The Mitsubishi i is a kei car from Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors, first released in January 2006, blank">"New concept for the future of small: 'i'", Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 24 2006 twenty eight months after its debut at the 2003 _Frankfurt Motor Show. us/technology/environment/e/i.html" target="_blank">""i" Concept Test Car", Mitsubishi Motors website It is the first four door automobile since the 1960s to employ a "_rear midship" setup with the engine behind the passengers, in an attempt to improve safety and interior space without enlarging the overall exterior. blank">"Mitsubishi i", Mark Wan, Autozine, November 18 _2005

The innovative layout and styling of the i proved an immediate critical and commercial success, exceeding Mitsubishi's initial sales targets by 20 percent and winning thirteen awards in its first year. 2007.pdf" target="_blank">Facts & Figures 2007, p.39, Mitsubishi Motors website "Mitsubishi's award winning minicar", Ian Rowley, _BusinessWeek, November 14 2006 Although designed with the Japanese keijidōsha light automobile class in mind, the attention it generated led to its subsequent introduction in right hand drive markets in Asia, Oceania and Europe. It is also speculated to be the basis of the battery electric vehicle Mitsubishi has timetabled for introduction in 2010. "Mitsubishi i MiEV Single Motor EV", James Fraser, The Energy Blog, October 12 2006 "Mitsubishi i: In Detail", F. de Leeuw van Weenen, WorldCarFans.com, August 18 2006