Mitsuoka Himiko

Mitsuoka Himiko
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsuoka
Also called	Mitsuoka Roadster (UK)
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Toyama City, Toyama
Designer	Takanori Aoki
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2 door convertible
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Platform	Mazda N platform
Related	Mazda MX-5

The Mitsuoka Himiko is a luxury roadster designed and built by Mitsuoka. It is named after Himiko, an obscure shaman queen of Yamataikoku in ancient Wa. In the UK it is known as the Mitsuoka Roadster. ^[1]

First generation (2008–2018)

Rear view

First generation
Overview
Production	2008–2018
Body and chassis
Platform	Mazda NC
Related	Mazda MX-5 (NC)
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L Mazda MZR I4
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,030 mm (119 in)
Length	4,575 mm (180.1 in)
Height	1,245 mm (49.0 in)
Curb weight	1,230–1,280 kg (2,710–2,820 lb)

Based on the Mazda MX-5 NC, Mitsuoka replaces most of the body panels, fits fibre-reinforced plastic paneling, leather seats and extends the wheelbase front of the A-pillar to generate the long bonnet line reminiscent of English roadsters such as the Jaguar XK120 and Morgan Aero 8. Designed by Takanori Aoki, the exterior theme of the Himiko is said to mimic a 'ship riding the high seas cruising majestically as one with the waves'. Transmission and roof options are similar to the MX-5 with the option of either a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual shifting or a 6 speed manual transmission. Each Mitsuoka vehicle is handmade by 45 craftsmen at the Japanese Mitsuoka factory in Toyama City, Japan.

Second generation (2018–present)

Second generation
Overview
Production	2018–present
Body and chassis
Platform	Mazda ND
Related	Mazda MX-5 (ND) Fiat 124 Spider (2016)
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L Mazda SKYACTIV-G
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,910 mm (115 in)
Length	4,580 mm (180 in)
Height	1,255 mm (49.4 in)
Curb weight	1,130–1,200 kg (2,490–2,650 lb)

The second-generation Himiko was released in 2018. Now based on the Mazda MX-5 ND, the styling remains nearly identical to the previous generation. The retractable hard top previously available was dropped and was replaced with a folding soft top.

External links

Media related to Mitsuoka Himiko at Wikimedia Commons

• UK website
• Japanese website (in Japanese)

References

1. Kew, Ollie (2016-07-27). "Review: the insane £54,000 Mitsuoka Roadster". Top Gear. Retrieved 2024-02-04.