Tokyo  - Mitsubishi is to begin trials in Europe with the iMIEV, the egg-shaped city car which goes on sale in Japan this summer.

According to the carmaker's German importer in Hattersheim, the tests will help designers gauge whether the battery-powered sub-compact is suitable for the European market where it could be offered from 2010.

Only 12 Mitsubishi prototypes will be put through their paces, with the number divided between Spain, the Netherlands and Britain. Trials in other countries are set to follow.

The company says it plans to sell 2,000 iMIEVs in Japan where the government offers price and road tax incentives to persuade motorists to buy eco-friendly cars.

Based on the i-car three-cylinder, the petrol-driven model sold only in Japan, the iMIEV is powered by a 47-kilowatt electric motor which drives the rear wheels and charges up 330-volt lithium-ion batteries.

The car's range in pure electric mode is given as 144 kilometres, say the makers. They promise a plug-in, hybrid version of the i-car at some point in the future. (dpa)