Does the Mitsuoka Himiko ring a bell to you? It is the most normal thing in the world since it is such a minority and exclusive product that few can be seen around the world. However, it is a "trap" model since under its skin there is another that is listed as the best-selling roadster in the world. Indeed, the Himiko is based on the latest iteration of the Mazda MX-5, although with some changes to show off such a peculiar style. Do you like it or not?
The aesthetics of the Mitsuoka Himiko 2024 is very peculiar and with a retro flavor…
As you can see in the images it is clear that the Mitsuoka Himiko is very original. Its retro line closely follows the philosophy of this small Japanese manufacturer, since all its models have this peculiar "flavor". If you see its bodywork, you might think that the legendary Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Aero 8 have had an affair, but no, its creators have been inspired by the master lines of these classics to create their own unique design language.
However, it moves away from its MX-5 brother due to its external dimensions. Thus, it reaches 4.58 meters long by 1.74 meters wide and 1.23 meters high. This last dimension does not change but it is 66.5 centimeters longer and 1 centimeter wider than its original clone. In any case, we must indicate that we are facing a subtle restyling that brings it up to date, since this second installment was released in 2018 after spending ten years under the MX-5 NC.
Inside there are changes of nuance and very subtle…
Behind closed doors, the evolution of the Himiko is less, although for that reason it is no less important. The design lines are traced to those of the MX-5 but with their own touches that give it a retro air. Thus, it includes leather upholstery for its seats that are heated as standard. Nor is there a "peculiar" CD/DVD player that joins the infotainment system with integrated navigation. In terms of safety, it adds recognition of traffic signs.
If you look at the steering wheel you will see that Mitsuoka changes the emblem in the center to place his. This is the one that is located on the front wheel arches and the front grill. As a curiosity, this has been manufactured with an ancient technique for decorating metals called Cloisonné. The rest of the controls are those of the MX-5 without any change as it happened in the already-forgotten Fiat 124 Spider and even in another model that is still for sale...
Do you like it and want to buy one? Do you want to know what its mechanical range is like? Did you know that he has another twin brother?
If you have come this far, it is because you still like the Mitsuoka Himiko 2024. So we are going to answer the three questions that we have asked ourselves for your order. If you like it and want to get one, we are going to give you bad news. Its production is limited exclusively to 10 units. Therefore, taking into account that this brand is limited to Japan and some Asian countries, it is very difficult for you to get one and it is not very expensive...
Regarding its mechanical range, few new features. Being based on the Mazda MX-5, it shares with it the 131 HP 1.5 Skyactiv G engine that gives such good results in the original. In fact, the transmission is the same, a 6-stage automatic that is so popular in the Asian markets. For now, the 2.0-liter or some version with more power or alternative fuel is not expected to arrive. We cannot forget that it is a remarkable original type…
As for the last question, you have also realized that the Mazda MX-5 is not its only twin brother. In Spain there is a brand that also sells a classic reinterpretation embodied in the Hurtan Grand AlbaycÃn. It is a technical clone of the Japanese cabrio, so in essence, it is the same type of product as the Mitsuoka Himiko. But there is a fact to take into account: although both may wear a "questionable" design, their daring cannot be denied...
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