Mitsuoka M55 RS: A Retro-Styled Honda Civic with a Premium Price Tag for 2026

Japanese automaker Mitsuoka has unveiled the M55 RS, a retro-styled variant of the Honda Civic RS that transforms the practical hatchback into a faux muscle car-inspired dream. The M55 RS is the latest in Mitsuoka’s lineup of bespoke Civic models, following the sold-out M55 Zero Edition (2024) and the M55 1st Edition (2025), which has been extended into 2026.

Unlike its more performance-oriented sibling, the Civic Type R, the M55 RS is not based on Honda’s hot hatch. Instead, it leverages the Honda Civic RS as its foundation, pairing its turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine—producing 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS)—with a six-speed manual transmission exclusively. While Honda offers a Civic e:HEV RS with a hybrid powertrain and simulated shifts, Mitsuoka has opted to focus on the manual-only experience for now.

The M55 RS’s exterior is a head-turning blend of nostalgia and muscle car flair, drawing inspiration from American legends like the Dodge Challenger and Japanese icons such as the “Kenmeri” Nissan Skyline. Mitsuoka has redesigned the front and rear ends entirely, retaining only the doors, windows, and roofline from the donor Civic. The model features unique badging, exclusive color options like Shore Blue Metallic and Nardo Grey, and bespoke alloy wheels (details yet to be confirmed). The front splitter and rear spoiler remain unchanged from the standard M55.

Inside, the M55 RS embraces a retro-modern aesthetic with ringed leather upholstery adorned with RS embroidery and contrasting red stitching. The leather gearknob matches the theme, complemented by carbon-style inserts and red accents. While the dashboard, infotainment system, and switchgear are carried over from the Civic RS, a Mitsuoka badge on the steering wheel serves as the only outward sign of customization.

Limited Production and Premium Pricing

Mitsuoka will produce just 55 units of the M55 RS for 2026, with no confirmed plans for future production or sales beyond this initial run. Orders will open on April 24, 2026, available exclusively through Mitsuoka’s dealer network in Japan.

The price for this retro-styled hatchback is set at ¥8,888,000 ($55,700), positioning it ¥1,320,000 ($8,300) above the CVT-equipped M55 1st Edition, which is slated for a 250-unit production run in 2026. For context, the manual M55 RS costs nearly twice as much as a standard Honda Civic RS, which starts at ¥4,398,900 ($27,600) in Japan. Mitsuoka’s pricing reflects its unique blend of nostalgia, exclusivity, and craftsmanship—a formula that has evidently resonated with buyers.

As Mitsuoka continues to reimagine the Honda Civic, the M55 RS stands out as a bold statement: a car that dares to defy convention, even if it means doubling the price of the original.