The 2011 Mitsubishi iMiev is almost a foot longer and just over 4 inches wider than the Japanese model on sale in Europe and Japan.

Leading up to the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi leaked a few renderings and dimensions of the slightly beefier i-Miev, which the manufacturer will reveal to the public next week. The 100-mile range electric vehicle is expected to go on sale in the U.S. next year, and is currently on sale in Japan.

Almost a foot longer and just over 4 inches wider than its Japanese counterpart, the i-Miev's proportions have been increased to accomodate additional safety features to help it comply with current and upcoming National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration regulations, such as more airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control--features that are largely optional in Japan.

The interior also appears upgraded for the American market, but noticeably absent in the image is a navigation system. Both the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt come with a navigation system with features to help drivers determine remaining range and recharge time. Does this mean that navigation won't be a standard feature in the i-Miev This could be how the manufacturer plans on keeping the base price at its expected sub-$30,000 MSRP. We'll let you know more next week.

The North American i-Miev&39's interior received an upgrade, but no navigation system is visible.