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.

My GT7 Log: The other GR hot hatch

The Toyota GR Yaris is the closest thing you can get from its WRC-winning rally machine counterpart because of its rally-honed performance and dynamics that are deemed unrivaled even in the midst of the new normal. No one dared to take on the GR Yaris and this is why this super hot hatch is a class on its own.

As a matter of fact, the GR Yaris wasn't the only super hot hatch that emerged from the skunk works of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In fact, there's another hot hatch that belonged to the same bloodline as this, only bigger...

So, care to guess what that other GR hot hatch is?

What about now? Any takers? Well, there's only one answer...

This is the first-ever Toyota GR Corolla, the other super hot hatch from Toyota Gazoo Racing and you can drive one in Gran Turismo 7 right away.

So, what's it all about the GR Corolla? Based on the E210 Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla features a wider exterior design, improved aerodynamics, and better rigidity. Using the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, it's been boosted to produce 304PS of power and 370Nm of torque while mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. As for fuel economy, it's good for 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla comes with the GR-FOUR active torque split 4WD system with a Torsen LSD for better cornering and stability on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For those who demand more for the GR Corolla comes the hardcore MORIZO Edition, which was named after the alias of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who is also the company's master test driver. The MORIZO Edition removes rear seats for weight-saving measures and uses a unique close-ratio transmission and final gear setup, increased turbo boost, unique forged wheels, and monotube suspension dampers.

When it was launched in Japan in December 2022, the GR Corolla was limited to 500 units, 70 for the MORIZO Edition. Therefore, a lottery system was implemented for those who were willing to purchase.

Yes, the GR Corolla is by no means one of the highly-anticipated models of last year following a series of cryptic teasers scattered throughout typical Toyota car photos, if you know what I mean. All those cryptic clues led to the unmasking of the most practical five-door super hot hatch in the world. You better thank Toyota for this one.

With all the suspense killing me, it's time to find out how much of a super hot hatch the GR Corolla is when compared to its little brother, the GR Yaris.

I've selected Bathurst as the playpen for the two GR hot hatches and as always, the one with the fastest lap time is the winner of this comparison. I know that the GR Corolla is the most powerful of the two but the GR Yaris is smaller and lighter, making the sibling strife one-sided. Up to me to find out which of the two super hot hatches is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

GR Yaris - 2m42.113s

GR Corolla - 2m40.546s

Talk about a nearly two-second gap between the two GR hot hatchbacks even though they have the same 1.6L turbocharged engines and the same GR-FOUR 4WD system, but in the end, it seems the most powerful hot hatchback from Toyota stands at the top.

Despite bearing a commoner's name, the GR Corolla managed to join the ranks of the list of Reiwa-era JDM sports cars spearheaded by the GR Supra thanks to its high-performance characteristics unheard for a Corolla. This car has proven worthy of bearing the GR badge and such anticipation really paid off with big dividends.

Case Closed.

My GT7 Log: The Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM Sports Cars

The Reiwa era. When you talk about this current era in the Japanese calendar, what can you think about the Reiwa era? Yes, the early years of the Reiwa era are a messy one because of COVID and the war in Ukraine, among many others, but when you talk about Japanese sports cars, which company kickstarted the new breed of JDM sports cars? Toyota, of course.

The GR Supra, the GR Yaris, and the GR86 will forever go down in history as the Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars because a Japanese motoring giant like Toyota was the first to introduce the new breed of JDM sports cars of this current era. So, what do you know about the Founding Fathers of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars?

Launched in May 2019, the beginning of the Reiwa era, the GR Supra marked the return of "The Sports of Toyota", which was greeted by many cheers and jeers from speedo boys worldwide. It is the first JDM sports car of the Reiwa era and despite being a Supra, it was basically a BMW Z4 G23 underneath because of the connection between BMW and Toyota. With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, in the early months of the COVID pandemic, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant has been boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS of power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system, and this is the result; a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.

In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT. This basic variant is available only in Japan but who cares?

Launched in the autumn of 2021, the GR86 proudly carries over where its predecessor left off while still delivering the same accessible dynamics coveted by speedo boys worldwide. Like the second-generation Subaru BRZ, the GR 86 runs on the improved version of its signature platform used by its predecessor, and with numerous improvements underneath, it handles better than before. Under the hood, the flat-four boxer engine got its size increased from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in a slightly improved power output of 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque.

These three are undeniable proof that Toyota spearheaded the line of Reiwa-era Japanese sports cars, sports cars that truly reflect the Reiwa era of Japan. Although they're not as exciting to drive as the JDM sports cars of the Heisei era they're as hip and trendy as the trends of today's Japan in every way. As Toyotas, they have the blessings of past sportscars so when you give them a spin, you can experience the heritage they've inherited from their ancestors. The GR86 carried on the tradition of the legendary AE86 while the GR Yaris embodies the spirit of its spiritual ancestor, the Celica GT-FOUR, and the GR Supra, despite the BMW connection, follows the skidmarks of its predecessors. These three are history books in wheels and you can give credit to Toyota and friends for making them possible.

Anyway, no time to be sentimental because it's time to give these Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars a quick lap around Autopolis.

As the trio of Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars flexing its Japanese muscles in a place, only Gran Turismo fanatics can call their playpen, it's time to give them a one-lap time attack just to find out which one is best. Roll the tape.

After a quick lap in Autopolis, here are the results;

GR86 - 2m21.309s

GR Yaris - 2m16.356s

GR Supra (2020MY) - 2m14.083s

As expected, the GR Supra is plus alpha but the results don't matter to them anyway because what these three showcased is progress.

As Toyota spearheaded the breed of Reiwa-era sportscars, will other Japanese carmakers follow suit? In the midst of the new normal, there is a glimmer of hope this breed will expand slowly but surely but in the meantime, let's take a moment to appreciate Toyota's efforts to create sports cars speedo boys will love in the midst of the new normal. 

The Reiwa era showcased the world the signs of the times and in the case of sports cars, will the times erase them or join them? It's going to be an uphill battle for companies who still make sports cars, including Toyota, but rather an exciting one if you know what I mean.

So thank you, Toyota, and you're welcome.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Several months after Toyota brought us the all-new Yaris compact hatchback with its sleek styling, economical but zippy powertrains, and the fact that it spawned a hot GR Yaris variant, it didn't take long before the Yaris range gained an unexpected welcome; a crossover that will surely snatch its luster.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

The Yaris Cross, priced at 1,798,000 Japanese Yen (around $18,000), may have nothing in common with its hatchback relative but because it runs on the same bits and bobs as the Yaris, this baby crossover likes to feel at home with the urban sprawl rather than the great outdoors like today's SUVs.

If anyone's wandering the internet where in the world is the Yaris Cross, it's THIS Yaris Cross. THE JAPANESE ONE. Not the other one from another world. Anyway, starting with the design, the Yaris Cross shares nothing in common with, well, you get the idea, but Toyota says its design was penned with "robust" and "minimalism" in mind, whatever it means, and while it carries the same look as the Toyota crossover lineup, the Yaris Cross is a serious go-getter with a serious to-do list.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross interior

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross interior

The interior is almost the same as the Yaris and like its hatchback equivalent, the Yaris Cross is surprisingly spacious for up to five people and the rear seats can be folded down so you can haul some more stuff on the go. There's more because the boot of the Yaris Cross is practical because of its flex belt system that stops objects from shifting during driving and the power rear gate where you can automatically open it at the lift of your foot just like a Ford SUV. All these conveniences made the Yaris Cross fit for all walks of life, whether you go for Uber-ing or for delivering stuff to the customers.

