After about two years having turned the Mazda MX-5 into a kind of mini-Corvette called Rock Star, Mitsuoka's Japanese came back in charge and created the Mitsuoka Buddy , an SUV inspired by the North American models of yesteryear.
This time, the “victim” of the Americanization was not a Mazda, but the Toyota RAV4, although Mitsuoka never mentioned the model that served as the basis for the creation of its first SUV.
In this way, the familiarity is denounced not only by the side panels but also by the fact that the engines are the same used by Toyota's SUV in Japan: a 2.0 l petrol engine with 171 hp and a 2.5 l hybrid with 222 hp of maximum combined power.
From RAV4 to Buddy
As you may have already noticed, the transformation of the Toyota RAV4 into a Mitsuoka Buddy was exclusively aesthetic and, truth be told, when we see it from the front, we have to admit that… it doesn't even look bad, it turned out well.
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With a huge chrome grille and double square headlamps, the Mitsuoka Buddy doesn't owe anything to the SUV and pick-up style that we are used to seeing in so many made-in-USA movies from the 70s, 80s and even 90s of the last century.
Seen from this angle, who would say that at the base of the Buddy is a Toyota RAV4?
At the rear, the transformation is, at least, less consensual. There we find a chrome bumper, a redesigned tailgate that reminds us of those used by large American SUVs and finally new vertical headlights, all to recall the style of the first SUVs sold in the US.
As for the interior, we haven't seen it yet, however, most likely it also has some exclusive details that recall the North American models. Who knows if Mitsuoka didn't offer you wood finishes and (many) more coasters?