Mitsuoka Viewt story

Since 1993, the Mitsuoka Viewt has forever known as the Nissan March in a Jaguar Mark 2 clothing from the K11 model to the K13 model. When Nissan stopped making the March at the end of 2022, most observers said that this was the end of the road for the Mitsuoka Viewt. However, the Viewt's story is never done as it took a detour to the Toyota side for the new model.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

This is the all-new Mitsuoka Viewt story, the newest version of the Viewt that is now based on the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris hatchback. That's right. Ever since the discontinuation of the Nissan March, its long-time host car, at the end of 2022, the Viewt's will lives on in its new host car, the Toyota Yaris. For 2.8 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, you can now have a fancied-up Toyota Yaris if you disagree with the Yaris's sporty looks.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

In classic Viewt tradition, it mimics the Jaguar Mark 2 styling as seen from its Nissan March-derived predecessors but because this is based on the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris, there's no hiding the fact that this is actually a Yaris in a Jaguar Mark 2 attire. It's about as fancy as an anime girl in Sherlock Holmes' attire, metaphorically speaking.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story interior

Yes, you can expect the same interior from the Yaris as well, meaning it's nicer to live than its March-derived predecessor, probably because of the TNGA platform underneath. It seats up to five people and has up to 768 liters of boot space with the passenger seats folded down in case you're in the middle of delivery work if you're into that.

2024 Mitsuoka Viewt story

Because it's based on the Yaris, the Viewt story is powered by a choice of two petrol engines, a Dynamic Force 1.5L, and a 1.0L, and the hybrid variant is powered by a 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain (engine + electric motor + li-ion battery), a first for a Viewt. All variants are mated to CVT but the front-wheel-drive 1.5L variant comes with an available six-speed manual gearbox while all 1.5L variants, petrol or hybrid, come with available 4WD, giving you plenty of reasons to enjoy the Viewt story.

In terms of safety, the Viewt story is packed with numerous advanced safety features such as Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, secondary collision brake, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, and others.

Having the Viewt migrated from the now-defunct Nissan March to the Toyota Yaris is a difficult thing to do but this new version found itself a new lease of life in its new host. It really is the "second coming" for the Mitsuoka Viewt and it's even more livelier than before.

Available colors: Tulle Top Black Mica, Berry Purple, Pumps Red, Dressy White Pearl, Pistachio Khaki, Cut Sew Gray, Gateau Chocolate Metallic, Turquoise Blue Metallic, Terracotta Orange Mica, Beige Gilet, Coral Beige Metallic, and Washed Denim Blue.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka Buddy

Mitsuoka is known for turning everyday Japanese cars into wannabe vintage cars for a price in the hopes for customers to stand out from the rest of the pack. From the Roadster-derived Himiko, the Corolla-derived Ryugi, and the March-derived Viewt, Mitsuoka knows a thing or two about converting regular Japanese cars into faux classics. Now, they've jumped to the crossover bandwagon by creating their first-ever SUV called the Buddy. What this crossover is based on is quite a surprise.

The 4,697,000 Yen Mitsuoka Buddy crossover is usually a fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 that talks like an American and when you take it everywhere, most people will usually mistake it for a very old American SUV, say an ancient Chevrolet Suburban or a K10 Blazer of some sort but you get the point.

Of course, while the Buddy is mistakenly American on the outside, the interior works and feels just like today's RAV4. It's basically spacious, comfortable, and functional, just like the Toyota crossover it was based on so anyone with such experience will have no problem getting to know its interior that fits all walks of life.

Just like the RAV4, the Mitsuoka Buddy features a rigid unibody chassis, MacPherson struts, double-wishbone rear suspension, shorter overhangs, and increased ground clearance, making driving somewhat a new normal rather than being normal indeed. It's front-wheel-drive by default but the one with the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD makes it more enjoyable to drive even in the dirt. Going rough roading rather than offroading is what Buddy's capable of.

Under the hood, the Buddy comes with the M20A-FKS Dynamic Force 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine mated to a Direct Shift CVT and an A25A-FXS Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II engine with Electronically-Controlled CVT.

In terms of safety, the Buddy comes with the next generation of Toyota Safety Sense, which adds new active-safety technologies and capabilities including Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist, among many others.

The Mitsuoka Buddy crossover is proven to be quite a stir for the company behind the pseudo-classic commoners and thanks to such demand, the whole inventory's sold out until 2023, which is bad news for those who wanted to buy this pseudo-American RAV4. Anyway, although you can't buy one until 2023, the Buddy is for those who think today's Toyota RAV4 cramps their style. Case closed.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka Rock Star

Let's be honest, the C2 Chevrolet Corvette is hands down one of the best-looking cars of all time and because the design is nothing but legendary, the people from Mitsuoka hatched a brainwave to make their own rendition of the C2 Corvette, only if you are prepared to sacrifice your Mazda Roadster ND for that matter.