2021 Toyota Yaris Cross

In case you came from another world, two powertrains are offered on the Yaris Cross. I repeat, there are two powertrains offered in the Yaris Cross such as the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine with 120PS of power and 145Nm of torque and the new 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 59kW electric motor and Li-ion battery. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the Yaris Cross' hybrid front-wheel drive variant can go up to 30.8kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards. That's more than you get from its main rival, the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

While it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads, the Yaris Cross behaves rather well on all walks of life because it runs on the same GA-B platform as its hatchback equivalent, and because of its high ground clearance, expect a sweet potato taking shortcuts with this, if you know what I mean, and with the optional AWD-i system, it can do a lot more, sort of, and I'm not sure if Mr. Hannibal will let this guy climb at the top.

Anyway, with the AWD-i system fits well on almost any road condition, be it tarmac, gravel, or snow, the Yaris Cross boasts a wide range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that translate to serious business when it comes to keeping the occupants safe.

So, there you are. The Yaris Cross may not be the most enjoyable crossover you'll have in your garage but it's a usable vehicle that does almost all things from all walks of life. Here's hoping those who are looking for a Yaris Cross should look for the one that speaks Japanese and like I said before, it's this Yaris Cross, folks. Not the other Yaris Cross from another world, in case you're wondering.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Sensual Red Mica, Beige, Brass Gold Metallic, Grayish Blue, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota GR Yaris

Ever since Toyota launched the fourth-generation Yaris in early 2020, it didn't take long before the Japanese automotive giant waved the green flag for their high-performance version of the Yaris, which served as the basis for their next rally car to follow the footsteps of its successful predecessor. With that, the first-ever GR Yaris was born.

2021 Toyota GR Yaris

The second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris, may be the template of Toyota's next rally car but it's more than that because it's the road-legal rally car speedo boys are longing for since the legendary Celica GT-FOUR of the '90s. So, what's so special about Toyota's newest rally car?

Starting with the design, the GR Yaris looks similar to the fourth-generation Yaris but it blows two extra doors off to make it three-door and pumped up with some steroids to add some muscle to the already sharp-looking hatch. With rally-inspired looks that have some street cred to it, looks like some speedo boys are going to think twice before taking on the GR Yaris. In fact, its short but rowdy character will give the now-axed Subaru WRX STi a run for its money.

2021 Toyota GR Yaris interior

2021 Toyota GR Yaris interior

On the interior, it still works like a normal Yaris and fits like one too but with the specially-made instrumental panel, the new GR-FOUR selector control, and dark interior theme, it really smells like it was being sprayed with AXE all over to give it a more macho feeling when you get it. Although you will not use it for TNVS purposes because it's a three-door hatchback with rear seats that are difficult to access, by all means, the GR Yaris barely works as either a family car or for quiet weekend road trips with friends. It's an all-rounder, well, almost.

2021 Toyota GR Yaris

As a JDM sportscar with rallying know-how, the performance is the GR Yaris's trump card and under the hood, it carries a brand new G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine which produces 272PS of power and 370Nm of torque. Mated exclusively with a 6-speed iMT, fuel economy is a combined 13.6km/L in WLTP standards. It does 0-100kph in five and a half seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 230kph.

Aside from the engine, Toyota spent countless hours perfecting the GR Yaris on the inside and they festooned it with a new forged C-SMC roof, aluminum hood and doors, frameless windows, and more, giving it the end result in the curb weight of 1,280kg and in compliance with WRC regulations.

The GR Yaris is armed with Toyota's first-ever sports all-wheel-drive system called the GR-FOUR. This all-wheel-drive system can be driven in 50:50 track mode or for the more enjoyable one, 30:70 sport mode. This setup is where it gives most but not all of its rear wheels a moment to shine, making the GR Yaris a sliding rascal you want to get hooked on. 

Couple this with a rigid structure, dramatic braking setup, serious suspension setup made specifically for this hatch, and the TNGA platform, and you have yourself an awesome hot hatch that loves playing dirty in the woods and leaves it be when going back on the city center without all the drama.

Speaking of drama, there's a cheaper, slower RS version that weighs less than the four-wheel-drive one but it's front-wheel-drive and it comes with a modest 1.5L M15A-FKS engine, and a CVT which gives it about 18.2kmpl of fuel economy. Avoid that one, folks, unless you don't have enough money to afford the big guy.

The GR Yaris starts at 2,650,000 Yen for the front-wheel-drive RS variant, the one to avoid unless you're in a credit crunch, up to 4,560,000 Yen for the RZ High Performance variant. Due to compliance with WRC regulations, the GR Yaris, like any other road-legal rally car, is built on limited numbers and you can expect numbers are run out to the brink of sold out so get one while you can.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

4th Gen Toyota Yaris vs. 4th Gen Honda Fit

The two compact hatchback rivals, the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit, are now on their fourth generation, and even though they have differences, these two Japanese compacts are redesigned to be more advanced, more efficient, and more enjoyable for drivers who want to take them for either work or play.

2020 Toyota Yaris

We start with the Toyota Yaris, an all-new model from Toyota, and the long-awaited replacement for the Vitz hatchback. With prices starting at 1,395,000 Japanese Yen, the Yaris is a reasonably-priced hatchback that is designed from the ground up and promises to be a revolution rather than an evolution for this freshman favorite.

2020 Toyota Yaris

Unlike the last-generation Vitz it replaces, the Yaris’s exterior design is like a Toyota Aqua getting mashed up by any European hatchback you know, meaning this new model looks and feels like a European city car and that design really is worth having.

2020 Toyota Yaris interior

On the interior, the Yaris is nicer to live with than the Vitz it replaces. Spacious as well thanks to its wider stance and the TNGA platform it uses. Whether it can be used for work or for play, the Yaris is a do-all compact that does any tasks like a real yuppie on city life.

2020 Toyota Yaris

Because of its TNGA platform, as well as its clever suspension setup, the Yaris is more fun to drive than the Vitz at all corners of the city or on the open road, meaning such dynamics got the Europeans stunned at first sight.

In terms of performance, the Yaris is a city car in its own right that 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 brand new 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain (engine + electric motor + li-ion battery) that promises up to 36kmpl on the combined WLTP scale. It is the first Toyota compact to have an E-Four hybrid four-wheel-drive system that sure is coming in handy in case of weather change. While the hybrid is mated exclusively with a CVT, the normal ones can be fitted with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual, something speedo boys are looking for.

Aside from that, the Yaris boasts class-leading safety features that translate to serious business when it comes to keeping the occupants safe.

2020 Honda Fit

Now it’s the turn of the fourth-generation Honda Fit, which starts at 1,557,600 Japanese Yen, slightly more costly than the Yaris.

2020 Honda Fit

Whereas the Yaris has evolved from being blunt to sharp, the new Fit is the exact opposite. What do you mean? Well, the previous Fit is sharp-looking even as years pass by but the new model shies away from being edgy and instead of looking round, clean, and simple. For this new version, the Fit is offered in various variants such as the Basic, Home, Ness, Luxe, and the outdoor-oriented Crosstar. Sadly, no sporty variant is in sight. Shame.

2020 Honda Fit interior

Although the new look is just okay, which is not okay for some because like they said, just okay is not okay, the new interior is anything but basic and because of its better visibility, you can really see things clearly while driving. Space? Well, the Fit has better space than the previous model, meaning this new model doesn’t matter whether it is an all-work, all-play simpleton that loves to stretch itself.

2020 Honda Fit

The old model’s hybrid powertrain had a nice double-clutch gearbox, making it more engaging to drive on a normal basis. The new model, sadly, no longer bears such enjoyment because it is now mated to a CVT and the compact version of the dual-motor hybrid powertrain derived from the Accord. Now called e:HEV, Honda’s dual-motor hybrid system is going to be the future of Honda’s electrification ambition, and expect future Honda hybrids bearing the e:HEV powertrain soon.

