Jaguar Lost Its Way, So Mitsuoka Took Over and Created an Entire Car | Carscoops

      Shoppers can purchase the Viewt with options of a 1.0-liter petrol engine, a 1.5-liter petrol engine, or a 1.5-liter hybrid.

      July 8, 2025, at 20:30

      by Brad Anderson

      The Mitsuoka Viewt Royal Edition showcases a vintage design that draws inspiration from the 1963 Jaguar Mk2.

      Available powertrains include 1.0L and 1.5L petrol engines, as well as a 1.5L hybrid, which are shared with the Toyota Yaris.

      Pricing begins at $26,300, with limited production and orders accepted until December 21.

      There is a unique appeal to a car that stands out from the crowd. Mitsuoka has established its reputation by taking an unconventional approach, creating vehicles that range from the eccentric Orochi popularized on Top Gear to the quirky Viewt, which has been captivating audiences since 1993. Last year, the Viewt transitioned from the Nissan Micra/March platform to the Toyota Yaris, and now, the first special edition of this refreshed model has arrived.

      Dubbed the Royal Edition, Mitsuoka offers the vehicle in three distinct colors: Royal Green, Royal Red, and Royal White. For the most part, the design of the Royal Edition mirrors that of the standard Viewt, preserving its resemblance to the 1963 Jaguar Mk2, though with slightly larger dimensions.

      As with the regular model, the Royal Edition features chrome bumpers at both the front and rear. Additionally, it includes a new badge at the back, reminding buyers that this is no typical Mitsuoka offering. Nevertheless, no one is likely to be misled into believing it is a classic British car rather than an awkward city car imitation.

      Similar to the standard model, the Royal Edition comes with chrome bumpers front and back, and a new rear badge differentiates it somewhat, indicating it’s not your standard Mitsuoka. However, it is unmistakably a compact city car styled to evoke a specific sense of nostalgia.

      All variants of the Royal Edition, regardless of exterior color, feature the same interior design. This includes Royal Brown artificial leather upholstery on the seats, door panels, and the lower dashboard. The vehicle also subtly references its British-inspired design with a small Union Jack on the seats.

      Since the Viewt is based on the TNGA-B architecture utilized by the Yaris, it offers the same engine choices. Buyers can select from a 1.0-liter or a 1.5-liter petrol engine, or opt for a 1.5-liter hybrid. The 1.0-liter version is exclusively front-wheel drive and comes equipped with a CVT.

      The 1.5-liter petrol option is available with either a six-speed manual or CVT, and can be configured for front- or four-wheel drive. The hybrid variant features a CVT and is also offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.

      Mitsuoka is accepting orders for the Viewt Royal Edition until December 21, although it has not revealed the production quantity. Pricing starts at 3.85 million yen (approximately $26,300) and can reach up to 5.1348 million yen (about $35,100), depending on the configuration.