Mitsubishi eK

The Mitsubishi eK is a Japanese kei car from Mitsubishi Motors, based on the long-running Mitsubishi Minica, and first introduced on October 11, 2001 at ¥910,000 to ¥1,108,000. According to the company the name stands for "excellent Keijidōsha", or "excellent minicar".[1] It was available either as an eK Wagon (introduced October 2001), eK Sport (September 2002), eK Classy (May 2003) or eK Active (May 2004). The range was given a styling revision and re-released on September 13, 2006, priced from ¥913,500 to ¥1,484,700.[2]

Immediately upon its release it was the recipient of the "Good Design Award" by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2001.[3] While the initial sales target was 10,000 units per month, it sold 13,000 in its first four days, and 20,000 by the end of October 2001.[4][5] It is Mitsubishi's highest volume model in the Japanese domestic market,[6] and total sales to 2005 are approximately 480,000.[2] Since 2005, Nissan Motors has received 36,000 eK wagons annually from Mitsubishi, to be sold within the domestic market as the Nissan Otti.[7]

Technical details

• Engine

Type: 3G83 SOHC 12v straight-3 Capacity: 657cc Compression ratio: 10.2:1 (naturally aspirated) 8.5:1 (turbocharged) Peak power: 37kW (50PS) at 6500rpm (n/a) 47kW (64PS) at 6000rpm (turbo) Peak torque: 62N·m (46ft·lbf) at 4000rpm (n/a) 93N·m (69ft·lbf) at 3500rpm (turbo)

• Suspension

Front: MacPherson struts Rear: 3-link torque arm type

• Tyres

155/65R13 (Wagon) 165/55R14 (Sport)

• Turning circle: 4.4m
• Seats: 4

Annual production and sales

Production figures include OEM units manufactured on behalf of Nissan, while sales figures only include Mitsubishi-badged models.

(sources: Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Mitsubishi Motors website)