The 1.5L e:HEV powertrain delivers 38.6kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTP standards, meaning it’s more fuel-efficient than the Yaris, meaning it’s the lesser of the two naughties, and with that kind of efficiency, the new Fit can do all of the deliveries and TNVS stuff while leaving room for its day out at the mall and back home, especially when it lets its highly advanced safety features do the talking.

Of course, there’s a 1.3L i-VTEC petrol variant as well but because it's mated only with a CVT gearbox, it’s just okay, which is not for some because again, just okay is not okay.

So there you have it; the Yaris and the new Fit are compact hatches with different ways and means to satisfy yuppies across Japan. The Yaris is all about being sporty and enjoyable while the new Fit is all about being a basic necessity for the normal driver. In the end, it’s hard to decide which one is best and in the end, it’s everybody’s guess.

Photo: Toyota/Honda

Toyota's GR SPORT lineup

Toyota Motor Corporation introduces the all new GR sports lineup of cars tweaked courtesy of GAZOO Racing. Renaming their sporty lineup from G's to GR, the new sports lineup consists of three hierarchies ranging from the GR Sport line of custom cars, the GR line of moderately tuned cars, and GRMN-tuned cars.

First, let's take a look at the first batch of Toyota GAZOO Racing's GR Sport line of cars, which are basically customized versions of your everyday Toyotas such as the Vitz, the all-new Prius PHV, the Harrier, the Mark X, and the twin vans Noah and Voxy.

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport

2018 Toyota Vitz GR Sport interior

The Vitz GR Sport will be based on variants, petrol or hybrid, with the 1.5L engine on it. Starting at 2,087,640 Yen for petrol and 2,329,560 for the hybrid, the GR Sport variant not only comes with special aerodynamic design and special interior, it comes with the improved welding spot of the body as well as a sport tuned suspension. for the GR variant, it comes with Sachs low-down suspension and with the CVT, it was sportly tuned to engage a 10-speed manual mode on it. It comes with the limited slip differential to give a hot hatch feeling on a normal Vitz.

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport

2018 Toyota Prius PHV GR Sport interior

Using the recently-launched Prius PHV as the base, the GR Sport variant, starting at 3,711,960 Yen, features a low-down suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention special Gazoo Racing cosmetic treatments inside and out to add some sportiness on this eco car.

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport

2018 Toyota Harrier GR Sport interior

Based on the recently facelifted Harrier crossover, the GR Sport variant is available only for variants with a 2.0L petrol engine, NA or turbo, and apart from the sporty treatment on the exterior and the interior, the number of spot welds have increased on the body as well as a reinforced brace to the under floor, not to mention the use of sport-tuned suspension. Prices start at 3,398,760 Yen.

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport

2018 Toyota Mark X GR Sport interior

The GR Sport variant of the recently facelifted Mark X saloon is available to order starting at 3,809,160 Yen and based on the 250S and 350RDS variants, it comes with added spot welds on the body, reinforced brace to the under floor, and sport-tuned suspension.

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport

2018 Toyota Noah GR Sport interior

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport

2018 Toyota Voxy GR Sport interior

Adding sportiness to the recently facelifted Noah and Voxy minivans, the GR Sport variants, starting at 3,257,280 Yen, uses only the normal 2.0L FF variants and apart from the cosmetic treatments to make minivans look great on the roads, it comes with sport-tuned suspension and reinforced brace to the under floor.

Later in the winter, the Prius α hybrid MPV and the recently facelifted Aqua hybrid compact will receive the GR Sport treatment using the same stuff mentioned above. The Toyota 86 will receive a GR variant later in the end of the year as well with improved dynamics, Sachs suspension and Torsen-type LSD. Later in the spring, the Vitz will gain a more powerful 3-door GRMN variant with a supercharged 1.8L petrol engine producing 212PS of power.

Enjoy with these new Toyota Gazoo Racing lineup of cars at your nearest Toyota dealerships across Japan!