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.