NEAT, TIDY, COMPACT: DAIHATSU AT THE TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

Fastest growing Japanese make, six new cars revealed

Daihatsu's concentration on small and compact vehicles is paying off in Japan as well as in Britain. To the end of July (latest statistics from Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) Daihatsu vehicle production and sales are growing faster than any other Japanese make. And things look good for the future with no fewer than six new products revealed at last week's Tokyo show - two production-ready models and four concept cars.

Daihatsu YRV
Designed with Europe in mind, the YRV is a production ready supermini with a sporty punch. The show car is powered by the new 138 bhp twin cam, DVVT, turbocharged 1,300cc engine, and the YRV combines internal space and utility with exhilarating road handling, performance and good looks. The four speed automatic transmission on the show car has a dash-mounted selector lever and drive is through the front wheels. A whole host of passive and active safety features are fitted including DVS (ABS, traction control and side-slip control). Expect the YRV to hit European showrooms in the second half of next year, possibly with a powerful normally aspirated version of the engine.

Daihatsu Kopen
With Audi TT looks and a Mercedes SLK-style electrically operated hard top, the Daihatsu Kopen could become one of the most desirable small cars in the world. Billed as a concept, this compact two-seater sports car is seriously being considered for production and, if public reaction at the show is anything to go by, Daihatsu executives will find it hard to resist. A 660 cc turbocharged engine that delivers 64 bhp might not sound too much, but at only 760 kg that's 84 bhp per ton - and there might even be room under the bonnet for something a little bigger. The four speed auto transmission on the show car is operated by a steering column shift, and the interior design is as contemporary and sporting as the exterior.

Daihatsu SP-4
Just because a car is compact it shouldn't mean it is restricted in where it can go. The SP-4 is a compact 4WD concept with a strong design and outstanding power performance that can take this small car on or off the road. High ground clearance, full time 4WD and a 659 cc turbocharged engine make this possible in a car with a modern feel and advanced safety features, including DVS. The SP-4 is another concept car under serious consideration for production and like the Kopen, was designed by the Emme styling studio in Japan.

Daihatsu Naked
First shown as a concept at the 1997 Tokyo Show, the Naked goes into production this month for the Japanese market. The Naked takes vehicle practicality to the limit. Every attention has been paid to flexibility in parking, loading, space, storage etc. As a result styling is plain and creature comforts are kept to a minimum. But that is the way it is supposed to be because the Naked is designed for owners to be able to customise it to match their own lifestyle and needs. For example, a Naked customised for camping trips was shown on the Daihatsu stand featuring fold out tables, storage hooks, bright green paint work and even two 'robot' hands to hold drinks, camp lights or whatever. Power comes from Daihatsu's latest generation 660cc turbocharged unit and there are no plans for export.

Daihatsu EZ-U
The EZ-U is a lightweight utility car concept designed to maximise interior space in a car with compact exterior dimensions. Spaciousness and practicality are in abundance with an innovative seating design that features fold flat and sliding seats and even rear seats that swivel and slide through the doors allowing the occupant the easiest possible entry and exit to and from the car. And with a fuel consumption figure of 73.5 mpg from a 659 cc, 50 bhp engine the EZ-U begins to make even more sense.

Daihatsu Micros-3l
The Micros-3l is an environmentally friendly small car concept ahead of its time. It is powered by a 659cc direct injection petrol engine that is capable of 100 mpg, releases no CO or HC emissions and releases considerably fewer NOx emissions than current production petrol units. The bodyshell is made of resin, mounted on an aluminium chassis, to keep weight to a minimum. All in all a car of the future that will extend the life of the internal combustion engine by offering standards of efficiency never previously seen in a petrol powered car.

Sales and production
In the first seven months of the year Daihatsu produced 407,767 vehicles in Japan, a 26% increase on the same period last year. The only other make to come anywhere near this level of growth is Fuji Heavy (Subaru) with a 20.4% increase in production. Suzuki's production is just 7.4% up, but every other make has shown a decline. Sales tell much the same story with Daihatsu again leading the field with vehicle sales up 20.6% to the end of July. The next best performer is Suzuki, up 14%.

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