Mitsuoka Roadster pays tribute to classic British roadsters, and uses Mazda MX-5 underpinnings
The Mitsuoka Roadster has been launched in the UK, and the company aims to offer British styling on a modern sports car.
Based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5, the Roadster is the latest retro-styled vehicle from the company that specialises in hand-built luxury models. The Roadster is a two-seater that is powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine from the outgoing MX-5.
The 16-valve 158bhp unit is unchanged from the MX-5, and it is capable of a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. It emits 181g/km of CO2 and has an official fuel economy of 35.9mpg.
The Mitsuoka is also available with a choice of the same six-speed manual and six-speed Powershift automatic gearboxes from the MX-5.
The standard equipment includes 17in alloy wheels, heated leather seats, leather trim on the steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake, Bluetooth, cruise and climate control and power steering. The manual model also comes with sports suspension, whereas the automatic comes with a softer setup.
There are very few optional extras on the Mitsuoka, although the company says it will offer a bespoke customisation service if buyers want anything specific. A spokeswoman said that this could include different alloy wheels or even a turbocharger fitted to the engine.
As it is, the Roadster costs £53,800, with metallic or pearlescent paint at £620, and £580 for satellite navigation the only official options.
The Roadster is available to buy in the UK from selected dealers in the south of England, with the first cars being delivered at the end of June. The company is looking to sell around 20-25 cars in 2015 and is also looking to go on sale in Germany later this year.
Mitsuoka was founded in Japan in 1968 and has produced several small-run hand-built models and replicas including the Orochi.
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