Mitsubishi eK
 | Parts of this article (those related to fuel mileage scandals) need to be updated. (April 2016) |
| Mitsubishi eK | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Also called | Mitsubishi eK Active Mitsubishi eK Classy Mitsubishi eK Custom Mitsubishi eK Space Mitsubishi eKBiggusCustom Mitsubishi eK Sport Mitsubishi eK Wagon Nissan Dayzetomcghetto Nissan Dayz Highway Star Nissan Dayz Roox Nissan Dayz Roox Highway Star Nissan DayZ Early Access Nissan Otti |
| Production | 2001–present |
| Assembly | Mizushima plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front engine, FWD or 4WD |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 657 cc 3G83 I3 657 cc 3G83 I3 turbo |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 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 (1,740–1,980 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mitsubishi Toppo BJ |
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 Wagon and eK Sport were 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. A facelifted eK Wagon and eK Sport were released on August 21, 2008.
The third generation eK Wagon and eK Sport (now eK Custom) were released on June 6, 2013.
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] In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. Since June 8, 2005, Nissan Motors has received 36,000 eK Wagons annually from Mitsubishi, to be sold within the domestic market as the Nissan Otti.[7] The Otti was replaced by the Nissan Dayz and Nissan Dayz Highway Star on June 6, 2013, although the Otti was still sold alongside the Dayz until being discontinued on June 28, 2013.
In April 2016, MMC admitted that its employees had falsified fuel-efficiency data for the eK Wagon, eK Space, Nissan Dayz and Nissan Dayz Roox.[8] The resultant scandal culminated in Nissan acquiring a controlling interest in MMC the following month.[9]
Technical details
- Engine
- Suspension
- Front: MacPherson struts
- Rear: 3-link torque arm type
- Tyres
- 155/65R13 (Wagon)
- 165/55R14 (Sport)
- Turning circle: 4.4 m
- Seats: 4
Annual production and sales
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
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors admits employees falsified fuel-efficiency data", Japan Times, Apr. 20, 2016
- ^ "Nissan to place MMC under its umbrella", The Japan News, May 12, 2016
External links
- Mitsubishi eK series, Mitsubishi Motors website