Mitsuoka, a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its distinctive and often eccentric designs, is once again generating buzz with its latest creation: a reimagined Honda Civic that boldly embraces the aesthetic spirit of the iconic Dodge Challenger, albeit with a quirky and somewhat unconventional execution. Following the unexpected success of the initial M55 Zero Edition, which rapidly sold out after its debut last year, Mitsuoka has decided to cater to the evident demand by producing an additional 250 units of the M55 1st Edition. This new iteration retains the core design elements of its predecessor, continuing the curious fusion of Japanese compact car underpinnings with American muscle car styling.
The M55 concept first emerged as a unique, one-off project in November 2023, showcasing a body design heavily inspired by the Dodge Challenger, ingeniously grafted onto the platform of a Honda Civic. Surprisingly, this unconventional creation was met with considerable enthusiasm from the public, prompting Mitsuoka to swiftly transition the concept into a production model. In doing so, the company has largely preserved the original design and key features, ensuring that the production M55 stays true to its initial, somewhat outlandish, vision.
The Mitsuoka M55 can be described as a Japanese interpretation of a classic muscle car, albeit one that finds itself housed within the compact dimensions of a hatchback. This inherent duality results in a vehicle with a distinct identity crisis, a fascinating blend of seemingly disparate automotive genres. The front fascia, characterized by an extended overhang and a prominent grille housing quad round headlights, unmistakably evokes the powerful presence of the Dodge Challenger. Conversely, the rear of the vehicle features a fastback roofline, often complemented by optional louvers on the rear glass, which subtly hints at the design language of the Ford Mustang. This amalgamation of design cues from two iconic American muscle cars, applied to a Japanese hatchback, creates a vehicle that is undeniably unique, possessing a charm that stems from its very unconventionality.
While the original M55 Zero Edition was exclusively offered in a rather subdued shade of gray, the M55 1st Edition introduces a significantly broader palette of exterior colors. Customers can now choose from ten different paint options, each with a name that exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, reminiscent of options one might find when selecting a high-end yacht rather than a compact car. These color choices include Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, Skyscraper Gray, Blue Iceland, Old English White, John Mango, Spring Blue, and Papaya Orange Metallic, offering a diverse range of aesthetic possibilities for prospective buyers.
The interior of the M55 1st Edition, while fundamentally retaining the layout and components of the Honda Civic, receives a notable upgrade in terms of materials and detailing. The seats are now upholstered in leather, featuring subtle perforations and stylish contrasting stitching, adding a touch of premium refinement to the cabin. A significant branding change is the replacement of the Honda emblem on the steering wheel with the distinctive "M55 Mitsuoka" lettering, further emphasizing the vehicle's unique identity and the manufacturer's bespoke craftsmanship.
In terms of available trims and powertrain options, Mitsuoka has opted for a straightforward approach with the M55 1st Edition, offering three distinct choices and two engine variants. The base model continues to be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which delivers a respectable 180 horsepower. For buyers seeking a more environmentally conscious option, the Honda e:HEV hybrid powertrain is also available, providing a blend of performance and fuel efficiency.
Mitsuoka anticipates commencing deliveries of the M55 Zero Edition in May 2025, while the M55 1st Edition is scheduled to reach customers in 2026. The company has also indicated that pre-orders for the new model will be closed once all 250 production slots have been filled, a milestone that is expected to be reached relatively quickly given the strong interest generated by the initial M55. Therefore, individuals who are considering purchasing one of these distinctive vehicles are advised to act promptly to secure their order before the limited production run is fully allocated.
The pricing for the M55 1st Edition starts at ¥7,568,000, which translates to approximately $50,100, for the gasoline-powered model. The hybrid variant is priced slightly higher at around $53,800. The flagship hybrid model commands a price of approximately $55,800. Interestingly, the M55 1st Edition is positioned as a slightly more affordable option compared to the now sold-out M55 Zero Edition, which was priced at $53,600. This pricing strategy suggests that Mitsuoka is aiming to make the M55 more accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts who appreciate the brand's unique approach to automotive design.