2019 Mitsuoka Rock Star

2019 Mitsuoka Rock Star

This is Mitsuoka Motor's 50th anniversary present to them, it's called the Rock Star and by first glance, it really is a modernized take of the C2 Chevrolet Corvette, one of the best-looking cars of all time, but don't pray that it sounds like and drives like one because like I said, this is just a Mazda Roadster ND underneath by the time you realized that the striking looks of today's Mazda Roadster just too ugly to your line of sights.

Similar to today's ND Roadster based Himiko which looks like a rendition of the classic Morgan Roadster, the Rock Star blends the drivability of a good, honest, Japanese sports car with the looks of a classic American muscle car and remember this; this is the kind of car for car enthusiasts who don't want to experience the wrath of customs for smuggling a C2 Corvette to Japanese roads and with the prices start at 4,688,200 Japanese Yen (around $47,000), it can easily fool everyone thinking that you're driving a second-generation Corvette except the truth is, you're driving an ND Roadster disguised as a C2 Corvette. What are the odds?

Thanks to the fact that it was based on the Roadster, the Rock Star is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine producing 131PS of power and 150Nm of torque, mated with either a 6-speed AT or MT. Of course, it maybe short on power but because it weighs a ton, it's basically nimble and agile just like what a proper low-power roadster should be. It's got rack and pinion steering, front double wishbones, rear multilink suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and so on, meaning that this is an easy-to-drive car that you can cruise it around the Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka without letting the customs yell at you.

Because this is a special model commemorating Mitsuoka's 50th birthday, the Rock Star is available in a strictly limited basis so you better get this Roadster disguised as a C2 Corvette while you still can.

Available colors: Los Angeles Blue, Chicago Red, New York Black, San Francisco Orange, Washington White, and Arizona Yellow.

Source: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka -ALL NEW- Himiko (DBA-ND5RC改)

For car enthusiasts who want a Mazda Roadster ND but don't like the way it looks, don't fret because Mitsuoka, known for turning everyday cars look like classics like the Corolla-based Ryugi, the Teana-based Galue, and the March-based Viewt, brings back the Himiko roadster and because this is an all-new Himiko we're talking about, the Mazda Roadster ND you're familiar with is now donning the identity of a Morgan roadster just like the previous model.

2018 Mitsuoka Himiko

2018 Mitsuoka Himiko

Just like the original Himiko, Mitsuoka retained the look of the Morgan roadster from start to finish while taking precious man hours converting the sporty Mazda Roadster ND into a neo-classic masterpiece for the gentlemen who want to try pass out a JDM sportscar as a vintage English cruiser in all the wrong barrels. You got to give 'em credit for that and on the inside, it's pretty much like the Roadster ND but it was festooned with Alcantara-ish dashboard and steering wheel as well as its handcrafted leather seats that will make the regular Roadster jealous because this is all about fancy living.

Because it was based on the Mazda Roadster ND, the new Himiko is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.5L petrol engine producing 131PS of power and 150Nm of torque, mated with either a 6-speed AT or MT. Of course, it maybe short on power but because it weighs a ton, it's basically nimble and agile just like what a proper low-power roadster should be. It's got rack and pinion steering, front double wishbones, rear multilink suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and so on, keeping the new Himiko's driving experience is as delicate as sipping rose tea after dark.

The all-new Himiko starts at 4,978,800 Japanese Yen (around $50,000) so it's basically more expensive than the Mazda Roadster ND it was based on but look at this way, the new Himiko is for those who wanted an ND-spec Roadster but don't like the styling and because it has everything you'd expect from the sportscar it was based on but wrapped in vintage car looks, it's all about blending the past and the present in a rather amusing way and I think they're onto something here.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka stretched the Vellfire minivan as the Grand Limousine

No. This is not merely fiction, it exists in the real world now as Mitsuoka, noteworthy for the late and horrendous Orochi sportscar and their conversion of everyday cars into faux neo-classic cars like the Teana-based Galue and the Corolla-based Ryugi, goes unorthodox by stretching the Vellfire minivan into a limousine, something that gives anyone who owned any kind of minivan-based limousines, even the old Hyundai Grand Starex Limousine, some jitters.

Mitsuoka Vellfire Grand Limousine

Using the latest-generation Toyota Vellfire as its basis, this stretched van, called the Grand Limousine, will be available to the public starting the 22nd of August, costing 10.26 to 11.048 million Yen. It will make an appearance at the ENDEX 2016 at the Tokyo Big Sight on the 22nd to 24th of August.

Mitsuoka Vellfire Grand Limousine

Although, little is known about the Grand Limousine's interior, shown above, the Grand Limousine accommodates up to five passengers. It measures 6335mm of length, 1850mm of width, and 1930mm of height. Powering the Grand Limousine is the same Dual VVT-i 2.5L DOHC petrol engine which produces 180PS of power and 235Nm of torque, connected to a CVT. It can be offered in both front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

URL: http://autoc-one.jp/news/2854331/

Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon

For those who never heard of a Mitsuoka Ryugi, let's take a quick reminder that Mitsuoka's fancy compact midsize car is basically an eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla in a Rolls-Royce getup. Now, the Ryugi range welcomes a station wagon version packed with more space and tech.

2016 Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon

Yes, it's basically a Toyota Corolla Fielder underneath but you can still get some Rolls-Royce-ish elements as seen on its sedan counterpart, just to make it somewhat neoclassical despite being made from a commoner's car every Japanese salaryman would own for his day to day use.

2016 Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon interior

2016 Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon interior

Because this is basically a Corolla Fielder underneath, you can still expect the similar interior that you get from the Toyota Corolla and some added space fit for your grocery shopping list. The length, width and the height of the Ryugi Wagon's interior is highly similar to the Corolla Fielder's and it seats up to five people, making it an ideal boutique family car for those who think their once-stylish Corolla Fielder isn't fancy enough to be driven on a fancy restaurant or a country club for some golf.

Under the hood, the Ryugi Wagon can be fitted with either a 1.5L 1NZ-FE, a 1.5L 2NR-FKE, a 1.5L 1NZ-FXE hybrid powerplant, or a more powerful 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine. Most models do come with the CVT gearbox but entry-level versions do get a not-so-bad five speed manual gearbox. On the chassis side, the Ryugi Wagon doesn't sound fancy because its got a McPherson struts on the front and Torsion beams on the right. It's got rack-and-pinion steering so handling one is like every common salarymen do most of the time.

And because this is basically a Corolla Fielder underneath, the Ryugi Wagon comes with Toyota Safety Sense C consisting of three features such as a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Because this safety system as seen on the Toyota Corolla range seems to be working so well, this feature can also be added on the Ryugi saloon as well.

2016 Mitsuoka Ryugi Wagon

The Ryugi Wagon starts from 2,499,120 to 3,398,760 Japanese Yen, which sounds more expensive than the Toyota Corolla Fielder it's based upon but needless to say that with this Corolla Fielder dressed as a Rolls-Royce, you can easily fool someone while driving through a country club or a five star hotel, claiming that you're driving a fancy luxury car, only the fact is that you're not driving one because this is a Mitsuoka and this is basically, well, you get the idea.

Available Colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Super Red V, Orange Metallic, Super White II, and Blue Metallic.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

New Mitsuoka Galue (L33)

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

In the tradition of Mitsuoka kitting out modern Japanese cars with exterior cues similar to classic British luxury cars, the small Japanese carmaker has introduced us to the new Galue, which is now based on the current-generation Nissan Teana/Altima L33 midsize saloon. Because the previous model is usually a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit, this new model is still a Teana in a Rolls-Royce suit while featuring some bits and bobs from the Teana L33.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue

There's no need to explain why this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 with some Rolls-Royce-inspired front and back like most Mitsuokas had for their so-called exclusivity because this is basically a Nissan Teana L33 in a Rolls Royce getup. And before I'm going to say it again and again before someone gets bored, the new Galue has some of the Teana's bits and bobs such as high-tensile steel and aluminum bodywork, three-spoke steering wheel, larger front door pockets, a higher dashboard, new instrumental panel, and a reclining front passenger seat.

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

2016 Mitsuoka Galue interior

The new Galue, like the Teana is based on, a QR25DE 4-cylinder, in-line, 16V engine with a Twin C-VTC system, which takes care of the intake and exhaust valves for added efficiency, and clean combustion, and is economical. It produces about a measly 170PS of power output and 245Nm of torque, connected to a new-generation XTRONIC CVT gearbox.

Because it's a million yen more than the Teana it's based on, the new Galue from Mitsuoka starts from 3,866,400 up to 4,644,000 Yen. That sounds a lot for a faux Rolls Royce but if you want your new Teana L33 to be more "exclusive" than the average Teana L33, book one of these and see if your next dinner date will turn out.

