Getting a charge out of the i MiEV
After some basic orientation from Mr. Yanagawa, I found starting the i MiEV to be as straightforward as starting any other vehicle. With the Smart Key in proximity, one turns the ignition switch and holds it for three seconds. A beep confirms that the car is ready to operate.
A typical automatic console-mounted gearshift enables the selection of Reverse, Drive, Eco and Brake modes. I placed the shifter into Drive and removed my foot from the brake pedal to find that the i MiEV creeps ahead like any other vehicle with an automatic transmission. Tomoki informed me that a lot of engineering effort went into replicating the driving dynamics of a conventionally powered automatic car.
A slight step on the accelerator and I was on my way to compete among the fossil-fuel burners in city traffic. The most startling sensation was the effortless, silent surge of power that greeted my right foot. This little buggy is capable of getting up to speed with impressive vigor, and all without noise or vibration.
Dipping into the accelerator once underway instantly put more speed on the clock. Torque output is immediate and strong thanks to the inherent characteristics of an electric motor. Despite the immediacy of the direct drive-by-wire dynamics, throttle response is linear and predictable making the i MiEV a smooth performer that was a pleasure to drive.
Brake performance is sharp, progressive and easy to modulate, which isn't always the case with regenerative brake systems. On long descents, the gearshift can be placed into Brake-mode to provide some holdback while delivering regenerative charging to the battery.
Practical and plentiful
Simply as a car, the i MiEV is brilliant in that its size allows it to thread its way through congestion and park in the tiniest of spaces while managing to comfortably carry four adults and a reasonable quantity of gear. Head and legroom in the front is more plentiful than expected. Fold-flat rear seats greatly expand cargo space when needed.
After some basic orientation from Mr. Yanagawa, I found starting the i MiEV to be as straightforward as starting any other vehicle. With the Smart Key in proximity, one turns the ignition switch and holds it for three seconds. A beep confirms that the car is ready to operate.
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| A lot of engineering effort went into replicating the driving dynamics of a conventionally powered automatic car. |
A typical automatic console-mounted gearshift enables the selection of Reverse, Drive, Eco and Brake modes. I placed the shifter into Drive and removed my foot from the brake pedal to find that the i MiEV creeps ahead like any other vehicle with an automatic transmission. Tomoki informed me that a lot of engineering effort went into replicating the driving dynamics of a conventionally powered automatic car.
A slight step on the accelerator and I was on my way to compete among the fossil-fuel burners in city traffic. The most startling sensation was the effortless, silent surge of power that greeted my right foot. This little buggy is capable of getting up to speed with impressive vigor, and all without noise or vibration.
Dipping into the accelerator once underway instantly put more speed on the clock. Torque output is immediate and strong thanks to the inherent characteristics of an electric motor. Despite the immediacy of the direct drive-by-wire dynamics, throttle response is linear and predictable making the i MiEV a smooth performer that was a pleasure to drive.
Brake performance is sharp, progressive and easy to modulate, which isn't always the case with regenerative brake systems. On long descents, the gearshift can be placed into Brake-mode to provide some holdback while delivering regenerative charging to the battery.
Practical and plentiful
Simply as a car, the i MiEV is brilliant in that its size allows it to thread its way through congestion and park in the tiniest of spaces while managing to comfortably carry four adults and a reasonable quantity of gear. Head and legroom in the front is more plentiful than expected. Fold-flat rear seats greatly expand cargo space when needed.
 |
| The i MiEV is brilliant in that its size allows it to thread its way through congestion and park. |