IF YOU think electric cars are cramped, sterile, pod-like contraptions with no go and no soul, you are in for a surprise.

The i-MiEV, based on Mitsubishi's irrepressible i city car, is a hoot to drive and absolutely guilt-free. The car is the first production all- electric model to be released in this part of the world. About 1,400 units will be delivered to corporate and government clients in Japan this year. Deliveries to individuals will start early next year, with exports expected to follow soon after.

Mitsubishi is showcasing the car here for a month, and Life! hijacked it for a two-day test drive.

The car has all the qualities of the petrol i: It has funky styling, is tiny but roomy (with a sizeable boot area) and is endowed with the charming driving characteristics of a midship rear-wheel-drive.

Read the full report in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times, Life!.