Available Colors: Waterfall Blue, Radiant Red, Diamond Black, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant Silver, and Brilliant White Pearl.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka Ryugi

2015 Mitsuoka Ryugi

Your eyes can't deceive you. At first glance, it looks like a classic saloon but when you notice the name Mitsuoka on the detail, you would ask that this boutique Japanese car maker made a faux classic car out of an ordinary city car and yes, this is true. What you're looking at is the replacement to those old, tenth-generation Toyota Corolla-based, Galue 2-04 and Nouera 6-02. It's called the Ryugi and it's not to be confused with the Ryoga, which is based on the final-generation Nissan Primera per se. Oh no, this is a new boutique compact saloon for some people would say owning a neo-classical vehicle would be classy but it's not so classy when you heard this...

Underneath, it's based on the eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla Axio. Yes, you guessed it. It's a neo-classical machine based on a commoner vehicle that is made in Japan so just deal with it.

 2015 Mitsuoka Ryugi interior

2015 Mitsuoka Ryugi interior

On the inside, it still has the same comforts that you'd expect from the eleventh-generation Toyota Corolla and depending on the variant, you can expect some optional extras to spice up your Ryugi just the way you want it. You can hardly imagine if this is your ride to your next prom per se.

The Ryugi comes with either a 1NZ-FE 1.5L petrol engine or a 1NZ-FXE 1.5L petrol engine connected to a 1LM electric motor. Yes, this Mitsuoka offers a hybrid model for the first time. In petrol models, it can be mated with either a CVT or a 5-speed manual gearbox but on the hybrid model, it's available exclusively with a CVT gearbox.

In terms of handling, the Ryugi, like the Corolla, drives cheaply because of its rack and pinion steering, MacPherson struts on the front, and torsion beam coil springs at the back.

2015 Mitsuoka Ryugi

The base 15ST model is priced at 2,214,000 Japanese Yen (around $22,140) while the HYBRID model with the optional seat heater will cost you 3,110,400 Japanese Yen (around $31,140). There are 10 trim models to choose from while the petrol models do come with available four-wheel drive. So, fancy a Toyota Corolla in a Rolls-Royce getup?

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Blackish Red Mica

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka ends the Orochi with the "Final Orochi"

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi

The Mitsuoka Orochi. While it may not be the prettiest sportscar to look at, it's a product of an unsung car company called Mitsuoka. While the body and the chassis is a Mitsuoka original, the 3MZ-FE 3.3L V6 engine was sourced from Toyota and mounted at the middle while mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, you maybe familiar as the car James May drove on an episode of Top Gear a few seasons ago.

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi

Mitsuoka announced that the production of the super-hideous Orochi sportscar ends this September 2014 and to finish it off, they offered the Final Orochi, a final model that features...well, about the same as the Orochi except with a bigger price tag.

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi interior

2015 Mitsuoka Final Orochi interior

Because it's limited to five units, three final Orochis are colored in Gold Pearl while two are painted in a purplish color called Fuyoru-oh (不夜王). It features an exclusive emblem, 19-inch aluminum wheel, and some exclusive interior combinations depending on the color.

No alterations on the spec here. Still comes with the same 3MZ-FE 3.3L V6 engine which churns out 233PS of power and 328Nm of torque while mated with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. It has rack and pinion steering, double wishbone suspension, ventilated disc brakes, on and on and on and on...

The Final Orochi is priced at an ultra-expensive 12,700,000 Japanese Yen (estimated $127,000) and like I said, only five units are made.

URL: http://www.mitsuoka-motor.com/lineup/new/finalorochi/
Source: http://release.nikkei.co.jp/detail.cfm?relID=359887&lindID=4

Mitsuoka K13 Viewt

For almost two decades, the Mitsuoka Viewt (光岡 ビュート) is much more of a Nissan March in Jaguar Mark 2's clothing. This time, the new Mitsuoka Viewt still has the same Jaguar Mark 2 clothing while using the Nissan March K13 as its basis. If you think that this K13 Viewt may just be an alternative to the Autech March K13 Bolero, well sorry to disappoint.

2013 Mitsuoka Viewt

Like the previous model, the K13 Viewt still...um...pretty much the same. Is it all new or just a...you know, a nip tuck? To differentiate it, you should look to the side view that is broadly similar to the Nissan March K13 and the new back as well. If the outside view wasn't too good enough to solve, how about getting to know the K13 Viewt's interior?

2013 Mitsuoka Viewt interior

Okay, the K13 Viewt's interior is pretty much more of a coach-built version of the interior you may find on the Nissan March K13. In some models, you do get a clock but you don't if you're opted for the sat-nav option. What's more, the leather around the Viewt's interior are everywhere, providing more luxury for the passengers despite the compact sizing and this could be more of a big shot if you're driving through at some prestigious academy in Japan. Those classy high school students would think to you that you're riding a vintage car and that's sosy. What a sosy car, you'll look. And that's too sosy if you're some blonde Japanese teenage girl.

