The i MiEV in an interesting little possible solution to the ills of smoggy inner city personal transport, but, more importantly, its also a car that might, perhaps, just remind people that Mitsubishi does more than bonkers rally-bred saloons.

There isn't much to say about the new i MiEV prototype apart from that it's an electric car powered by a lithium ion battery pack and, according to Mitsubishi, it will only be launched if there's a positive reaction to it at Geneva. We can only assume that means there'll be a man with a decibel reader measuring the "oohs" and "aahs" when the covers are lifted. What else could it be?

At the same time, the maker will unleash the i MiEV Sport Air, a removable hard top electric roadster. It's nothing like the Evo (see, there's that E-word again), but Mitsubishi does promise it will be a dynamic marvel because of its low centre of gravity and plentiful torque. In fact, it's a new age pocket rocket, says the Japanese maker. We'll bring you more from the show floor.

Mark Nichol - 13 Feb 2009