Autoblog

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.

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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.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S plays small ball

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Daewoo

Daihatsu e:S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Daihatsu didn't just bring out its ~~big~~ little guns, it had a couple of tiny guns there as well, such as this, the Volvo C30-esque e:S. Called "a new eco-car that reveals the future role of mini vehicles," it focuses earnestly on environmental impact and "embodies the roles that mini vehicles should play." We aren't sure what that means, but it has a 660-cc engine, a total length of just over seven feet, is claimed to be able to "accommodate four adult passengers," and the whole shebang weighs 1,540 pounds. That combination will yield 70.5 mpg. Whether you wish to pay the price for that economy, well, that's for you and your bones and joints to decide. You can have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below -- it shouldn't take long...

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu e:S plays small ball originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others

Alex Nunez — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Military, Design/Style

Daihatsu Basket Concept - Click above for image gallery

There may be a bunch of conspicuously absent automakers missing from this month's Tokyo Motor Show, but the thing about the Japanese show is that a lot of the really neat stuff comes from the hometown guys, anyway. Take Daihatsu, for instance. Rather than try to wow everyone with fairy-dust tech in concepts that will never see the outside of an exhibition hall, The D is keeping things simple, small, and real. Even the concept cars look like they're not that far removed from reality. Let's start there.

The coolest rig at the Daihatsu stand will doubtlessly be the Basket concept, shown above, which lets you get more in touch with nature via a removable hard roof panel and fabric top for the rear seat. We want one. Badly. The Decca Decca concept (shown at right) is described as a "Super Box" by the automaker, with massive swing-out doors on the passenger side that lead to a nifty, multi-configuration interior. The van's driver's side has one standard door only. Aft of that is a solid panel broken up by a high window. Again, very cool.

The e:S concept looks production-ready, and we'd guess something just like it will be in showrooms before long. It's a kei car built on a shortened, existing platform, with a white Mini Cooper-style roof for added flair, plus weight reduction and a stop/start system for increased efficiency. Those three concepts are joined by the Tanto Exe and Exe Custom, which are production-bound, lightweight, restyled variants of the Tanto micro-minivan. Daihatsu's press release is posted after the jump, along with full image galleries of each car. Check 'em out.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket Concept

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Deca Deca Concept

[Source: Daihatsu]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu to go little in a big way with Basket, Deca Deca, and others originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota developing $5k car under new brand

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Toyota, India

The world's largest automaker is looking to join Tata Motors and Renault's Dacia brand as purveyors of cheap new cars. Toyota has cultured a company model by building high-quality, reliable cars, and has gone upmarket with its Lexus brand to compete at the high end of the automotive spectrum. More recently, the automaker has attempted to target a younger crowd with its Scion subsidiary and now a fourth brand is being considered to cater to emerging markets wihtout sullying the Toyota's hard-fought image. The new car would be targeted at the Indian and Brazilian markets, and would likely be made at Toyota's plant in Bangalore. Toyota is rumored to be partnering up with Daihatsu, another subsidiary of Toyota, that specializes in Japanese Kei cars for the new inexpensive model. If it indeed does happen, expect the new vehicle to make its debut by 2015.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Toyota developing $5k car under new brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru to stop making Kei Cars

Justin Gardiner — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST

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

Last week's announcement that Toyota wants to raise its stake in Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries looked to have no down side. Subaru gets $300 million with which to build a new factory, Toyota gets greater access to FHI's high tech batteries for hybrids, and both get to build the affordable RWD/AWD coupe that we're all waiting for.

But the bean counters in Toyota City have noticed that Subaru's kei car division spends a fortune on developing quirky micro cars such as the supercharged Vivio that Colin McRae campaigned in his first rally (above), the worlds smallest four-seat convertible (below) and the fabulous R2D2. The trouble is, profit margins on such marvels of engineering are wafer thin, and that is not the Toyota way. So, come the next decade, Subaru will only sell OEM kei cars made by another member of the Toyota family, Daihatsu.

Most analysts think this this is a good idea, but this one ain't so sure. Eighteen years ago I bought a rear-engined rear-wheel-drive Subaru Sambar. It was such a hoot to drive that I traded up to a Rex, then an RX-R, then a WRX and I now drive a Forester STI. In all likelyhood, my next car will be an Impreza STI.

Will rebadged Daihatsus garner such brand loyalty from young buyers in 2010?

