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Mitsuoka Viewt

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Mitsuoka Viewt
Mitsuoka Viewt (K12)
Overview
ManufacturerMitsuoka
Production1993–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car (B)
Related

The Mitsuoka Viewt (Japanese: 光岡・ビュート, Hepburn: Mittsuoka Byūto) is a series of retro-styled subcompact cars sold by the Japanese automaker Mitsuoka, intended to resemble the 1963 Jaguar Mark 2.[1] The Viewt is Mitsuoka's best selling model.[2]

It was initially a modification of the Nissan March until 2023, when the March was replaced by the Note. The Viewt Story which was introduced in February 2023 is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback.[3] The line was launched in January 1993. Over the thirty-year production period of the Nissan-based Viewt, around 13,000 examples were sold.[4] It, along with Mitsuoka's later Galue, encouraged larger Japanese manufacturers to produce retro-styled versions of their own cars.


First generation (K11; 1993–2003)

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First generation
Mitsuoka Viewt K11
Overview
Production1993–2003
Body and chassis
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedNissan March (second generation)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length4,250 mm (167.3 in)
Width1,640 mm (64.6 in)
Height1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb weight870 kg (1,918 lb)

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. In November 2001 the larger engine's displacement was increased from 1,275 to 1,348 cc (77.8 to 82.3 cu in), reflecting changes made to the March/Micra.

Changes to the March were usually echoed in the Viewt; for example, when the March received a new dashboard the Viewt received 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. At the same time, the Viewt was also made available in 3- and 5-door hatchback models.

Second generation (K12; 2005–2010)

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Second generation
Overview
Also calledMitsuoka Cute (hatchback model; 2009–2013)
Production
  • 2005–2010
  • 2009–2013 (Cute)
DesignerTakanori Aoki[5]
Body and chassis
Body style
Layout
RelatedNissan March (third generation)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 5-speed manual
  • CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase24,530 mm (965.7 in)
Length4,400 mm (173.2 in)
Width1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height1,520–1,530 mm (59.8–60.2 in)
Curb weight1,040–1,130 kg (2,293–2,491 lb)

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. New safety rules introduced for 2009 meant that Viewts could not be based on cars built after 1 January 2009; Mitsuoka kept converting 2008s and briefly halted production. The only three-door version is the 12SR, which was created by converting used March 12SRs and sold through Mitsuoka's certified used car program. Mitsuoka also built the Mitsuoka Cute (光岡・キュート, Mitsuoka kyūto) from March 2009 until 2013, a similar conversion based on the regular March hatchback.[6] Buyers could choose to base the Cute on any certified, used K12 March, with prices depending on age and mileage.[7]

In October 2009 production resumed; to meet the revised safety legislation the rear end received enclosed taillights while the bumper overriders were deleted. The revised version was first shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.[8] Production of new, K12-based Viewts ended sometime in the latter half of 2010, but Mitsuoka kept converting used cars until 2013 at least.

Like the March, the new Viewt is available with 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.5-litre engines, with automatic or manual transmissions.[8] 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.

Third generation (K13; 2012–2023)

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Third generation
Mitsuoka Viewt 12ST
Overview
Also calledMitsuoka Viewt Nadeshiko (hatchback model, 2015–2023)
ProductionMay 2012–January 2023
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 4-door sedan
  • 5-door hatchback (2015–2023)
Layout
RelatedNissan March (fourth generation)
Powertrain
Engine1.2 L HR12DE I4
TransmissionCVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,450 mm (96.5 in)
Length
  • 4,515 mm (177.8 in)
  • 3,980 mm (156.7 in) (Nadeshiko)
Width
  • 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
  • 1,665 mm (65.6 in) (Nadeshiko)
Height1,515–1,560 mm (59.6–61.4 in)
Curb weight960–1,150 kg (2,116–2,535 lb)

The third generation Viewt was based on the Thai-built K13 March and first appeared in March 2012 at the 2012 Bangkok Motor Show.[9] The third generation viewt went on sale on 23 May 2012. It aas available in four grades: 12ST, 12ST Premium, 12LX and 12DX.[10] In this generation, CVT is standard on all grades.

Viewt Nadeshiko (2015–2023)

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The hatchback version called Viewt Nadeshiko first appeared on 15 July 2015 and sold in parallel with the regular Viewt.[11] Since it used the tailights and tail lamps from the Nissan March directly, the price was significantly lower than that of the Viewt saloon. The overall width is 15 cm more shorter, due to the redesigned front and rear bumpers.[11] With the discontinuation of the March in the Japanese market, Mitsuoka announced the end of Viewt production in January 2023. However, Mitsuoka continued to carry out conversions on suitable used Nissans.[4] Unliked the regular Viewt, the Nadeshiko only offered in front-wheel drive drivetrain.

Fourth generation (XP200; 2023–present)

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Mitsuoka Viewt Story
Mitsuoka Viewt Story 15DX
Overview
ProductionJanuary 2023–present
Body and chassis
Body style5-door hatchback
Layout
RelatedToyota Yaris (XP210)
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) 1NM AC synchronous (front, hybrid)
  • 3.9 kW (5.3 PS; 5.2 hp) 1MM AC synchronous (rear, hybrid)
Transmission
  • 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
BatteryLithium-ion

The fourth generation Viewt called the Viewt Story is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback and was introduced in February 2023; it was released for sale in September 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 manual transmission 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.[3]

The 1.0-liter variant produces 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp), while the 1.5-liter petrol variant has between 88 and 92 kW (120 and 125 PS; 118 and 123 hp) . The internal combustion engine of the Hybrid model produces 67 kW (91 PS; 90 hp); combined system output is 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp). The 1.0-liter was discontinued in May 2026.[12]

References

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  1. ↑ Collie, Scott (5 May 2016). "Mitsuoka brings some (very expensive) Japanese quirkiness to the London Motor Show". newatlas.com. Retrieved 2019-01-21.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. 1 2 "Mitsuoka Viewt story (JP)". 17 February 2023.
  4. 1 2 Aoyama, Yoshiaki (2023-01-24). "光岡「ビュート」が30年の歴史に幕。新車在庫は残りわずか。次期モデルは2023年内にお披露目される!?" [Mitsuoka's "Viewt" comes to an end after 30 years. Only a few new cars left in stock. The next model will be unveiled in 2023!?]. Auto Messe Web (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 2023-02-08.
  5. ↑ "【光岡 ビュート 新型発表】君子は和して同ざず自動車 ニューモデル 新型車" [Equipped with safety features such as "Toyota Safety Sense C", the Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon is now on sale.] (in Japanese). MOTA. 2005-09-12. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
  6. ↑ "光岡自動車の車種一覧！現行車やマイクロカーなど個性豊かな歴代車種まとめ" [A list of Mitsuoka Motors' car models! A compilation of unique past and present models, including current models and microcars]. Cobby (in Japanese). 2023. Archived from the original on 2024-12-12.
  7. ↑ ""ビュートの妹"、「ミツオカ・キュート」発売" ["Viewt's little sister"; Mitsuoka Cute launched]. webCarGraphic (in Japanese). webCG Inc. 2009-03-30. Archived from the original on 2015-08-24.
  8. 1 2 Tisshaw, Mark (2009-10-20). "Jaguar MkII meets Nissan Micra in the Mitsuoka Viewt". Autocar. Archived from the original on 2023-12-04.
  9. ↑ "【バンコクモーターショー12】光岡 ビュート 新型、日本より先にお披露目" [[Bangkok Motor Show 2012] Mitsuoka Viewt New Model Unveiled Before Japan]. Response. 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
  10. ↑ "新型「ミツオカ・ビュート」がデビュー" [The new Mitsuoka Viewt makes its debut.]. webCG. 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2026-07-16.
  11. 1 2 "【光岡 ビュートなでしこ 発表】クラシックな5ドアハッチ" [[Mitsuoka Viewt Nadeshiko Announced] A classic 5-door hatchback, "a new option for compact cars"]. Response. 2015-07-16. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
  12. ↑ "光岡『ビュート ストーリー』一部改良、「ディスプレイオーディオ」標準化…369万1600円から" [Mitsuoka's "Viewt Story" undergoes minor improvements, standardizing Display Audio Starting from 3,691,600 yen.] (in Japanese). Response. 2026-05-28. Retrieved 2026-09-12.
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