Mitsubishi helps kick off Eco Rally

Mitsubishi is showcasing an electric version of its i supermini and the Colt Cleartec for the first time in London today.

The pair join a convoy of environmentally-friendly cars travelling from Brighton’s Palace Pier to London’s City Hall today as part of the 2009 Eco Rally.

The Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle (or ‘i-Miev’) runs entirely on electricity and emits no CO2.

And the battery will be able to reach a range of 100 miles before recharging.

Mitsubishi claims its i-Miev will be “the pioneer which will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society.”

Sales for the i-Miev will start in April 2010 and Mitsubishi will begin taking orders in late July 2009.

Mitsubishi’s other present green machine – the Colt CZ2 Cleartec – has 17 per cent less CO2 emissions than the standard Colt and an average fuel economy of 65.7mpg.

This brings its CO2 emissions down to 119g/km, placing it into tax band C at £35 per year.

The 1.3-litre petrol Colt Cleartec is available to order now and prices start at £8,687.

Other vehicles taking part include the UK’s first electric taxi and the Lotus Elise Eco sports car.

The convoy will be welcomed into the city at 2.45pm by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. His aim is to cut carbon emissions in London by 60 per cent by 2025.

There will also be celebrities driving the cars including former F1 champion John Surtees, Red Dwarf’s Robert Llewellyn and car expert Quentin Willson.

The Mayor of London said: “The Eco Rally is a great way to promote the use of less polluting, low carbon transport which I am also championing in the capital.”

View a video review of the Mitsubishi i-Miev: