Copycat: Jaguar Mk 2 Inspired Toyota Yaris

A Japanese custom car maker that has been making retro-inspired mainstream Japanese cars based on a 1963 Jaguar Mark 2 for the past 30 years, has just released its new model.

The company, Mitsuoka has called its new model a “Viewt Story” and it is based on a Toyota Yaris hatchback.

K11 Viewt (1993–2003)

The first Viewt was introduced in January 1993 and was based on a Nissan Micra. The hatchback on the Micra 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 Nissan, but leather seats and wood trim were available at an extra cost.

After the Nissan convertible was introduced in 1997, Mitsuoka developed a Viewt convertible which used the Jaguar-style front but had a unique builtout rear.

K12 Viewt (2005–2012)

When the Nissan Micra was updated in 2005, Mitsuoka produced a new Viewt, which first appeared in September that year. The changes in the style of the Nissan were evident in the new Viewt.

They also made a two-door version based on the Nissan Micra 12SR.

K13 Viewt (2012–2023)

The third generation Viewt was based on the K13 Nissan Micra and first appeared in May 2012. The hatchback version called Viewt Nadeshiko with tailgate and tail lamps first appeared in July 2015.

The “Viewt Story” is based on the Toyota Yaris (XP210) hatchback and was introduced on 17 February 2023.

The makeover is similar to the previous Micra-based Viewt with a new bulbous nose featuring a Jaguar-like vertical grille and round Jaguar-like headlights and driving lights, with plenty of chrome on the nose and wings. The hatchback rear-end is as per the Yaris but with round LED taillights and more chrome. Inside it is pretty much Yaris, although retrimmed in light materials and with a Mitsuoka badge on the steering wheel. Moving with the times, the Mitsuoka Viewt Story has managed to maintain the advanced safety systems from the donor car – including a bespoke radar sensor in the middle of the vertical Jaguar-like grille.

Four exterior colors and 14-inch steel wheels come standard, and buyers can unlock eight additional colors and 15-inch alloy wheels at an extra cost. Mitsuoka also includes a long list of electronic driving aids including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It is unclear how many of these conversions are completed by Mitsuoka in Japan each year, but there is apparently enough demand to warrant this new model.

Prices for the Mitsuoka “Viewt Story” in Japan start at ¥3,008,000 (A$32,000) for the entry-level 1.0-litre model, rising to ¥4,202,000 (A$45,000) for the rangetopping hybrid.

Nothing suggests the hatchback will be sold here in Australia. .