Sympathetic Frankenstein
Fans of Japanese automotive curiosities are undoubtedly familiar with the existence of Mitsuoka. Mitsuoka has been folding retro carriages around Nissan and Toyota models for years and has had a Nissan Micra with a Jaguar-like face in its portfolio with the Viewt for several decades. That changes. This is the new Mitsuoka Viewt Story. That’s not a Micra, it’s a Toyota Yaris!
The Japanese manufacturer conjured up the Viewt from the top hat, Nissan Micra (K11) in the early 1990s, transforming it into a classic-looking sedan with strong Jaguar influences. That concept turned out to be good. In 2005 Mitsouka came up with a new Viewt, at the time based on the Nissan Micra (K12). Seven years later, that Viewt made way for a new retro model based on the previous generation Nissan Micra that not only appeared as a sedan, but also got a hatchback version. That Mitsuoka Viewt has to clear the field and the Micra also goes in the trash as a base. This is the new Mitsuoka Viewt Story, a Toyota Yaris!
Mitsuoka Viewt Story
The Mitsuoka Viewt Story, like its predecessors, is a sympathetic Frankenstein. Mitsuoka adapts the entire front of the Toyota Yaris, complete with new side skirts, a new bonnet and lights and a grille that, as with previous Viewts, is clearly inspired by cars such as the Jaguar Mk1 and Mk2. Even chrome bumpers are part of the Mitsuoka party. Its new muzzle makes the Viewt Story about 7 centimeters longer than the original. Mitsuoka sticks a wavy chrome strip on the sides and puts the Yaris on classic-looking wheels.
The rear of the Mitsuoka Viewt is just as peculiar as the front. Mitsuoka replaces the large Yaris taillights with simple round ones. The places where the old taillights were are still clearly visible. The adjustments in the interior are a lot milder. Mitsuoka gives the Viewt Story beige seat upholstery and also finishes part of the dashboard in that color.
The Mitsuoka Viewt Story is not the only recent Toyota that has been modified by Mitsuoka. For example, Mitsuoka introduced the Buddy in 2020, a RAV4 with a nose as if it were a Chevrolet Suburban from about forty years ago. In the form of the Himiko, Mitsuoka also has an MX-5 based roadster on offer. The Mitsuoka Viewt Story costs around €21,500 in Japan.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl