JDM Retrofuturism: Mitsuoka launches updated New Viewt
Mitsuoka Viewt -- Click above for high-res image gallery
You know that unique thing that Mitsuoka does? If not, see for yourself. And here's another example of it: the new Viewt. Originally introduced in 1993, the Viewt is a Nissan Micra underneath what kind of resembles a Jaguar MkII shell. The latest version of the Viewt underwent some slight changes to ensure compliance with Japanese safety regulations, such as integrating the bumpers into the front end panels.
We consider it a testament to Mitsuoka's designs that a shrunken, ill-proportioned Jaguar clone that sits on a Nissan microcar isn't the strangest thing the company has done. To see more of it, check out the gallery of high-res images below.
Gallery: Mitsuoka New Viewt
[Source: Mitsuoka]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jim Dubois 9:35AM (10/19/2009)
Cute looking 60s baby Jag car but with modern interior and Japanese compact car relibility
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DiRF 12:45PM (10/19/2009)
Really one of my favorite "quirky" modern cars... I even have a little Tomica diecast of a Viewt...
Bloke 9:38AM (10/19/2009)
Autoblog: various Japanese coachbuilders have been doing this sort of thing for 20 years, the old Jaguar mkII being a firm favourite. Where's the actual news here?
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Yaroukh 10:11AM (10/19/2009)
Various Japanese coachbuilders have been updating Mitsuoka Viewt for 20yrs?
Rich 10:23AM (10/19/2009)
Yaroukh: You obviously missed the article where it says "the Viewt is a Nissan Micra underneath what kind of resembles a Jaguar MkII shell" and "a shrunken, ill-proportioned Jaguar clone that sits on a Nissan microcar isn't the strangest thing the company has done".
It mentions an update, but the thrust of the article is "Hey check out this JDM Jag-alike!"
Yaroukh 10:33AM (10/19/2009)
@Rich: No, I did not miss anything. But maye you read different article. B/c this one does not suggest anything even close to Viewt being a brand new retro-idea. (Funny how you carefuly pasted the part just after this: "Originally introduced in 1993"...)
Even the title clearly says it is an update.
SeanG 9:49AM (10/19/2009)
Holy crap is that an actual BUMPER?! Haven't seen one of those in 8 years.
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Epyx 9:56AM (10/19/2009)
I actually like how the chrome is integrated into the plastic bumper covers, looks clean while maintaining the classic look.
Rich 10:19AM (10/19/2009)
Epyx: I agree. It's something I haven't seen on any other vehicle. The MINI is stuck in bumper purgatory, while the New Beetle just decided to blend it out of existence.
AngeloD 10:55AM (10/19/2009)
??? Every full-size pickup truck sold in the US has the option for chrome front and rear bumpers.
And..that's the best looking Nissan sold today.
richard 10:24AM (10/19/2009)
If this was cheap enough, and I lived in the city instead of commuting 200 km/day, and if they even sold it here with left-hand-drive, I would love one of these little buggers.
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Luso 10:34AM (10/19/2009)
LOVE IT! Good retro-styling example.
http://www.carnorama.com
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luv_my_car 10:50AM (10/19/2009)
if they could go retro, why didnt they do the same with the interior?
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Yaroukh 10:52AM (10/19/2009)
to keep the price down I guess
davidmeza 12:18PM (10/19/2009)
More people would buy Micra's in the US if they were styled like this. This is too cool looking.
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StickShift 1:43PM (10/19/2009)
I love how the pictures are on Autoblog en Espanol.
Whats the matter guys, too ashamed to host the pictures on your own servers? (I would be too, to be honest)
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smartacus 2:22PM (10/19/2009)
That's not a Viewt, that's a Viecko
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mr.ed 2:37PM (10/19/2009)
Put a hatch on the back and my wife would ditch her 3 for this cutie. She's prefer a brown interior, like a real Jag, or even red, like the ones she saw when they were current. I friend brought his dad's year old Jag along for a visit while home from school. He was demonstrating how solid it was, kicked the left rear tire, and his foot bounced off it and through the rear quarter panel, rusted behind the thick green paint. Eyeballs don't get any bigger than his were, at least human ones.
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P.V. 5:21PM (10/19/2009)
All I can say is...???
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davidsalter1 7:55PM (10/19/2009)
Needs some classic silver wire wheel rims. (They are still being made).
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