Mitsuoka Makes EV Unlike Any Other (i-MiEV Excepted)

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

Japan’s boutique car builder Mitsuoka may be more known for the retro-classic cars depicted above – if Mitsuoka is known at all beyond the realm of Nippon. Now, the folks at Toyama’s most famous car manufacturer can’t help themselves any longer, and must join Japan’s current fad …

Mitsuoka has gone EV- kichi. Mitsuoka is accepting orders for a customized five-passenger electric car based on Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, says The Nikkei [sub].

Why should you buy your plug-in from Mitsuoka instead of Mitsubishi? (If you insist on buying one.) Well, the other-Mitsu EV has an expanded rear seat that can sit three instead of just two (we’re talking pleasantly slender Japanese here.) A total of 5! In an EV! The length has increased by 175 mm to a total of 3,570mm, the exterior has been changed (just look at them metal-plated bumpers!) and most of all, you make the statement that you are a well-to-do EV driver:

The Mitsuoka EV costs around $47,000, that’s $3,300 more than a run of the mill i-MiEV. With government incentive subtracted, it will set you back $35,000, says the Nikkei. Oh, and it comes in 5 colors.

What is that wondrous car called? We can only imagine how it got its name.

“That car is, like, you know, like …”

“Excellent!”

“Nani?”

“That name! Perfect!”

“What name?”

“Like! Perfect! What’s not to like?”

Mitsuoka expects to begin shipping the Like as early as like, August.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Blowfish Blowfish on Jun 21, 2010

    they should do something about a reasonable driving range than what it should look like first. Jags in the olden days look very good too, only 3 places are garage Queens, Flat Bed paegeants, and Shop Empresses.

  • Philadlj Philadlj on Jun 21, 2010

    I'm wondering how a big honkin' Rolls-Royce-style grille will affect aerodynamics, and thus range.

  • Jeff Good review but the XLT although not a luxury interior is still a nice place to be. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of headroom. The main downside is the limited availability resulting in dealer markups above MSRP. I have a 2022 hybrid Maverick XLT for over 2 years and it has more than met my expectations. I believe for many who do not need a truck most of the time but want one the Maverick will meet their needs.
  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X I use a now discontinued Kuhmo AT tire that is surprisingly good in the snow, even in 2WD. However since most of my driving is on road, I'm going to look for a more highway friendly tire for smoother quiet. I'm sure it can still handle the forest roads leading to my fishing spots.
  • MaintenanceCosts So this is really just a restyled VW Fox. Craptacular tin can but fun to drive in a "makes ordinary traffic seem like a NASCAR race" kind of way.
  • THX1136 While reading the article a thought crossed my mind. Does Mexico have a fairly good charging infrastructure in place? Knowing that it is a bit poorer economy than the US relatively speaking, that thought along with who's buying came to mind.
  • Lou_BC Maybe if I ever buy a new car or CUV
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