Mitsubishi eK

Mitsubishi eK
Overview
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors
Also called Mitsubishi eK Active
Mitsubishi eK Classy
Mitsubishi eK Custom
Mitsubishi eK Space
Mitsubishi eK Sport
Mitsubishi eK Wagon
Nissan Dayz Highway Star
Nissan Dayz Roox
Nissan Dayz Roox Highway Star
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
eK logo
Mitsubishi eK Custom
Interior
Nissan Dayz Roox
Nissan Dayz Roox Highway Star

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

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:
62 N·m (46 ft·lbf) at 4000 rpm (n/a)
93 N·m (69 ft·lbf) at 3500 rpm (turbo)
Front: MacPherson struts
Rear: 3-link torque arm type
155/65R13 (Wagon)
165/55R14 (Sport)

Annual production and sales

Mitsubishi eK Wagon
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

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