Mitsuoka M55 1st Edition revealed in Japan – only 250 units; from RM223k; it’s a Honda Civic underneath!

Japanese coachbuilder Mitsuoka has a habit of transforming modern cars into something that looks retro. In November last year, the company introduced the M55 Zero Edition that is heavily inspired by the fourth-generation (C110) Nissan Skyline (some also claim to see hints of the Dodge Challenger) but is actually a Honda Civic Hatchback underneath the new sheet metal.

Only 100 units of the M55 Zero Edition were offered, with each one priced at 8.085 million yen (about RM238k). The limited-edition model was only offered in one colour and trim level, the latter based on a variant of the Civic Hatchback with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission. Despite this, the M55 Zero Edition proved to be hugely appealing, with buyers snapping up all units offered within 10 days.

Due to popular demand, the company is bringing back the retro-inspired car, now called the M55 1st Edition. Compared to its predecessor, the new offering is available with a choice of 10 exterior colours and buyers can choose from three trims.

Pricing starts from 7.568 million yen (RM223k) for the LX with a 1.5 litre turbo-four and CVT, moving up to 8.118 million yen (RM239k) for the hybrid e:HEV LX. The most expensive trim is the e:HEV EX at 8,427,100 million yen (RM248k). These prices are double that of the regular Civic, mind you, although you do get something that is rather rare, with only 250 units planned for production.

Additionally, the money spent goes to the time and effort Mitsuoka puts in to completely transform a standard Civic Hatchback. The profile of the M55 1st Editon is a clear indicator of its donor, with almost everything else looking completely different. Unlike the exterior, the interior doesn’t undergo as extreme a transformation, although Mitsuoka did touch upon the seats and dressed up certain areas.

The name ‘M55’ is a nod to the company’s 55th anniversary that happened in 2023, in case you’re wondering. On the mention of time, Mitsuoka says it will begin deliveries of the M55 Zero Edition from May 2025. It’s a longer wait for those who plan to place an order for the M55 1st Edition, as deliveries of the newer model will only commence sometime in 2026.

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