1999 Mitsubishi Pistachio Dimensions, Size & Specs

Despite its compact external dimensions, the Mitsubishi Pistachio was well-designed to maximize interior space within its hatchback body style. The cabin width allows comfortable seating for four passengers with adequate shoulder room, thanks to efficient packaging. Compared to other kei cars from the late 1990s, such as the Suzuki Alto or Daihatsu Move, the Pistachio offered a competitive interior layout with thoughtful placement of controls and storage compartments. However, its tight width means that while it is spacious by kei car standards, it may feel cramped compared to small subcompact vehicles outside the kei category.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio is exceptionally light, with a curb weight ranging around 700 kg (1,543 lbs). This ultra-lightweight construction significantly enhances its fuel efficiency, as less energy is required to propel the vehicle. It also contributes positively to handling by reducing inertia, allowing for nimble maneuvering and responsive steering. The car was built with lightweight materials to meet kei car regulations and achieve fuel economy targets. This low weight combined with a small engine results in an efficient city car well-suited for daily commuting and short trips.

Yes, the Mitsubishi Pistachio easily fits inside a standard single-car garage thanks to its compact dimensions. With a length of roughly 3.3 meters (10.8 feet), a width of about 1.4 meters (4.6 feet), and a height near 1.43 meters (4.7 feet), it requires considerably less space than typical modern compact cars. Standard residential garages, commonly around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width, offer ample clearance. This makes parking and storage convenient for urban dwellers who possess limited space.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio was unique in its category as it didn't directly replace a prior model but instead served as Mitsubishi's experimental lightweight kei car. Compared to similar cars of its era, such as the Suzuki Alto or the Daihatsu Mira, the Pistachio was smaller, lighter, and more focused on ultra-efficient design. Its minimalist approach differed from predecessors or competitors by emphasizing low weight and fuel economy rather than power or luxury. This made it stand apart from more conventional small hatchbacks that prioritized space or performance.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio is equipped with a modest fuel tank capacity of about 30 liters (7.9 gallons). Given its extremely lightweight design and efficient small-displacement engine, this capacity is sufficient for a notable driving range suitable for urban and suburban environments. The vehicle achieves excellent fuel economy figures typical of kei cars, often exceeding 20 km per liter (47 mpg US). Consequently, the Pistachio can cover approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles) on a single tank under optimal driving conditions, making it a reliable choice for daily commuting without frequent refueling stops.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio features a ground clearance of around 150 mm (5.9 inches), which is typical for kei cars designed primarily for urban use. This clearance level allows the vehicle to navigate common city obstacles like speed bumps and potholes without difficulty. However, its relatively low height may limit off-road capability, making it less suited for rough rural terrain or unpaved roads. For everyday urban driving, the ground clearance strikes a balance between stability, aerodynamics, and practicality.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio has a compact wheelbase of approximately 2,200 mm (86.6 inches) and a narrow track width aligned with its kei car classification. This short wheelbase enhances nimbleness and aids in tight cornering, ideal for city traffic conditions. While a longer wheelbase generally improves ride comfort by smoothing out road irregularities, the Pistachio's setup is well-tuned for its size and purpose, providing a surprisingly stable drive given its dimensions. The narrower track width helps reduce overall vehicle width but can slightly affect lateral stability at higher speeds, which is less relevant for its intended low-speed city use.

The Mitsubishi Pistachio uses a small 3-cylinder engine designed under kei car regulations, usually a 659 cc unit. This compact powertrain is lightweight and fits well within the small engine bay, contributing to the car's overall minimal size and weight. The small engine helps keep the vehicle efficient and compliant with Japanese kei car standards, which limit engine displacement and vehicle dimensions. Its design supports a balanced vehicle weight distribution, essential for maintaining stable handling characteristics despite the car’s diminutive size.

While the Mitsubishi Pistachio is a kei car primarily designed for the Japanese domestic market with strict size and engine limitations, it can still be meaningfully compared to other small hatchbacks worldwide on the basis of urban utility, efficiency, and compact design. However, compared to subcompact hatchbacks popular in Europe or North America, the Pistachio is notably smaller and lighter, emphasizing economy over space or power. It excels in tight city environments but may offer less comfort and versatility than larger hatchbacks with more flexible interiors and higher performance. Thus, while comparisons are possible, they should consider the different regulatory and market contexts.