Subaru to stop making Kei Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daihatsu teams up with Provision to create 3D holographic dash

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Gadgets, Safety, Tokyo Motor Show

Forget about light-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) dashboards. According to Daihatsu, the next hot ticket will be 3D holographic technology. Daihatsu teamed up with Provision Interactive Technologies to implement a 3D dashboard for their latest concept car which debuted at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Attendees were so impressed with the technology, that Provision raced to file a new patent for the product they call "HLXX."

The HLXX technology utilizes a traditional 2D flat screen dashboard with a second 3D holographic screen. During normal operation, the driver views instrument gauges on the 2D monitor. If warnings or alerts occur, the 3D system instantly presents the information to the operator as a three-dimensional image -- facilitating immediate driver awareness and recognition, according to Provision. Daihatsu plans to incorporate HLXX technology into their vehicles by 2012. Until then, you'll just have to imagine what it looks like... as for obvious reasons, a flat JPEG computer image cannot replicate the hologram!

Gallery: Daihatsu 3D Dashboard

[Source: CNN Money]

Daihatsu teams up with Provision to create 3D holographic dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu HSC is one slippery little sucker

Justin Gardiner — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Green, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show ended last week, but today we're cleaning out our closet of yet-to-be published posts from this biggest of biannual Japanese auto shows.
click above image for more live pics of the Daihatsu HSC Concept

We missed the Daihatsu HSC at Frankfurt somehow, but stumbled across the little concept in Tokyo. Its "catamaran-like underbody", a CD value of 0.28, and idling stop function coupled to an advanced CVT all adds up to 60 mpg. Check out those mirrors and the funky interior, too. Looking around the stand here in Tokyo, it strikes us that a lack of B pillars and A pillars that flow into the headlights may well become Daihatsu trademarks over the coming years.

Gallery: Daihatsu HSC Concept

Continue reading Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu HSC is one slippery little sucker

Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu HSC is one slippery little sucker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu Mud Master-C

Justin Gardiner — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show

click above image to view more live shots of the Mud Master-C

Didn't Space 1999's Moon Base Alpha have a couple of these in the garage?

Looking like a Mitsubishi Delica that's spent too much time in the boil wash, Daihatsu's Mud Master-C is a kei car, but with lofty ambitions. This is far from Daihatsu's first foray into the off road world - they've made jeeps and even jacked up kei vans in the past - albeit all shod with far smaller wheels than these cool 16-inch alloys. Who knows, this could even make production. Click here to read our original post with more details on Mud Master Concept and check out the gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: Daihatsu Mud Master-C

Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu Mud Master-C originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2007 Preview: Daihatsu Mud Master-C

John Neff — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show

click above image for 17 more pics of the Daihatsu Mud Master-C Concept

The Mud Master-C Concept from Daihatsu looks like a Dakar rally van that's been left in the wash too long. It's a true truck with a body-on-frame design, though. It's generous ride height and copious degrees of approach and departure angles mean that the Mud Master-C can actually go places while leaving an eency-weency footprint in its wake.

Daihatsu says that there are three gullwing doors on the concept, though they're really hatches, one on each side and one on the back. The truly neat thing about the Mud Master-C Concept is that it's configurable. For instance, the mountain bike support model developed with professional cyclist Raita Suzuki (shown at right) is configured to carry a pair of bikes, but the concept can also be configured as an open bed truck capable of carrying an ATV or even a crane!

Check out more info and Daihatsu's press release after the jump, and be sure to browse the gallery to see the Mud Master-C's unique features.

[Source: Daihatsu]

Gallery: Daihatsu Mud Master-C

Continue reading Tokyo 2007 Preview: Daihatsu Mud Master-C

Tokyo 2007 Preview: Daihatsu Mud Master-C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revised Daihatsu Copen gives buyers more for less

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:36:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Japan, Toyota

The Daihatsu Copen is another example of a fun little car offered overseas that we wish would make the journey over the Atlantic to American shores. To sweeten the bitter-sweet pill, Daihatsu's British importer has coaxed the Toyota subsidiary to introduce a number of revisions that make the quirky little roadster even more desirable.

For 2007, the Copen has received an engine transplant. Replacing the previous tiny 660cc turbo engine is the 1.3-liter twin-cam engine from the Sirion hatchback, producing just 86 horsepower, a 19hp increase over the outgoing engine plus an extra 15 lb-ft of torque. It's mounted transversely up front and features the world's first self-regenerating catalyst with temperature-sensitive palladium crystals. The innovative engine is good enough to drop a couple seconds off the 0-60 time, bringing the sprint down to 9.5 seconds while returning an average 47 mpg on the combined cycle. It's a tiny motor, but it's powering a tiny car that weighs in at just 850 kg, despite the power hardtop. The only visible additions for the new model are a new lip spoiler on the rear decklid under which the roof disappears and a new choice of colors.

The revised roadster comes with a bigger engine, producing more power while returning better fuel economy and producing lower emissions. Not enough? The new Copen sells in the UK for 1500 less than the previous model, retailing in old Blimey for just 10,995. Designed to fit into the Japanese Kei-car category, the Copen continues to offer a power aluminum roof that disappears in just 20 seconds, gas shocks and a host of other goodies. We hope the people at DaimlerChrysler are paying attention, because they've been beaten by Toyota yet again: this is what the Smart Roadster should have been from the get-go.

Hungry for more? Follow the jump for another pic and the full press release.

[Source: Daihatsu]

Continue reading Revised Daihatsu Copen gives buyers more for less

Revised Daihatsu Copen gives buyers more for less originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 07:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DAMD Again! More American emulation with DAMD Daihatsu Move Custom

John Neff — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Japan, Hatchback

click above image to view high-resolution gallery

The Nippon obsessed at Winding Road have unearthed another gem from DAMD that was present at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon. This time the base vehicle is a Daihatsu Move and Move Custom, which was redesigned just last October. This time, instead of injecting Cadillac into the little kei car, DAMD chose to instead graft the grille of a Chrysler 300 onto the nose of the Move and Move Custom. Rather than use the standard grille slats, DAMD went with a chrome mesh similar to the kind used for aftermarket grille inserts in the U.S. Like the DAMD mini Escalade we showed you yesterday, the DAMD Concept B Mono, as this car is called, also features a few other minor exterior add-ons along with new leather trimming on the interior.

[Source: DAMD via Winding Road]

Gallery: DAMD Concept B Mono

DAMD Again! More American emulation with DAMD Daihatsu Move Custom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woman trades in 1935 Daimler Lanchester for new Daihatsu Sirion

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

This isn't one of those "dealer takes innocent widow for all she has" stories. Nor another "Seattle dealer steals disabled man's cash and cars" post. Today's post is only slightly unsettling. This is a tale of a British Daihatsu dealer that helped a little old lady find a more practical and reliable vehicle for her motoring needs. Mrs. Margaret Hackett from Fenay Bridge, Nr Huddersfield, went with a friend to Cross Keys Garage, Morley, in Leeds to try to find a vehicle that would meet her current needs. Garage owner Anthony Dawson convinced her that a new Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 SE was the car for her.

Mrs. Hackett agreed and so Mr. Dawson arranged to deliver her new car and pick up her trades. Along with her 1999 Rover 400, a tow truck was dispatched to collect her late husband's project car - a 1935 Daimler Lanchester. Dramatic pause. A Daimler for a Daihatsu. In all fairness we don't have the details about the financial aspects of the transaction, but we do know that the Daimler wasn't in running order. It was a project that went unfinished when Mr. Hackett passed away. The engine in the Daimler had seized from sitting for 11 years, but after a new battery was fitted and a quick tune-up was completed, the hand crank managed to turn it over and it runs well now. Doesn't seem fair to us, but then again, we haven't been able to sample a new Daihatsu for years.

[Source: Daihatsu]

Woman trades in 1935 Daimler Lanchester for new Daihatsu Sirion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Justy set to make a comeback?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

First, the good news: AutoExpress is reporting that Subaru is in the process of planning a revival of their AWD wonder runt, the Justy. The bad news: it'll be front-wheel drive and a rebadged Daihatsu Sirion (pictured).

For those of you unaware of the joys of the little two-door Subie: it was unceremoniously axed in 1996 after sales took a sharp, yet predictable, turn southward. Although, it was an ill-handling, underpowered hatch, the Justy was the attainable alternative for those of us yearning for a Mazda 323 GTX, but unable to find/afford one.

The soon-to-be badge-swapped Sirion has been available in Japan and Europe since 1998, and is powered by either a 1-liter three-cylinder or 1.3-liter four, with the latter making the sprint to 60 in a few clicks over 11 seconds. At least the underpowered tradition will live on.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Subaru Justy set to make a comeback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru to sell re-badged Daihatsus in Europe

Chris Tutor — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Subaru, Toyota

In an effor to expand its European offerings and meet tighter emissions requirements, Subaru has made a deal with Toyota to re-badge as many as 10,000 small cars. Partly owned by Toyota, Subaru will sell slightly modified Daihatsu (a Toyota subsidiary) Sirions (also known as the Daihatsu Boon in Japan and the Toyota Passo) in Europe. The small Subes could be on sale as early as later this year. No word yet on what the new variant will be called and we aren't holding our breath for a high-horsepower rally version any time soon.

