The i-MiEV has an official four-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Safety equipment includes active stability control, ABS, up to six airbags, and ISOFIX seat anchorage. A special steel frame is employed to direct forces away from occupants in the event of a crash, while the car’s extremities are designed to crumple inwards at designated points to reduce the energy transferred to passengers if the worst should happen.

Four adults will fit in the car with ease, largely thanks to its lofty ceiling and low seats in the back. That’s officially one passenger less than Nissan’s LEAF, but are you likely to need more than four seats in your electric city car? Charging the car takes seven hours using a standard 13A 240v power supply and the cable supplied with the car. However, you can also use fast-charging points which are capable of charging the batteries to 80% in 30 minutes.

These fast-charge units are located at places such as shopping centres, supermarkets and public car parks. Officially the range of the i-MiEV is 93 miles, although don’t be surprised if that drops dramatically when you start using air con or putting your foot down a little. It’s also worth noting here that this car isn’t suitable for those living in high-rise apartment blocks or houses with no power close to the parking area unless you’re guaranteed access to a charging point at work.

If you can’t plug it in, you won’t be able to use it.