The i MIEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle), in town recently for trials, is a futuristic yet realistic runabout for the urban dweller. Its sweet 659cc turbo three-cylinder and ancillaries have been replaced by a state-of-the-art electric motor, 88 lithium-ion batteries and top-of-the-line brain cells from Japanese boffins.

Charge it for a couple of hours, using a standard three-pin power point, and you're good to go for up to 160 kilometres (closer to 100 in my experience). This is computer plug-and-play in automotive terms. And what a game it is to play. The i MIEV is eerily quiet like a giant golf buggy and extremely quick off the mark like some engine-less Evo. You never need to pay for petrol, but the thing costs three times more than the petrol-powered i. And if you stay in a high-rise like me, you would need a very long extension wire to recharge the car.

My nickname for this interesting machine is "iPod". Because it runs on battery juice, it's high tech, it's hugely desirable, and it's music to my ears. Mitsubishi, I want one, please "charge" it to my MasterCard.

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