Daihatsu Charade (1987- 2000) Car Review
If youÕre shopping for a secondhand supermini, you probably havenÕt considered DaihatsuÕs Charade. Like most small car buyers, youÕve probably set your sights on a mainstream model such as a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa. However, if your priorities are quality and value for money, a Daihatsu Charade might be worth tracking down. The Charade started life as a rather uninspiring looking hatchback (offered in three and five-door form) with lacklustre 1.0 and 1.3-litre engines. These were replaced in 1993 by altogether more modern machines. This expanded range included 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre hatchbacks and a 1.5-litre saloon. They were better equipped and offered buyers greater value for money. Though now almost completely replaced by the smaller one-litre Sirion, the Charade remains an affordable supermini alternative and makes sense as a good second-hand buy.
History
While the earliest Charades (1987-1989 CX and the hot-hatch GTti models) are practical and affordable vehicles, post-1990 cars are a far better bet. From September of that year even the entry-level 1.0 CX added power assisted steering to its already comprehensive list of standard equipment. Creature comforts on both variants included electric door mirrors, an internal fuel filler and boot release switches as well as a good quality stereo.
Later that year, the range was extended to include a 1.0-litre, five-door turbodiesel CX version. Then, in 1991, this trio was joined by another variant, a 1.3-litre petrol-engined five-door hatch that was available in three different trim levels: CX, CXi and GXi.
However, the newer the Charade the better and the revised 1993 line-up is superior to anything that came before it. It includes an economy version (the 1.3 petrol GSe), plus a trio of three and five-door hatches with a single point fuel injected version of the 1.3-litre engine. There was also a luxury 1.5-litre variant called the GLXi SE (which boasted air conditioning and metallic paint) and a flagship 1.6 GSXi three-door hatch.
In 1996, the whole range was given a makeover and gained cheeky front end styling that singled it out from a number of more anonymous-looking competitors. These models are also longer and much roomier than their predecessors. ThereÕs more leg space for both front and rear-seat passengers, while greater glass area and careful changes to the interior have given the cabin a more airy, less claustrophobic feel. Luggage space is improved, too.
Three-door models were dropped after a couple of years and, at the end of 1999, the 1.5-litre saloon and the automatic and anti-lock brake options were deleted. The range continued as a single 1.3-litre LXi SE hatchback with generous equipment including dual airbags, central locking and electric windows and mirrors. This model was deleted at the end of 2000.
Opinion
As already mentioned, equipment levels are better than average. Standard features of the revised 1993-on cars include a rear wash/wipe, a heated rear window and a removable stereo. All have side impact beams in the doors for added safety. (A driverÕs airbag became a cost option in 1996 and standard on later cars while the latest LXi SE has a passenger Ōbag as well.)
Further up the scale, the 1.3 LXi five-door comes with power steering, electric mirrors and a rev counter. Move up to the GLXi and Daihatsu has added electric windows and central locking as well as extra speakers for the stereo.
Cost
Prices for the earliest 90G Charades start very low and you can bag a 1993K 1.3 CXi for £,400. Our money would go on the new 1.3-litre Charade, though. Prices for these start only slightly higher at £600 for a 1994L GSe. A mid-range LXi that was first registered in 1995 should cost around £700. If you prefer the nearly new option, expect to pay between £1,400 and £1,600 for a 2000V model of either the 1.3 hatch or the 1.5 saloon.
Problems?
Rust can be a problem on older models, as can worn engines, particularly on the complex GTti version, which weÕd advise buying only with a full service history. There are far less worries on post-93 cars which have proved generally reliable and durable.
Parts
(Approx for a 1.3-litre 1993 model excl VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £130 and brake pads for the front and rear are around £40. An alternator should be close to £200 and a radiator around £110.
A replacement headlamp is close to £100, a full exhaust system excluding the catalyst will be around £190, and a starter motor can be up to £170.
Road
Under the bonnet of the last generation of hatchbacks thereÕs a choice between 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre power. However, youÕre far more likely to end up behind the wheel of one of the most popular mid-range 1.3 cars.
This is no hardship though, as it is one of the most refined engines in its class. Indeed, tests showed that the Charade's interior noise levels at 50mph are equal to those of Nissan Micra at just 30mph. The other emphasis with these powerplants is fuel economy: the LXi model, for example, is capable of over 60 miles to the gallon. Around town, it can average 43mpg.
Fuel economy was even a priority on the automatic version, which uses a sophisticated electronically-controlled four-speed system codenamed `ESAT`. Left in `auto` mode, the computer selects gear change points to maximise fuel efficiency. Should you need swift acceleration, though, simply plant your foot hard down on the throttle and the transmission switches to `power` mode.
Overall
Often overlooked and under-rated, the Charade is a capable and durable supermini that is certain to appeal to anyone buying a secondhand car with their head as well as their heart.
By CLAIRE EVANS.
Visit the Blog about atlanta daihatsuDaihatsu Applause (1990 - 1996) Car Review
The Japanese have long been clever lateral thinkers. Adept at taking an undeveloped concept and spotting the potential for leveraging a big profit they seemed onto a winner with the Daihatsu Applause. Market research had shown that hatchbacks sold cars due to their versatility, but many buyers wanted the security of a boot. Daihatsu came up with an ingenious solution. The Applause looks like a saloon, but pop the rear ŌbootlidÕ and youÕll find it stretches up to the roofline, making the car something of a stealth hatchback! Others have since realised that this was a neat trick, take todayÕs Skoda Octavia for instance. The Applause never received much of an ovation with UK buyers and you may have more luck discovering the Ark of the Covenant, the Chinguetti meteorite and Lord LucanÕs car keys before you find an example in your preferred colour, condition and trim level. Nevertheless, as a used buy, itÕs certainly not run of the mill.
History
When the Daihatsu Applause first hit these shores in 1990, the reception wasnÕt so much lukewarm as absolute zero. Why would the British public want a rather oddly proportioned hatchback masquerading as a saloon when the Rover 200, the Peugeot 309 and the Ford Escort were vying for their attention? There were two versions launched, both with DaihatsuÕs 16-valve engine Š at the time quite an advanced piece of machinery. The 1.6L used a carburettor, whilst the 1.6Xi was fitted with fuel injection and a catalytic converter. The injected version developed 105bhp and 99lb/ft of torque.
In 1993 the carburettor version was dropped, the range then consisting of two mechanically similar models, the GXi and the plusher GLXi. The Applause soldiered on in this form until chronic buyer apathy finally asphyxiated it in 1996.
Opinion
If you like grey plastic, the Applause will be your idea of motoring nirvana. Despite boasting an advanced engine, the Applause harks from a time when Japanese interiors resembled the last memory of a man trampled by a bull elephant. Greyout everywhere, with only some rather bland upholstery to break up the visual sterility. Whilst the feng shui may have been slightly wonky, there couldnÕt be too many problems with the ApplauseÕs practicality. The driving position lacks adjustability but this isnÕt too much of a problem because itÕs very good in the first place, and the low waist line of the car gives an airy feeling and helps visibility.
Headroom is, as expected, fine all round, but taller passengers wonÕt want to spend much longer than it takes to develop cramp in the back of the Applause. The Applause GXi was fitted with colour-keyed mirrors, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, a rear spoiler and an adjustable steering column. Steady now. The GLXi added some cross spoke alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, a rear wash/wipe and an RDS stereo cassette, which together would be worth the additional £75 in most peopleÕs book. Some owners will have plumped for the optional air conditioning on this model, but theyÕre so few and far between that being choosy could mean no round of Applause for quite some time.
By ANDY ENRIGHT.
