Mitsuoka has unveiled the M55 RS: manual transmission and retro styling based on the Honda Civic
Mitsuoka once again transforms the Honda Civic into a car reminiscent of muscle cars from the past. This is another testament to the power of nostalgia, and Japanese enthusiasts are willing to pay significant sums for aesthetics that transport them to past decades.
After the sold-out M55 Zero Edition of 2024 and the subsequent M55 1st Edition of 2025, whose production has been extended to 2026, the company launches the M55 RS. This version is aimed at a sportier driving style and features a number of corresponding updates.
Technical foundation and engine
It is important to note that the M55 RS is not based on the legendary Civic Type R. The donor car is the Honda Civic RS. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 180 horsepower (134 kW / 182 hp). This engine works exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Honda recently introduced the Civic e:HEV RS with a hybrid powertrain and a simulated manual transmission, but Mitsuoka has not yet used this version.
Design and exterior differences
Like previous M55 versions, the unique five-door body is inspired by American muscle cars such as the Dodge Challenger, as well as classic Japanese sports cars, notably the Nissan Skyline ‘Kenmeri’. Only the doors, windows, and roofline are borrowed from the donor car. The front and rear ends are completely redesigned.
The RS version stands out with special badges and exclusive body colors: Shore Blue Metallic and Nardo Grey. It also likely features different alloy wheels, although Mitsuoka has not provided detailed information about them. The front splitter and rear spoiler are identical to the standard M55.
Interior and equipment
Inside, the seats with signature ring leather upholstery feature RS embroidery and contrasting red stitching. The same finish is applied to the leather gear shift knob, which is complemented by carbon fiber inserts and red accents. Otherwise, the instrument panel, multimedia system, and controls remain from the Civic, but the steering wheel now features the Mitsuoka logo.
Price and limited series
Mitsuoka plans to produce only 55 units of the M55 RS for the 2026 model year. The company states that ‘production and sales for future years have not yet been determined.’ Pre-orders will begin on April 24, 2026 at all Mitsuoka dealerships in Japan.
The price for this retro hatchback is ¥8,888,000 ($55,700). This means the manual M55 RS is ¥1,320,000 ($8,300) more expensive than the M55 1st Edition with a CVT transmission, which will be produced in a limited run of 250 units in 2026.
It is worth noting that the M55 RS costs twice as much as a regular Honda Civic RS with a manual transmission, which starts at ¥4,398,900 ($27,600) in Japan. But on the other hand, a standard Civic doesn’t look like it just rolled off a 1970s assembly line.
M55 RS (top) and M55 1st Edition (bottom).
Mitsuoka’s approach demonstrates that even in the modern automotive world, dominated by hybrids and electric cars, there is still room for niche projects that celebrate classic design and mechanical interaction with the vehicle. Doubling the price compared to the standard model is a bold move, but the limited production run of 55 units and the unique appearance will likely find their buyers among collectors and brand enthusiasts who value exclusivity over practicality. This is not just a car purchase, but rather an investment in a unique artifact that combines Japanese reliability with American styling of past decades.