Mitsubishi's tiny "i" is the first minicar to win the "Good Design Grand Prize 2006", a prize awarded by the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The program for the GDGP is run by the Japanese Industrial Design Promotion Organization.
The prize is awarded yearly to the most outstanding entry among all categories entered.
Mitsubishi's "i" was developed with the goal of squashing the common tradeoffs associated with such small cars- namely design vs. interior space and interior space vs. impact safety.
An innovative and premium machine, the "i" overcomes these tradeoffs largely by way of its rear mid-engine setup which allows some interesting innovations for a small car. A futuristic look and "uptown" styling, agile handling, and impressive multi-directional impact performance are all afforded by the setup.
It was the overall design afforded by the platform that ultimately won the prize, the Japanese carmaker says.
Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said "We are honored to receive this significant prize today with our "i" minicar that has found favor with customers for its outstanding and futuristic design. We will keep working on the development of customer-oriented models with this unique rear-midship layout platform that brings new levels of ride comfort and impact safety together with innovative design."
The prize is awarded yearly to the most outstanding entry among all categories entered.
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| Mitsubishi i (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
An innovative and premium machine, the "i" overcomes these tradeoffs largely by way of its rear mid-engine setup which allows some interesting innovations for a small car. A futuristic look and "uptown" styling, agile handling, and impressive multi-directional impact performance are all afforded by the setup.
It was the overall design afforded by the platform that ultimately won the prize, the Japanese carmaker says.
Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said "We are honored to receive this significant prize today with our "i" minicar that has found favor with customers for its outstanding and futuristic design. We will keep working on the development of customer-oriented models with this unique rear-midship layout platform that brings new levels of ride comfort and impact safety together with innovative design."