Mitsuoka, a Japanese company best known for flavoring popular Japanese cars with retro bodies, has just launched a new Viewt. Called the new Mitsuoka Viewt Story, the car effectively replaces the Viewt supermini, but instead of using the old Nissan Micra/ March as a donor car, it is now based on the new JDM Toyota Yaris.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Mitsuoka Viewt, which was originally introduced back in 1993. Despite deviating from the Nissan underpinnings for the first time in three decades, the fourth-gen retains the quirky design theme of its predecessors, inspired by the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2.
The outgoing Nissan March-based 3rd gen Mitsuoka Viewt
The new Viewt Story gets bulbous fascia with round headlights positioned close to each other. There are signature Jaguar-style grille, chrome bumpers, and some chrome strips on the retro-shaped bonnet and above the front fenders which are running through the doors. Apart from the bloated front overhang that drastically changes the proportions of the supermini, the profile and the greenhouse are carried over from the 4th gen Yaris hatchback. Mitsuoka has also added a new set of 14-inch chrome-infused wheels and a unique color palette.
The rear end has been completely redesigned. There are round LED taillights, a chrome-finished bumper with embedded indicators/ reverse lights, a thick chrome bar above the license plate holder, a rear spoiler, and a rear windshield wiper.
The interior remains largely unchanged compared to the donor Yaris but has been reupholstered with light-colored trim on the seats, dashboard, and doors, matching the retro ambiance of the exterior with a Mitsuoka badge retrofitted on the steering wheel. Other than that, the rest is all familiar Yaris stuff, including the infotainment and the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite.
The thorough design modifications have a greater impact on the Viewt Story’s dimensions which measures 4,090 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall making it 70 mm longer than the fourth-gen Toyota Yaris, with identical width and height. Under the hood, there is a choice between 1.0L and 1.5L three-cylinder petrol engines as well as the 1.5L hybrid which is the most efficient option. Power is transmitted to the front (2WD) or to all four wheels (4WD) through a 6-speed manual, a CVT, or an eCVT gearbox depending on the powertrain.
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Pricing for the Mitsuoka Viewt Story starts from ¥3,008,000 ($22,295) for the base 1.0L 2WD manual and goes up to ¥4,202,000 ($31,145) for the flagship hybrid. Naturally, these prices represent a hefty premium over the equivalent JDM Toyota Yaris, justified by the custom bodywork and the reupholstered interior.
Source: CarScoops
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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