The severe financial crisis that Mitsubishi went through almost brought it down. The final blow came from falsifying emissions data for some of the models it sold in Japan. However, Nissan took over all its problems and helped it recover. That's why, in recent years, it has been looking for ways to return to its purest essence. And here we are: seeing how they are updating their lineup of SUVs, pickups, and small kei cars.
If you cast your mind back, you'll remember the last strategic plan created by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance . Its main principle was very simple: each brand would specialize in what it does best. And Mitsubishi, the three-diamond brand, excels at kei cars. Furthermore, for its new generation, it's working closely with its parent company, Nissan. The result of this excellent relationship is the Mitsubishi eK X EV. Does its design look familiar…?
The technical development of the Mitsubishi eK X EV is joint to that of the Nissan Sakura…
Well, it should be, because the Mitsubishi eK X EV is nothing more than a rebadged Nissan Sakura . Actually, it's unclear which of the two was conceived first, but all signs point to the three-diamond brand jumping on the bandwagon. In any case, the aesthetic differences between the "Mitsu" and the Nissan are evident, at least in part. Especially at the front, since if it weren't for its unusual size, we could say it's a mini Outlander.
However, there's a small difference that sets it apart from its cousin, the Sakura. The eK X EV sports an SUV-like appearance , evident in the subtle wheel arch protectors and side skirts. It also features roof rails, making it more appealing and versatile to Japanese customers. Furthermore, it includes a two-tone roof , available in black or brown, which helps to visually lighten the overall look. Unfortunately, we don't have a single image of its rear end.
We can't say much about the interior either, as Mitsubishi hasn't released any official images. What we can talk about is its powertrain, which is the same one used in the Nissan Sakura. That is, thanks to a newly designed platform, it features a small electric motor with 47 kW of power and 195 Nm of torque . The battery has a capacity of 20 kWh and can be charged in 8 hours at 14,5 Amps or to 80% in 40 minutes with a fast charger.
Its range? Well, according to the WLTC protocol, it's around 180 kilometers . This figure will be lower under the WLTP, but according to Mitsubishi, it's the range that 80 percent of potential customers for a model like this actually achieve. Who knows, maybe in Europe it could be the solution to the mobility problems of many cities. Besides, with an approximate price of $14 (after discounts and bonuses), it seems like a bargain… Doesn't it appeal to you?
Source – Mitsubishi