous bags of groceries or purchases from the local mall. And with the 50/50 rear seats folded flat, the cargo capacity expands greatly, allowing the Mitsubishi i to become the preferred vehicle for weekend trips for bulkier items at a discount warehouse or home improvement retailer.

 Mitsubishi anticipates an initial rollout of their game-changing EV into its dealership network in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii by November 2011, followed by the northeastern U.S. market by March 2012 with nationwide availability expected by December 2012.

 For more on the Mitsubishi i, visit http://i.mitsubishicars.com and www.facebook.com/imitsubishi.

And just because it’s Friday, and I’m in an eco-friendly state of mind, let’s do a giveaway. FOUR winners will each receive a package of Seed Bombs and a Northwest Produce calendar.

The seed bombs are cool little clusters of wildflower seeds that you just throw outside and they grow. (I’m anxious to try these…) and the calendar shows what produce in season each month and the proper time to plant. It’s a neat reference.

Just leave me a comment below. Tell me anything…. How is your day going? Plans for the weekend? Whatcha making for dinner?

One comment per person only, please.

This giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 26th, 2011. I will use Random.org to chose four winners from all comments. Winners will be posted on October 27th. Winners will then have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be drawn. (Update – Oh to heck with it….you all won!)

Mommy Rambles was provided a gift basket in exchange for test drive this car. However all thoughts and opinons are my own and were not influenced in any way. It’s a cute car, seriously!