Mitsuoka M55 Zero Edition Is A The Civic Hatchback That Goes Retro

Mitsuoka, the legendary Japanese carmaker known for its eccentric designs, has made a triumphant return with its latest creation: the M55 Zero Edition. First teased as a concept last year and greenlit for production in February, this vehicle now comes with a price tag of ¥8,085,000, or about $52,300.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, Mitsuoka cleverly started with the 11th-generation Honda Civic Hatchback as its base. The Honda’s shape is still lurking underneath, but Mitsuoka has gone all-out, giving it a design overhaul inspired by the Dodge Challenger. 

Surprisingly, Mitsuoka didn’t use the Civic Type R as a foundation. Instead, they opted for a more accessible version with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This setup, paired with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive, churns out 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It’s no drag strip hero, but it’s plenty to make your daily drives interesting.

The real head-turner is the exterior. Mitsuoka ditched the Civic’s original front end and replaced it with a Challenger-inspired design. Bold headlights, a stretched grille, and black aftermarket wheels wrapped in Michelin tires give it a muscle-car-meets-hatchback vibe. The rear is just as bold, featuring unique taillights and a custom bumper that leans hard into the retro aesthetic.

Inside, it’s mostly Honda Civic territory, but Mitsuoka added some flair. The seats are retrimmed in plush blue leather, and the Honda badge on the steering wheel has been swapped for Mitsuoka’s own emblem, giving it a boutique touch.

Only 100 units of the M55 Zero Edition will be produced, making it an ultra-exclusive ride. Applications open on January 19, but don’t expect to snag one easily. Mitsuoka is using a lottery system due to what they call “overwhelming demand.” If you want a shot, you’ll need to put down a ¥550,000 deposit (about $3,500) and hope the odds are in your favor.