Autoblog Daihatsu

Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Daihatsu

Daihatsu, everyone's seventh-favorite Japanese automaker, is making big waves at the Indonesian Motor Show this year. Typically writing a sentence like that one would preclude such news to follow from, well, being newsworthy here in the U.S., but we've always been such fans of Daihatsu's cheeky Copen convertible Kei car that we couldn't resist reporting on the model's spiritual successor.

Called D-R, this sprightly concept droptop is obviously heavily reminiscent of the Copen, though more modern, with an oversized front fascia, Audi-style aluminum windshield frame and a leather-lavished interior that has a zero-percent chance of making it to production. It's also 100-percent more endearing than the similarly sized D-X Concept that was shown at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

We're told that the D-R showcar has replaceable resin body panels - fit to be switched out when the conceptual owner requires a freshened visage. Inside, a central touchscreen does most of the heavy lifting in terms of driver controls, while an LCD screen has taken the place of a traditional instrument binnacle.

The fully functional D-R concept is powered by a 600cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine. Get all of the Daihatsu details from the company's official press release.

Continue reading Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor

Daihatsu D-R concept looks like a Copen successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan

Noah Joseph — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota, Daihatsu

Kei cars may be small in size, but they're big business in Japan. The latest arrival to the category is the little hatch you see above, the Toyota Pixis Epoch.

It's the fourth vehicle produced by the Daihatsu division but sold under the Toyota brand. As with other keis, power comes from a 660cc engine. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission driving either just the front wheels or all four. In both configurations, the Pixis Epoch features a stop-start system that helps its emissions and fuel efficiency figures come in well below even the Japanese government's stringent standards.

The whole package measures just 3,395 mm (133 inches) long, 1,475 mm (58 inches) wide and 1,500 mm (59 inches) tall, but offers a relatively spacious and utile interior, plus a tight turning radius of just 4.4 meters. Pricing ranges from 795,000 to 1.2 million yen - that's less than $10,000 (and no more than $15k). Further details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan

Toyota launches new Pixis Epoch kei car in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Japan, Daihatsu

You may not have ever heard of a car called the Daihatsu Copen, but it's ending production and we're sad to report it. The Copen is (or was) made by the budget Toyota brand and stands as the only convertible kei car - those being the whimsical little cars that zip around Japan - still on the market.

A tiny two-seat roadster with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Copen was a favorite among customers for being just downright fun. But apparently after ten years of production, there just aren't enough of those customers left to justify its continued production.

As a result, Daihatsu is reportedly discontinuing the line, with no apparent plans to replace it. Before it does, however, a 10th anniversary edition is reportedly in the works, with production limited to just 500 units. But with only 2,000 Copens sold last year, that represents a full quarter of production.

Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Daihatsu FC Case Concept is autonomous, high-tech transportation

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Electric, Daihatsu

The one thing that's been missing from this year's Tokyo Motor Show are the inevitable rolling living room concepts of years past. But Daihatsu has come to the rescue with its FC Case concept.

The rolling bread box might not look like much from the outside, but inside it's packed with folding seats and a host of infotainment gadgets. Just as important is the FC's method of propulsion, a variant of hydrogen called hydrazine hydrate or N2H4 H2O (yes, we had to look it up) that's synthesized from nitrogen and hydrogen. Daihatsu says the fuel has a higher energy density and lower flammability, but more intriguing is the delivery. Hydrazine hydrate can supposedly be transported and inserted into the vehicle much like gasoline, which takes care of that pesky infrastructure situation. Couple that with some kind of autonomous driving system and it's not hard to imagine a fleet of FCs running down the highway at speed, bumper-to-bumper, cleanly and quickly delivering employees to work in 2035... or something.

Daihatsu FC Case Concept is autonomous, high-tech transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Daihatsu D-X portends a less endearing Copen successor

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu

We've always had a soft spot for the Daihatsu Copen. Granted, it always struck us as an overly effeminate Audi TT, but that's not a particularly bad thing. But after nearly a decade of production, Daihatsu has to move on, so across the way from the "Ultimate Edition" Copen at the Tokyo Motor Show is this, the Daihatsu DX concept.

