Mitsubishi’s eK kei cars co-developed with
Nissan have gone on sale in Japan. The eK lineup will
consist of two models: the eK Wagon nameplate carries over but the eK Custom is
replaced by the crossover-flavored eK X. There are big styling differences
between the eK Wagon and the eK X.
While the eK Wagon adopts a more traditional
appearance, the eK X goes for a bolder look highlighted by the Dynamic Shield
front end design, sleeker LED headlights, two-tone paint schemes, as well as
crossover-flavored elements such as the plastic cladding around the wheel
arches, side sills, and bumpers.
As for the interiors, they look basically the same
although the eK X offers a wider range of personalization options including
two-tone designs and more materials.
Based on an all-new platform co-developed with
Nissan, the Mitsubishi eK share a new 0.66-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
gasoline engine, as mandated by the kei car rules. The power plant delivers 52
PS at 6,400 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm. It is
mated to a new CVT transmission and it comes with standard FWD or optional AWD.
While in the eK Wagon the engine is offered without
external assistance, in the eK X it’s hooked to a hybrid system which could be
a mild-hybrid solution — Mitsubishi doesn’t say it specifically. However, the
system is said to improve fuel efficiency and deliver “more powerful and
smoother driving performance.”
On the tech front, the all-new Mitsubishi eK models
are available for the first time with a Mi-Pilot single-lane driver assistance
system for highway driving. The tech assists operation of the accelerator,
brakes and steering to mitigate stress and fatigue on longer trips. Other available
systems include Active Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Grip Control, Multi
Around Monitor, and Digital Rearview Mirror.
Prices in Japan start from ¥ 1,296,000 (US$ 11,700) for
the eK Wagon and ¥ 1,414,800 (US$ 12,750) for the eK X, excluding taxes.
