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The 2003 Mitsubishi i Concept showcased at the 60th Frankfurt Motor Show was Mitsubishi's forward-looking take on the compact city car, prioritizing efficiency, innovative design, and an environmentally friendly approach. Created by designer Olivier Boulay, the car’s rounded, compact silhouette set it apart from typical urban vehicles. Its unique, rear-engine configuration—a feature seldom seen in kei cars—maximized interior space while balancing weight and enhancing handling dynamics. This design, along with its impressive fuel efficiency, earned the Mitsubishi i Concept considerable attention and praise, including the Grand Prize at Japan’s Good Design Awards in 2006, a first for a kei car.
The name “i” was chosen to represent individuality, intelligence, and innovation, aligning with Mitsubishi’s goal to create a highly personal and efficient driving experience. The concept featured a 999 cc engine paired with Mitsubishi’s Smart Idling (MSI) system, which automatically shut off the engine when idle and restarted it within just 0.2 seconds, contributing to an impressive fuel consumption rate of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Combined with the lightweight construction using aluminum and plastic, the MSI system made the i Concept exceptionally fuel-efficient and responsive, perfect for urban driving.
Additionally, Mitsubishi presented a second prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show, called the Se-Ro, which retained much of the i Concept’s vision but incorporated a production-ready 660 cc engine. This prototype had an aerodynamic body styled after airships, further emphasizing Mitsubishi's innovative and futuristic approach to compact, eco-friendly vehicles.