[Source: AP via Yahoo]

Subaru to sell re-badged Daihatsus in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan

Alex Nunez — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Videos, Hatchback

The more we see of Daihatsu, the more we like the plucky little Toyota division. Watching their nutty TV commercials makes us love them even more, though. From the "WONDERFUL SMALL! (Daihatsu)" opening, through whatever insanity that follows (usually led by a cute actress), they are relentlessly entertaining and totally Japanese in the best way.

If DirecTV offered a Japanese channel pack, we'd rock it just for the commercials. Every day would be like Super Bowl Sunday and out TiVo would scream for mercy.

We'll start you off with a spot for the newly-redesigned Move Custom. Click above to watch it, then follow the jump for a bunch more.

Continue reading Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan

Wonderful Small! Daihatsu TV commercials from Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daihatsu's Esse Custom channels a little Renault along the way

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback

This week, Daihatsu released a new version of its Esse minicar called the Esse Custom. Regular readers are by now familiar with the Japanese manufacturers' modus operandi when it comes to their kei cars. For the most part, there are two trim levels offered -- a "regular" one, such as the Esse, and a more upscale counterpart, such as this new Esse Custom. The upscale versions are almost always darker, sportier-looking and appear to be geared more towards male buyers, whereas the base versions are softer, offered in pastels with light interiors, and are aimed squarely at women.

The Esse Custom follows the script, arriving with a black interior with metallic accents and a smart-looking black exterior finish that's accented by a subtle red pinstripe that runs the length of the rocker panels and also trims the edges of the front and rear bumper covers. Foglights, a new radio antenna, a roof-mounted rear spoiler, and a set of alloys completes the look. It's no Model T, though - in addition to black/red,there are a variety of other color/pinstripe combos. Daihatsu has all the bases covered, so if you want a purple one with a grey stripe, they'll be able to hook you up. If you live in Japan, that is.

(Follow the jump for additional info and photos)

[Source: Daihatsu via Carview]

Continue reading Daihatsu's Esse Custom channels a little Renault along the way

Daihatsu's Esse Custom channels a little Renault along the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Daihatsu Mira is Japan's top fuel miser

Alex Nunez — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Japan, Hatchback

We talk about kei cars whenever we can here on Autoblog because we're fascinated by the little Japanese mini-rides. They manage to be spacious, practical, and even stylish despite the size and power constraints placed on them by Japanese regulations. The newest one to hit dealerships is the 7th-gen Daihatsu Mira, which is noteworthy in that the non-turbocharged version, sporting a CVT and the 58-horsepower 658cc KF-VE 3-cylinder with variable valve timing, has a fuel economy rating of 27 kilometers per liter. That's 63.5 miles per gallon, people -- without any electronic trickery, costly hybrid powertrains, or fancypants alternative fuel source. Color us impressed.

The turbocharged Mira Custom RS is spunkier, generating 64 horses, yet still manages 54 mpg when ordered in the 2WD configuration. No matter what, the driver wins.

Don't think the cars are strippers either. They come with full keyless entry and start systems (to put this in perspective, neither of the Cadillacs that we've recently had pass through the AB Garage offer this). A twist starter is standard, but on some models, it can be upgraded to a push-button unit. The rear seat slides forward and back to maximze passenger room and/or cargo capacity, and the Mira can even be equipped with radar-assisted cruise control. Drivers trade performance for the other benefits, but no matter what the concession, 63.5 mpg is a hell of a compelling argument.

Click here to read Daihatsu's full release, and follow the jump for more photos.

[Source: Daihatsu via Carview.co.jp and Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Redesigned Daihatsu Mira is Japan's top fuel miser

Redesigned Daihatsu Mira is Japan's top fuel miser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese introduced to cute ute by Daihatsu D-01

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 08:22:00 EST

Filed under: China, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows

Our brethren from across the Pacific have been going all out, in typical Autoblog fashion, during the 2006 Auto China motor show and have gotten live shots of the Daihatsu D-01 crossover that we introduced to you last week.

This newest soft-roader finds power from a 1.5-liter inline four, which produces 107 HP and 103 ft.-lbs. of torque. The styling is undoubtedly unobtrusive, with subtle cues that channel everything between Mazda and Mercedes, depending on the viewing angle. Along with a "sport" version that gets some extra attention in the ground effects department, a two-door variant will likely debut sometime next year.

Chinese introduced to cute ute by Daihatsu D-01 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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