An odd amalgamation of Kei car size and SUV styling, the D-X features a retractable hard top and composite body panels that Daihatsu claims can be swapped out at will. Keeping within the Kei car limits in Japan, the D-X is powered by a turbocharged two-cylinder engine outputting around 60 horsepower and spinning the front wheels. We couldn't get a straight answer from the Daihatsu reps on the floor, but based on the model years we through out in broken Japanese, we should be seeing the D-X in production form late next year.

Daihatsu D-X portends a less endearing Copen successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota launches Pixis Space; first kei cars are Daihatsus in drag

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota, Daihatsu

Toyota has announced that it will unveil its first-ever kei car to be sold under its recently launched Pixis sub-brand. The vehicle, called the Pixis Space, will make its official debut in late September. Based on the Daihatsu Move Conte, the Pixis Space will be sold at Toyota dealerships through what the automakers calls "Pixis stations." Yes, seriously.

After Toyota's version of the Daihatsu Move Conte makes its debut, the Japanese automaker will launch a Pixis-badged Daihatsu Hijet truck and microvan in December. By the end of 2012, Toyota says it will launch a Pixis version of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S - a vehicle that returns 70.6 miles per gallon (U.S.) as measured under Japan's JC08 test cycle.

In case you weren't aware, Daihatsu - Japan's oldest manufacturer of automobiles - operates under the control of Toyota. In other words, these Pixis machines are simply badge engineering at the kei level.

Toyota launches Pixis Space; first kei cars are Daihatsus in drag originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Daihatsu plays Charade with Toyota Yaris in Europe

Zach Bowman — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Daihatsu

2012 Daihatsu Charade - Click above for high-res image

Buyers in Europe who can't stand the thought of going on without the current generation Toyota Yaris need not fret. According to AutoEvolution, the vehicle will soldier on under the Daihatsu banner. While Toyota has made it clear that the vehicle is being replaced with a next-generation interpretation, Daihatsu will continue to sell the Yaris under the Charade banner.

The jokes almost write themselves.

Don't expect to see the full Yaris family cruising the streets of Stuttgart, though. Daihatsu only plans to offer the vehicle in five-door configuration, though there will be two trim levels to pick from. A 99-horsepower 1.3-liter gasoline engine will be the only available power plant, though the company will offer either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The news comes after Daihatsu announced that the company was retreating from the European auto market in 2013. Despite this fact, the automaker says that it plans on working toward the success of the brand with products like the Charade. The vehicle is set to touch down in May of this year.

[Sources: AutoEvolution, LeftLaneNews]

Daihatsu plays Charade with Toyota Yaris in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Daihatsu leaving European market

Noah Joseph — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Toyota, Daihatsu

More than any other, two carmaking giants sit at the top of the industry: Toyota and General Motors. But while GM sells under a (shrinking but still) expansive range of brands, the Toyota Motor Corporation sells most of its vehicles under its own name. That doesn't mean that Toyota, however, doesn't have its own portfolio of subsidiaries. Here in the United States we have the youth-oriented Scion division, while Lexus handles its upscale offerings, and overseas there's Daihatsu.

The budget brand offers a range of small cars under its own name; most are hatchbacks, but there's also the Copen roadster and even a rebadged Camry called the Altis. You may have come across some of their offerings while traveling overseas, particularly in Europe, but that last part is about to come to an end, according to reports.

Word from across the pond is that Toyota plans to withdraw Daihatsu from the European market altogether. The move would reportedly take effect in 2013, and if it comes to pass, would follow similar withdrawals from the North American (1992) and Australian (2006) markets. Thanks for the tip, William!

[Source: Autohaus]

Report: Daihatsu leaving European market originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Fiat, Chrysler considering natural gas push

Chris Shunk — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Chrysler, Daihatsu

The United States is currently the number one producer of natural gas, but with few exceptions the fuel that heats millions of homes hasn't made it's way into our cars and trucks. Automotive News reports that Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne would like to change that in the coming years by introducing the technology in Fiat and Chrysler vehicles.

The move makes plenty of sense for Fiat, which is currently a natural gas market leader in Europe with 80 percent of the market for methane gas-powered cars and 55 percent of the light truck market. Fiat cites cost advantages and availability of natural gas as main reasons to push the technology in the U.S. A natural gas-powered vehicle carries a $3,000 price premium over the typical petrol mill, compared to $3,300 for diesel and $8,000 for an electric hybrid.

Natural gas seems like a perfect fit for the U.S., but the technology faces many of the same availability obstacles as electric vehicles. AN points out that there are only 1,300 methane fill stations nation-wide; a fraction of the 160,000 petrol stations available to drivers. Fiat research boss Constantinos Vafidis notes that natural gas makes the most sense in "public services and goods transportation, where vehicles are refueled from a central base."

There is little questioning Fiat's acumen in natural gas vehicles, but will Americans be interested? Car-buyers have proven to be largely disinterested in natural gas vehicles, and the only vehicle available for purchase is the Honda Civic GX. Vehicle fleets filled with large trucks could be another matter all-together, as natural gas could help cut fuel costs in half.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Fiat, Chrysler considering natural gas push originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Oh, Kei Go: Toyota set to enter JDM minicar market?

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Toyota, Daihatsu

Toyota is looking to get bigger... by going smaller. The Japanese automaker is looking to enter the kei car market, a popular segment in its homeland. Kei cars are small vehicles with restrictions on length (11.15 feet), width (4.86 feet), engine size (660 cubic centimeters) and power output (63 horsepower). Currently, Toyota is the only Japanese automaker not producing vehicles for this segment, but that is set to change, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Thanks to its relationship with Daihatsu, Toyota can jump right into the kei car game. Daihatsu is one of the largest producer of kei vehicles and it is currently owned by Toyota.

Although kei cars are restricted in terms of size and power, they are not restricted by technology. Automakers utilize different drive configurations, powertrains and amenities to keep their cars fresh. Daihatsu and Toyota plan to work together to produce Toyota-branded kei cars. The two companies will utilize Toyota's knowledge of electric and hybrid systems to produce efficient little vehicles for the Japanese market.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Oh, Kei Go: Toyota set to enter JDM minicar market? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Toyota's Daihatsu recalls over 500,000 minicars over... fading taillamps?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota, Daihatsu

Daihatsu has announced plans to recalling over 500,000 vehicles in Japan due to taillight lenses that can fade over time. The lenses, originally orange, will bleach white with exposure to the sun, leading to a potential safety risk. As a result, Daihatsu is recalling a total of 435,423 Move hatchbacks built between 1995 and 2000, as well as 145,769 Mira models manufactured from 1998 to 2000. Both vehicles fall into Japans micro-car category and are powered by fuel-thrifty .66-liter engines.

The company plans to fix the issue by installing orange bulbs in the vehicles instead of the white ones that came from the factory.

Daihatsu is owned by Toyota, and the company produces a number of small vehicles for the manufacturing giant. While not as crippling as some of the other issues Toyota has had this year, the Daihatsu does add to the 11 million recalled Toyota and Lexus vehicles recalled since fall of last year.

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Toyota's Daihatsu recalls over 500,000 minicars over... fading taillamps? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Recall: 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rocky has check valve issues

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Recalls, Off-Road, South Korea, Daihatsu

Stop the presses! While the rest of the world has been yanking its hair out over that little dustup at Toyota, some actual recall news has been slipping through the cracks. For example, did you know that 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavors are having salted road issues that lead to fuel leaks? Or that 2005 Honda Odysseys have bad liftgate struts? Tsk, tsk. However, all that pales in comparison to the following paragraph.

Turns out, that the check valve in the fuel vapor evaporative emissions control system of 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rockys might crack, causing fumes to fill the cabin. Gasoline fumes inside your Rocky's cabin are bad (think fire, explosions), especially if you smoke. Of course, if you own a convertible Rocky, this won't be too much of an issue. Still, might as well take advantage of this NHTSA recall at your local Daihatsu dealer. Wherever that might be.

