The range now features an entry-level mode, badged as the i-MiEV M and priced at £14,500 (1,880,000 Yen) after the Japanese government's electric vehicle subsidy. It sacrifices a small amount of range, from 96 miles in the outgoing car to around 75 miles.

Its sibling, badged as the i-MiEV G, will be based on the high spec of the existing model, adding 15 miles of extra range and a function which lets owners control charging and air conditioning systems remotely. This, too, has had a price cut and now costs £21,950 (2,840,000 Yen) after the government subsidy.

Mitsubishi UK has no plans to import the new models as yet, but a spokesperson told EV Fleet World it was watching demand in Japan. The outgoing i-MiEV starts at £23,995 in the UK, after the £5,000 government grant.