Mitsuoka reveals final edition of the Ryugi sedan with classic design and production restricted to twenty unitsBy Luís Henrique Costa
3 min read
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The Japanese automotive industry marks the end of a unique production cycle with the official announcement by Mitsuoka Motors on the discontinuation of the Ryugi model. The manufacturer, recognized worldwide for transforming conventional vehicles into works of art with retro aesthetics, confirmed that production of the sedan will be definitively ended. Para to mark this historic moment, the company launched a special farewell series, limited to strictly twenty copies, consolidating the end of the line that uses the base of the Toyota Corolla Axio.
This strategic decision is directly linked to the life cycle of the donor vehicle. Como to Toyota plans to end the manufacture of the Corolla Axio, the model that serves as a platform for the conversion, Desde its original launch in 2014, the model stood out for offering the mechanical reliability of a mass car with the exclusivity of a handcrafted design, attracting a niche of consumers who value visual distinction without compromising ease of maintenance.
Exclusive Farewell Series Details
The final version, called “Final Edition”, incorporates aesthetic elements that differentiate these twenty cars from any other Ryugi produced in the last decade. External customization includes the use of darkened finishes in strategic locations, replacing traditional chrome with a more sober and modern appearance. One of the visual highlights is the inclusion of aluminum wheels from the renowned BBS brand, which add a touch of classic sportiness to the package.
At the rear, the vehicle sports a special emblem that refers to the exclusivity of the series, ensuring that each unit is easily identifiable by collectors and enthusiasts. The imposing front grille, which has always been the model’s signature with its vertical lines and round headlights, remains the focal point of the design, evoking the elegance of British sedans from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Rover P5 and Jaguar Mark II.
Contrast between classic exterior and functional interior
Upon entering the cabin, the driver is transported back to the functional modernity of the Toyota. Diferente from the exterior, which has undergone a complete handmade redesign, the interior maintains the original architecture of the Corolla Axio. Isso means owners enjoy all contemporary conveniences, such as efficient climate control systems, modern airbags and tried-and-true mass-market ergonomics.
The seats and panels follow the high durability standard, although the Mitsuoka offers customization options that can increase the level of sophistication of the materials. Essa duality is the essence of the brand’s proposal: offering a car that looks like it came out of a period film, but that can be used daily in urban traffic without the mechanical headaches associated with real old vehicles.
Mechanical specifications and engine
Under the hood, the final series maintains the engine options that have established the model’s reliability. Buyers can opt for the 1.5-liter gasoline engine, capable of generating 103 horsepower, or the hybrid variant, which combines the combustion engine with an electrical system for greater fuel efficiency. The drive can be front or all-wheel drive, depending on the configuration chosen.
The transmission also offers versatility, with the availability of a CVT automatic transmission, focused on comfort and economy, and the option of a five-speed manual transmission for purists who want a more engaged drive. Essa variety of mechanical configurations in such a limited series demonstrates Mitsuoka’s commitment to meeting the specific preferences of its clientele right up to the last moment of production.
Price positioning and valuation
The exclusivity and manual work involved in converting the body are directly reflected in the price of the car. In the Japanese market, the final edition of Ryugi is sold in a range between 3.3 million and 3.9 million yen. In a direct conversion, this represents approximately double the price charged for a conventional Toyota Corolla Axio, highlighting the premium paid for design and rarity.
The end of production of the Ryugi marks the end of an era for Mitsuoka, which will need to look for new platforms to continue offering compact sedans with a classic style. The value of these last twenty examples tends to increase in the collectors’ market, as they represent the culmination of a lineage that masterfully blended the nostalgia of European design with precision Japanese engineering.