Also, in case you've been worried sick about it, there are no recalls for the Toyota Starlet. Phew!

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Wikimedia Commons]

Recall: 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rocky has check valve issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

JDM Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon hatchlets get redesigned

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota, Daihatsu

2010 Daihatsu Boon - Click above for high-res image gallery

The twin hatchbacks known as the Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon in the JDM sphere have been launched in their all-new guises. The Toyota version comes in two flavors, Passo and Passo + Hanna, the latter of which gets extra features like projector headlights. It will also be available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, and on top of that comes in a JDM-bonanza of trim levels such as Modellista and TRD Sportivo.

Being sister cars the Daihatsu will offer the same possible features, but with a much lower projected sales volume - 500 to the Toyota's 6,500 - the Boon will come in three versions as opposed to the Toyota's six. Engine choices are a 1.0-liter, 68-horsepower lump or a 1.3-liter, 94-hp motor, both running through a CVT. The Passo starts at ¥1,000,000 ($10,971 U.S.). You can read about both in the lengthy releases after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below. Top tip, Eralp!

Gallery: 2010 Daihatsu Boon

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Passo

[Source: Toyota, Daihatsu, Paul Tan]

Continue reading JDM Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon hatchlets get redesigned

JDM Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon hatchlets get redesigned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Design/Style, Daihatsu

Daihatsu Deca Deca concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu has a way with words: the company calls its Deca Deca concept a "super box," and we'll call it a super super box. A funky little piece of chunk, the Deca Deca has a flat floor - and a flat everything else -- along with pillarless doors that render the interior absolutely cavernous. The abyss inside has been tastefully appointed with slim, movable fold-up seats, a table, and an LCD television in case you want to "work inside the vehicle or stow large items."

Interestingly, the car was so popular that we couldn't get close to it until the second day -- there were camera crews around it constantly. But for all that, and with Japanese rents what they are, it might make a fine place to live - after all, it was "designed with leisure use in mind," and how could anyone complain about living in a super box?

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu's Deca Deca concept is the most popular "super box" in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Tanto Exe and Tanto Exe Custom are boxy and... custom boxy

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Daihatsu

Daihatsu Tanto Exe and Tanto Exe Custom -- Click above for high-res image gallery

A "tanto" is a short Japanese sword or dagger, which means the only thing it has in common with the Daihatsu Tanto Exe and Tanto Exe Custom is the descriptor "short" and the additional epithet, "light." Both the Tanto Exe and Exe Custom are "lighter and more fuel efficient versions of the Tanto" which, compared to most other cars, is still no heavyweight.

We could put the Tanto in our own words, but Daihatsu's marketers have hit a hyperbole home run so we'll go with their phrasing: "both vehicles feature expansive interiors at the top levels in their classes," "the sophisticated interiors allow adults to enjoy the pleasure of driving," and "the exteriors express both quality and vitality." Oh, we can say that the Custom has a Momo steering wheel. As for the rest, have a look at both vehicles in the gallery of high-res images below and decide for yourselves.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Tanto Exe Custom

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Tanto Exe

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Tanto Exe and Tanto Exe Custom are boxy and... custom boxy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket concept looking for Little Green Riding Hood

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Daihatsu

Daihatsu Basket -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We're sure it wasn't meant this way, but standing beside the Daihatsu Basket concept, you do feel like you could throw things in it, pick the thing up by its t-top crossbar, and take it to a picnic. And carrying it that way would probably be better than driving it. A thoroughly JDM offering, it is described thusly: "the slow pace of life open four-seater model with a wide rear deck is designed for full enjoyment of life, such as for trips to the family vegetable plot out of the city." Amen.

The rinky-dinky pickup packs a removable hardtop up front and a removable canvas top in back, and linen throughout the cabin for that light, airy interior feel. We like it. We like it a lot. Take a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket concept looking for Little Green Riding Hood originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments