It’s a strange mashup. However, it works.
Do you wish the Toyota RAV4 would look more like a 1980s Chevrolet pickup? We expect that the answer to this question is “No!” unless you are in Mitsuoka design. The new Buddy vehicle, however, is a quirky Japanese automaker that makes all this seem possible.
Mitsuoka takes off the front of the RAV4 and replaces it by a chrome egg-crate grille that has a pair stacked headlights. The central crosspiece features slim LED running lights. A shiny chrome bumper is also added by the company. This hood has sharper creases and boxier fenders. The windshield area looks vaguely like the classic Chevys.
A modified rear end is available for the Buddy. It evokes the style of the ’80s Chevy SUVs but doesn’t directly take from them. The rear hatch now has sharper creases than before and vertical taillights. There is also a two-tone finish in the middle of the body, which gives it a more contrasting look to the rest of its color. A chrome bumper is available for the nose to match the style.
The interior layout of the RAV4 was not shown by the company. The crossover is a great vehicle for its class, and the cabin is very comfortable.
Mitsuoka does not alter the RAV4’s Japanese market powertrains. A 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder produces 169 horsepower (126kilowatts) as well as 153 pound feet (207 Newton-meterss) of torque. A hybrid-assisted 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also available with a total system output 215 horsepower (160 kW), for the front-wheel-drive model, or 219 horsepower (163 kW) when used with Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel-drive. The Buddy is not expected to be offered with the RAV4’s hybrid plug-in.
Technically, the Buddy is a teaser. Mitsuoka plans on unveiling the vehicle in full on November 26. The only questions that remain are about price and availability.