- Mitsubishi eK
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Mitsubishi eK 
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors Also called Nissan Otti Production 2001–present Assembly Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama Predecessor Mitsubishi Toppo BJ Class Kei car Body style 5-door hatchback Layout Front engine, FWD or 4WD Engine 657 cc 3G83 I3
657 cc 3G83 I3 turboTransmission 3-speed automatic
4-speed automaticWheelbase 2,340 mm (92.1 in) Length 3,395 mm (133.7 in) Width 1,475 mm (58.1 in) Height 1,550 mm (61.0 in) Curb weight 790–900 kg (1,700–2,000 lb) 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]
In its first generation, it was available either as an eK Wagon (introduced on October 11, 2001), eK Sport (introduced on September 2, 2002), eK Classy (introduced on May 26, 2003) or eK Active (introduced on May 25, 2004). A facelifted eK Wagon was introduced on December 20, 2004. On December 20, 2005, the eK Classy was discontinued.
The second generation eK was released on September 13, 2006, priced from ¥913,500 to ¥1,484,700.[2] The eK Active was discontinued at the time of the second generation's launch.
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]
Contents
Technical details
- Engine
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- Type: 3G83 SOHC 12v straight-3
- Capacity: 657 cc
- Compression ratio:
- 10.2:1 (naturally aspirated)
- 8.5:1 (turbocharged)
- Peak power:
- 37 kW (50 PS) at 6500 rpm (n/a)
- 47 kW (64 PS) at 6000 rpm (turbo)
- Peak torque:
- Suspension
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- Front: MacPherson struts
- Rear: 3-link torque arm type
- Tyres
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- 155/65R13 (Wagon)
- 165/55R14 (Sport)
- Turning circle: 4.4 m
- Seats: 4
Annual production and sales
A Mitsubishi eK Wagon alongside its Nissan Otti twin.
Production figures include OEM units manufactured on behalf of Nissan, while sales figures only include Mitsubishi-badged models.
Year Production Sales 2001 97,390 86,465 2002 115,918 122,857 2003 119,652 118,567 2004 70,826 71,062 2005 118,480 73,277 2006 122,294 67,052 2007 77,875 56,686 2008 63,943 39,972 (sources: Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2009, Mitsubishi Motors website)
References
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors proudly introduces the next standard in mini-cars, the semi-tall "eK-WAGON"", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 11, 2001
- ^ a b "Mitsubishi Motors launches new eK Wagon & eK Sport", Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 13, 2006
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors has Received the Good Design Award", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 11, 2001
- ^ "Brand-new eK-WAGON order top 13,000 in first 4 days after launch Way over 10,000 monthly target", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 16, 2001
- ^ "eK-WAGON orders top 20,000", Mitsubishi Motors press release, August 8, 2006
- ^ "First drives - Mitsubishi eK Sport", Auto Express
- ^ "Nissan To Get New eK WAGON Supply from Mitsubishi", Mitsuishi Motors press release, October 31, 2001
External links
- Mitsubishi eK series, Mitsubishi Motors website
Categories:- 1990s automobiles
- 2000s automobiles
- All wheel drive vehicles
- Front wheel drive vehicles
- Hatchbacks
- Kei cars
- Mitsubishi Motors vehicles
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