Under the bonnet, it still has the HR12DE engine mated with the XTRONIC CVT transmission. This engine churns out 79PS of power, 106Nm of torque, and that's about it.

Available colors are Wine Red Metallic, British Green, White, and Black Metallic

My comment:

Even it still has the same Jaguar Mark 2 design, this K13 Viewt is much more of a sosy version of the Nissan March K13. This is much more like a high school girl in a wealthy socialite's body giggling about her first kiss while she was in 5th grade. You wouldn't blame to see this one approaching in the streets of Tokyo and everyone would be completely fooled that you're in to that car that is more retro futuristic. Seriously? Yes my fair lady. This is how your ojousama do all the time while she's at school. Now you know.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor

Mitsuoka Like

2011 Mitsuoka Like

With the inception of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (an electric vehicle based on the Mitsubishi i), and PSA Peugeot Citroen readies for the rebadged versions such as the i0n and the C-Zero, it seems that Mitsuoka is joining the OEM bandwagon as it released the i MiEV-based Like electric vehicle.

Like (Japanese: Raiku, 雷駆) is Mitsuoka's first electric vehicle that was based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The front view of the Like is a different point of view because it's part of Mitsuoka's tradition to redesign cars out from existing ones such as the March-based Viewt, or the Corolla-based Galue 2-04. One glance at the Like's front view and you may be shocked by its eccentric face.

With the eccentric view, the Like is powered with the Mitsubishi YF41 electric engine. It operates at the power output of 64PS/3,000-6,000rpm and the torque output of 18.4kg-m/0-2,000rpm. The charge outlet for the Like hybrid can be about 100-200V, so its best to plug it in the right outlet.

My thoughts about the Like:

The Mitsubishi i MiEV-based Mitsuoka Like has an eccentric front view but with the heart of a true eco car becuase this is Mitsuoka's first electric vehicle designed for Mother Nature. I might think of it as a crowning glory of electric vehicles but the Like is the most eccentric electric vehicle designed for someone special...

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsuoka New (Teana-based) Galue

Back when the Mitsuoka Galue debuted since 1996, this eccentric flagship sedan that looks more of a vintage sedan but pinned from the Nissan Crew is somewhat a mystery. Later, in 1999, the Galue evolved from Crew-based to Cedric-based. Then, in 2005, the Galue received another full model change that was based on the Nissan Fuga Y50, following with the limousine variant in October 2008. There is also a Corolla-based spin-off of the Galue, under the Galue 2-04 name.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue

Today, in November 11, 2010, this new-generation Galue is back in the flesh, only this time, based on the second-generation Nissan Teana. The New Galue remains its Rolls Royce-like front but the side view now pinned from the Nissan Teana. It seems unclear that how nostalgic this eccentric flagship sedan could be, but I guess hospitality is now the main prospective of the New Galue.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue

Because the Nissan Teana is front-wheel drive (FF), today's Mitsuoka Galue is now FF. It seems disappointing that I still like the Fuga-based Galue, but that's for a cause. With FF drive-train provides exceptional driving comfort on the road. Under the hood, the New Mitsuoka Galue offers three different engines available; the QR25DE engine, VQ25DE V6 engine, and the high-performance VQ35DE. Most 2.5L variants get Nissan's XTRONIC CVT, but the high-end 3.5L V6 variant is equipped with the XTRONIC CVT-M6. The New Galue always thinking about luxury as a premium medium-sized sedan not just how it looks, it knows how it feels to be inside Mitsuoka's flagship.

2011 Mitsuoka Galue interior

2011 Mitsuoka Galue interior

On the interior, hospitality is the main theme of the New Galue. Most features from the New Galue include leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, dual sunroof, ottoman-equipped front passenger seat, ventilated seats for both the driver and front passenger, Bose Premium Surround Sound System, optional navigation system, every luxury detail offered to bring out the best of becoming Mitsuoka's flagship.

My thoughts about the New Galue:
What an oddity, today's Galue is like a mixture of a Rolls Royce Phantom and the Nissan Teana. Whatever that is, this is more of a mysterious flagship sedan no one ever heard of or even tried it because of its vintage exterior and modern interior, just like the other Mitsuoka cars. I expect to be inside of this New Galue because I already tasted the interior just like the second-generation Teana. Think about it, this is truly a work of art from Mitsuoka. Trying it can be a familiarity.

Photo: Mitsuoka Motor Co., Ltd.