Daihatsu GrandMove (1997 - 2001) Car Review

DaihatsuÕs Grand Move is most definitely an acquired taste. The styling, whilst not as bizarre as its late sibling the Move, is nonetheless on the unorthodox side. Despite this, it represents a cost-effective method of transporting the family, especially if urban trips are a major component of your journeys. The Grand Move was designed to cope with the traffic jams of Tokyo; a reassuring fact to consider when waiting to get onto a local mini roundabout. Just as we like to buy 200-metre waterproof watches and extreme skis as part of our leisure lifestyle, thereÕs something comforting about over-specification. Most of the time this means paying through the nose, though. Not with the Grand Move. With used prices beginning at less than £5,000 whoever thought that starting a family was expensive had obviously never considered the little Daihatsu

History
The Grand Move was launched in March 1997, priced at levels close to the all-conquering Renault Scenic. Too close in fact, sales suffering from its proximity to RenaultÕs star performer. A slight rethink was necessary. In October 1998 the 88bhp 1.5-litre engines used to power the Grand Move were replaced by 90bhp 1.6-litre units. A whole host of other subtle changes were also introduced. The car was lengthened slightly, the suspension was retuned and bigger brakes were fitted. The staple facelift target items of bumpers, lights and grille were also given a nip and tuck, and the Grand Move+ designation was deleted.

Opinion
Basically, a box with wheels. This may sound unappetising, but itÕs the most effective way of accommodating five adults in as compact a space as possible. In Grand Move+ guise, itÕs quite a well-equipped box, but the Grand Move is a model that has been designed with a set-sized road ÔfootprintÕ in mind and then designers have grappled with the task of getting as many people as possible into that area. The key factor is height. The Grand Move has a high roof and low window line which contribute to an airy feel, giving the impression of a larger car.
In fact the Charade-based Grand Move has a full size MPV-like feel from behind the wheel. There's that high, commanding seating position, a vast glass area for superb visibility and a number of seating permutations that include the creation of a double bed. On the debit side, the rear seats can't be removed from the car and the narrowness of the body makes three on the back seat a bit of a squash. Still, given the fact that the most likely rear seat occupants will be children, that probably won't matter.
There's certainly room for a lot more luggage than could be carried by an ordinary family hatchback. With a full complement of five passengers aboard, 400 litres of cargo space is available, while folding the rear seats forward increases this to a total of 850 litres. In addition, there are plenty of handy stowage compartments for things like maps, sunglasses and mobile telephones.
Standard equipment remains a strongpoint, inclusive of twin front airbags, power steering, an engine immobiliser, central locking, electric mirrors, metallic paint and built-in roof rails. The better-equipped Ô+Õ version has been dropped recently but you can get a standard model close to that specification by adding optional items like metallic paint, alloy wheels, ABS, heated mirrors, electric windows, and air conditioning (recommended given that huge glass area).

By ANDY ENRIGHT.

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Daihatsu Cuore, Many Features Packed In One Small Vehicle

Since the year 1980, the world has already been introduced to the Daihatsu Cuore. This vehicle has constantly been in production since that year and until present, manufacture and production for this vehicle has still not halted. It runs under the Daihatsu brand and is classified and categorized as a hatchback. In Japan, which is the home country of the Daihatsu Cuore, this vehicle is known and marketed as the Daihatsu Mira. However, in other places around the world, this same vehicle is also known as Daihatsu Domino or the Daihatsu Charade.

The Daihatsu Cuore has been made available in two body style options which are both hatchbacks however the difference lies in the number of doors that it has. One holds three doors while another holds five. This vehicle from the 1980s actually replaced the Daihatsu Fellow when the latterÕs production was halted. The Daihatsu Cuore shares most of its components with other Daihatsu vehicles like the Daihatsu Leeza, the Daihatsu Move, the Daihatsu YRV, the Daihatsu Copen, the Daihatsu Terios, and the Daihatsu Opti. This vehicleÕs competition include the Suzuki Altoworks, the Mitsubishi Dangun ZZ, the Subaru Vivio, and the Suzuki Cervo.

The company markets the Daihatsu Cuore as a new variety and entry to the mini car segment and it claims that this vehicle would serve as an avenue for channeling changes to this category. The present version of the Daihatsu Cuore is more elegant and has a style that appeals greatly to the younger buyers. It has also been made available with a range of bright and vivid body color choices which comprise of Black Mica, Blue Mica Metallic, Champagne Metallic Opal, Lavender Metallic Opal, Red, Rose Metallic Opal, Silver Metallic, and White.

Despite the fact that the Daihatsu Cuore is a small car, one who would take a further look at the vehicle would know that this vehicle has a whole lot things to offer. In fact, in its segment, it is considered as the most spacious. It also comes with safety and comfort features that are of high quality. Daihatsu claims that the Daihatsu Cuore holds a very fine design compared to the rest of the vehicles in its class. As a petrol car, this vehicle delivers and performs with a fuel economy that is considered as the best in this category.

By Stacey Wilson.