There's just one engine, a turbocharged 57bhp 660cc petrol unit mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is fine around town, but on the open road you'll need to pin the accelerator to the carpet to maintain a steady speed. An all-electric version, the i MiEV, will join the line-up later this year.

An impressively tight turning circle and light steering help make the i nimble around town and parking easy. Outside the city, however, it's all too easily upset by side winds and the wake from HGVs, and those narrow front tyres follow every furrow and undulation in the road surface. The ride is unsettled and grip is limited on twisty roads.

The engine is at the rear of the car, beneath a thick insulation cover under the boot floor. Even so, the whirr of the three-cylinder unit is always present. Road noise and a surprising amount of wind noise do make it into the cabin, too. Although it doesn't take long to learn how to make the automatic gearbox change sweetly, you do need to lift your right foot at the same time the car changes gear. Otherwise upshifts can be extremely jerky.

The i's initial purchase price is high compared to rivals', although the car's low emissions put it in VED band B, so road tax will be cheap. It also achieves an average of 55mpg, while a three-year servicing package costs £150. The i MiEV is exempt from road tax, but it will cost far more to buy or lease.

The cabin plastics are hard to the touch, but the steering wheel and gearknob are leather, so the bits you're most in contact with feel good. Of all the Japanese manufacturers, Mitsubishi fared the worst in our latest JD Power customer satisfaction survey.

The i comes with twin front airbags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, which helps prevent skids if you brake and turn the steering wheel. Disappointingly, side and curtain airbags, and electronic stability control aren't even options, though.

While the driver's seat adjusts for height, the steering wheel is fixed, so it may be difficult for some to find a comfortable driving position. The dash is simple, with easy-to-use controls, although you may have to lean to reach some of the fiddly stereo controls. Visibility is good and the cabin feels light and airy.

For a car that is shorter than a Mini, the i is surprisingly spacious for four occupants - and this is where it excels over rivals such as the Smart Fortwo and Toyota Aygo. That said, the boot is small because the engine sits below it, but the rear seats split and fold to make a flat loadbay. There are cubbyholes and cupholders in the front, and there's a 'secret' storage box in a hidden hatch above the glovebox.

There's just one trim, bit it's pretty well specified, having climate control, electric windows and door mirrors, central locking and a CD player all as standard. Alloy wheels are also fitted, and should you require sat-nav or a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit, you can raid the options list.