Daihatsu Charade (2003ÐTo Date) Car Review

DaihatsuÕs Charade may not be the most visually arresting citycar youÕve ever clapped eyes upon, but beneath those unassuming lines is one of the most entertaining small cars money can buy. The 1.0-litre engine that resides beneath the CharadeÕs stubby bonnet is more than enough to entertain and serves up a big portion of fun at a very small price.

History
The Charade was introduced in 2003 after a three-year absence from the British market. During this period, the YRV and the Sirion models had been fulfilling the small car duties for Daihatsu but neither could really fill the CharadeÕs shoes and in May 2003 a new Charade was officially offered for sale. Three models were available starting with three and five-door EL and the range-topping SL. All models were powered by the same 57bhp three-cylinder powerplant with an option of manual or automatic gearboxes.

Opinion
Unlike its predecessor, this Charade is a tiny Citycar rather than a Supermini. The franchise is well used to producing city runabouts. Its previous offering - the Cuore - competed ineffectually against the likes of FordÕs Ka and VWÕs Lupo but this car has proved to be more of a threat. WhatÕs confusing is that the Charade actually offers a longer wheelbase than either DaihatsuÕs larger Sirion or YRV Superminis. So, although itÕs tiny on the outside Ð the 3,410mm length makes it 20cm shorter than a Ford Ka Ð impressive interior space is promised within. Styling-wise, this car is certainly very neat, looking like a shrunken and chamfered Honda Jazz. The 1.0-litre engine meanwhile, is an intriguing three-cylinder affair that manages a mere 58bhp but which seems to punch way above what the bantamweight statistics promise.
The EL and SL trim levels on the Charade provide a decent haul with the SL (around £7,300 when new) adding alloy wheels and air-conditioning to the ELÕs (around £6,800 when new) ABS, twin front airbags, CD player and central locking. Other safety features include twin airbags (with side bags on the SL), height adjustable seat belts that feature force limiters and pretensioners, side impact bars and DaihatsuÕs impact-sensing release system. During a collision, this unlocks the doors, illuminates the interior lights and activates the hazard warning lights. Pedestrian safety hasnÕt been ignored either, and the engine compartment has been designed to allow it to absorb energy, the windscreen wiper pivots and bonnet hinges both being designed with shock absorbing spaces behind them.
The Charade must also be applauded for upholding the tradition of wacky Japanese translations. Fire the word ÔCharadeÕ into a thesaurus and itÕll come back with synonyms such as farce, sham, and travesty Ð hardly the image many would want to project. Most will instead associate it with a genteel parlour game. ItÕs a car that really does go that extra mile to please. Every time you turn the ignition on, the instrument display reads "HELLO, HAPPY" which brings to mind the film ÔHappy GilmoreÕ which features a golfer prone to fits of irrational violence. When you switch off, the display flashes up "SEE YOU Ð GOODBYE." How sweet.
A great deal of thought has gone into making the Charade as user-friendly as possible. The front seat height of 480mm is said to closely match most peopleÕs hip height to ease entry and exit although whether these people were Japanese or British is not clear. The doors open at right angles to the car, making entry and exit easy for those laden down with shopping or those who arenÕt as agile as they once were. The height adjustable steering wheel and front seatbelts also ensure a comfortable driving position.

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.