The 2023 Mitsuoka Viewt is now based on the European Toyota Yaris but continues to identify as a Jaguar Mk2

Quirky Japanese carmaker Mitsuoka has been reskinning various other cars into its own designs and the new fourth generation Mitsuoka Viewt will make the jump to European-spec Toyota Yaris after being previously based on the Nissan March.

The switch to Toyota will allow more variants of the Viewt to be available. This includes a 6-speed manual model, a hybrid and E-Four (electric rear-axle 4WD) variants. Furthermore, the Butte will also be equipped with more advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, automatic high beam and road sign recognition.

Nonetheless, this wasn’t the reason behind the switch to the Yaris. Mitsuoka explained that it designed and planned with multiple cars in mind and selected the best fit.

The carmaker was keen to bring attention to 3 key points during its introduction. Chief among them was the availability of LED headlights for the first time.

Also Read: Mitsuoka – The bonkers Japanese car maker with a heart

Secondly, it’s the method in which they produce the new panels. Until now, the company has long produced them using handmade FRP parts but with the Toyota RAV4-based Mitsuoka Buddy, they have improved the quality by incorporating press moulds and injection moulding.

With the Viewt, the bonnet was changed from the conventional FRP to a steel plate while the front face remains FRP.

Lastly, it’s the various customisation options available. You can mix and match between 12 body colours and 8 interior colours.

The first generation (K11 March) sold an impressive 9,090 units, the second generation (K12 March) sold 1,400 units while the third generation (K13 March) sold 2,962 units, bringing the total to around 13,400 units shipped.

Also Read: Mitsuoka gives Toyota RAV4 a retro American makeover

Additionally, the switch to the Yaris for the fourth generation Viewt will also see the sedan variant be discontinued, being only available as a hatchback moving forward. Previously, the sales ratio of sedans and hatchbacks was approximately 7:3, meaning the majority of buyers chose the sedan.

Mitsuoka have planned to produce 40 units for this year, with all already spoken for. If you’re keen to get one, your only hope is in 2024, of which 180 units will be produced but reservations are taken up until August 2024. The starting price is 3,080,000 yen (~RM 98,000).