DAIHATSU AT THE IAA FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Two years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Daihatsu unveiled a new concept car called the NCX. Only months later, a little-changed version arrived on the market called the Sirion. At this year's Frankfurt Show, Daihatsu is again unveiling new concepts and technical developments which almost certainly point to the future for the Japanese compact car specialists.

NCX-2
The NCX-2 is a very compact and completely new vehicle, seating six people in three rows of seats. Daihatsu calls it a multi-purpose semi-cab design and of course, it has a variety of seat and luggage combinations in a surprisingly spacious interior. It is powered by a brand new engine, with four cylinders, twin cams and 16 valves with Daihatsu's Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT). With a 1.3-litre capacity, power is 83bhp with a torque output of 120Nm. It is also very fuel efficient with low CO₂ emissions.

To achieve a very roomy interior within compact overall dimensions, the engine is mounted between the axle lines under the floor, and inclined at 67 degrees. This layout also achieves a low centre of gravity and 50:50 front to rear weight distribution.

Sirion 2CD
While the body styling might look familiar, the engine of this Sirion is entirely new. With the objective of achieving the required 3 litres/100km fuel consumption, the Sirion 2CD is powered by a new concept 2-stroke, direct injection diesel engine of 1.0-litre capacity. Like the petrol-engined Sirion, this new engine only has three cylinders, making it the world's smallest engine of its type. With this new engine, Daihatsu has managed to combine the superior power and vibration characteristics of a 2-stroke engine with the excellent thermal efficiency of a diesel. One of the keys to the performance of the E202 engine is a hybrid scavenging system that combines a supercharger, a variable nozzle turbocharger and an intercooler together with a bypass control for exhaust gas recirculation. The result - combined with several other advanced technologies including the use of titanium and ceramics - is impressive output and fuel consumption.

Like the petrol engine in the new NCX-2, the E202 also has DVVT and uses four valves per cylinder. State-of-the-art common rail injection means a power output of 60bhp and torque of 150Nm at 2000rpm. The E202 also easily clears the current Euro 3 exhaust emission regulations by some margin and is ready to meet the Euro 4 regulations. CO₂ emissions are as low as 90g/km.

In addition to the new engine, the Sirion 2CD is also equipped with DVS (Daihatsu Vehicle Stability Control System) and like the current petrol Sirion, has side airbags. In order to further improve fuel consumption, the weight of the body has been reduced by 50kg and various aerodynamic improvements have been incorporated. Total weight is just 800kg. The Sirion 2CD is suitable for manual or auto transmission.

More details in our full Frankfurt Show report.

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