Mitsuoka Viewt

Mitsuoka Viewt
K12 Viewt
Overview
ManufacturerMitsuoka
Production1993–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car (B)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • XP210 (Story)
  • 59 kW (79 hp; 80 PS) 1NM AC synchronous (front, hybrid)
  • 3.9 kW (5.2 hp; 5.3 PS) 1MM AC synchronous (rear, hybrid)
Power output
  • XP210 (Story)
  • 51 kW (68 hp; 69 PS) (1KR-FE)
  • 88–92 kW (118–123 hp; 120–125 PS) (M15A-FKS)
  • 67 kW (90 hp; 91 PS) (M15A-FXE, petrol engine only); 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) (M15A-FXE, combined system output)
Transmission
  • K11 / K12
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
  • CVT
  • K13
  • XTRONIC CVT
  • XP210 (Story)
  • 5-speed manual (1.0 L FWD)
  • 6-speed manual (1.5 L FWD)
  • K120 CVT with physical first gear
  • eCVT (hybrid)
Hybrid drivetrainPower-split (XP210, Story)
BatteryLithium-ion (hybrid, XP210, Story)

The Mitsuoka Viewt is a series of retro-styled subcompact cars sold by the Japanese automaker Mitsuoka, intended to resemble the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2.[1] It was initially a modification of the Nissan March/Micra until 2023. The Viewt Story which was introduced in February 2023 is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback.[2] The line was launched in January 1993 and over the course of its production over 12,000 have been sold.[3] It, along with Mitsuoka's later Galue, encouraged larger Japanese manufacturers to produce retro-styled versions of their own cars.

K11 Viewt (1993–2003)

The first Viewt, introduced in January 1993, was produced on the basis of the K11 March. The March's hatchback was replaced by a fixed rear window and rounded boot, and the front grille and headlamp assembly was replaced by one closely resembling that of the Jaguar Mark II. In standard form the interior was much the same as the March's, but leather seats and wood trim could be added at extra cost.

The Viewt shared its 1.0- and 1.3-litre engines with the March. It was originally available with manual or automatic transmissions; later more luxurious editions were automatic-only.

Changes to the March were usually echoed in the Viewt; for example, when the March received a new dashboard the Viewt had it too, with a new wood kit. After the March convertible was introduced in 1997, Mitsuoka developed a Viewt convertible which used the Jaguar-style front but had a unique built-out rear.

  • Mitsuoka Viewt (K11)
    Mitsuoka Viewt (K11)
  • Rear view
    Rear view

K12 Viewt (2005–2012)

When the March was updated (becoming the K12) Mitsuoka produced a new Viewt, which first appeared in September 2005. The changes in the style of the March are evident to some extent in the new Viewt: for example, the shape of the rear door has changed and the cabin appears rounder. However, Mitsuoka have persisted with their Jaguar-style front and rear. The only two-door version is the 12SR, which is based on the March 12SR.

Like the March, the new Viewt is available with 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.5-litre engines, with automatic or manual transmissions.[4] The interior resembles the March's; leather seats are optionally available. The 12SR version uses some of the March 12SR's interior decoration, such as carbon fibre inserts on the dashboard.

  • Mitsuoka Viewt (K12)
    Mitsuoka Viewt (K12)
  • Rear view
    Rear view

K13 Viewt (2012–2023)

The third generation Viewt was based on the K13 March and was first appeared in May 2012. The hatchback version called Viewt Nadeshiko with tailgate and tail lamps taken from the Nissan March was first appeared in July 2015.

  • Mitsuoka Viewt (K13)
    Mitsuoka Viewt (K13)
  • Rear view
    Rear view

XP210 Viewt Story (2023–present)

The Viewt Story is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback and was introduced on 17 February 2023. It is scheduled to be announced and released in the fall of 2023. The model lineup includes 1.5-liter gasoline vehicles "15LX" and "15DX", 1.0-liter gasoline vehicles "10LX" and "10DX", and 1.5-liter hybrid vehicles "HYBRID LX" and "HYBRID DX". In addition, a 6-speed MT is available for the 1.5-liter model, and a 4WD model (E-four for the hybrid) is available for the 1.5-liter and hybrid models.[2]

  • 2023 Mitsuoka Viewt
    2023 Mitsuoka Viewt
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior
    Interior

References

  1. ^ "Mitsuoka brings some (very expensive) Japanese quirkiness to the London Motor Show". newatlas.com. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  2. ^ a b "Mitsuoka Viewt story (JP)". 17 February 2023.
  3. ^ Lyon, Peter. "Little-Known Mitsuoka Motors Is Japan's Best Kept Car Secret, But It's Coming To The West". Forbes. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  4. ^ "Jaguar MkII meets Nissan Micra in the Mitsuoka Viewt | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
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