Daihatsu PICO Concept, 2011

 

 

•  Daihatsu PICO Concept, 2011

The Daihatsu PICO two-seater electric vehicle represents a new category of vehicle positioned between light automobiles and motorized bicycles. The Daihatsu PICO has been developed as a model offering the appeal that only a compact car can provide to accommodate social and environmental changes such as the aging population, regional locations and delivery businesses.

A newly-imagined two-seater EV commuter offering snug closeness with people and the environment. Daihatsu's proposition for a new vehicle geared to the times with an aging population, regional locations and delivery businesses, offering the appeal that only a compact car can provide while accommodating changes in society and the environment.

    The ultimate vehicle for personal use which is ideal for short trips on a daily basis
    A layout featuring large openings and a low, flat floor that makes it easy to get in or out
    A front-and-back two-seat configuration designed for ease of use in small and narrow spaces
    Driving assistance with advanced radar

Daihatsu Materia, 2008

 

 

Daihatsu Materia, 2008

The Daihatsu Materia mini-MPV went on sale in the UK in July 2008 with prices starting from £10,995 on-the-road offering outstanding interior space and distinctive styling.
In fact, the boxy yet wide and squat design theme with flared wheelarches and minimum overhangs has created a cult-following in Japan - and now the United States - with several manufacturers struggling to keep up with consumer demand.

Key competitors in the UK and Europe are the similar-sized but move conservatively-styled Renault Modus and Vauxhall/Opel Meriva. All are compact and versatile with a high-command driving position that especially appeals to women.

However, the Materia's owners are expected to include style-conscious young families seeking a distinctive yet practical design plus older couples who appreciate the Materia's low running costs, manoeuvrability and easy access thanks to wide-opening and deep doors.
The Daihatsu Materia specification is exceptionally high and includes: power steering, ABS with EBD, driver, passenger and side airbags, air-conditioning, remote central-locking, height-adjustable driver's seat, sliding and reclining split rear seat, alloy, wheels, rear privacy glass, front fog lamps and a radio/CD player with six speakers.

Powered by a lively 103.3 PS 1.5 litre petrol engine, the Daihatsu Materia is both economical at 46.3 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle (manual) and 45.6 mpg (automatic) and offers a 100-plus mph top speed. This leaves plenty in reserve for comfortable long-distance motorway travel.

Daihatsu Materia Design Concept
The Materia's funky yet practical shape maximises interior space and was designed to be both distinctive and spirited. It is sold as both a Toyota and Daihatsu in Japan.
Its exceptionally short overhangs and flared wheelarches give a ground-hugging stance, while the squared-off passenger compartment promises - and delivers - outstanding space.

The front design is quite imposing with a chunky, deep bonnet and chiselled look to the headlamps and narrow but wide grille, cut into the deep bumper.
The Materia's rear also emphasises its width, strength and stability, emphasised by a swooping, low-mounted panel that connects the narrow rear lamps which gently curve over each rear wheelarch.
From the side, large 15 ins diameter spoked alloy wheels - linked by deep side skirts - further reinforce the message of stability. The generous 185/55 tyres combined with a wide track 'fill' the wheel openings.

Size Comparisons
The Daihatsu Materia's spacious cabin features both a generous interior width and length clothed in a compact body with excellent manoeuvrability thanks to good visibility and a tight 9.8 metre turning circle (kerb-to-kerb).
Its overall length of 3,800 mm is between the Renault Modus (3,792 mm) and Vauxhall Meriva (4,042 mm). The Daihatsu's width of 1,690 mm is almost identical to the 1,695 mm of the Renault and 1,694 mm of the Vauxhall.

The Materia's 1,635 mm height compares with the1,589 mm of the Modus and 1,624 mm of the Meriva, while the Daihatsu's wheelbase of 2,540 mm exceeds the 2,482 mm of the Renault but is slightly shorter than the Vauxhall's 2,630 mm.
Its 1,420 mm interior width far exceeds the Renault Modus which can only offer 1,280 mm. This, combined with an interior length of 1,950 mm (Vauxhall Meriva 1,825 mm) offers outstanding useable space.
The Daihatsu Materia offers 619 litres of load space with the rear seat folded and either 294 or 181 litres with the rear seat upright (VDA) depending on whether the seat is slid forward or backwards.

Versatile, Funky-Looking Interior
The Materia's stylish and versatile interior includes a rear seat that has a rake-adjustable backrest which can also be fully reclined to form a bed, joining the equally fully-reclining front seats.
The rear seat also features a 60/40 split plus fore and aft slide adjustment of 160 mm. This allows a fully-flexible rear legroom/load space compromise. The rear tailgate opening is flush with the load floor for easy loading and unloading.

A compartment under the rear floor allows the storage of various items such as tools, while a deep bottle holder is also included in the side of the luggage compartment. Interior bottle holders can be found in both front and rear doors plus four in the centre console.
Meanwhile, the interior design itself is both funky and interesting with, for example, blue illumination of the front door armrests and circular front door speakers.

The centrally-mounted acrylic instrument panel creates a futuristic, three-dimensional look boosted by a swooping, stadium-shaped arc to the entire fascia.
Other distinctive features include a glossy black finish to the flush-fitting audio unit and side air-conditioning vents for a high-quality look.

Lively, Frugal, Advanced Petrol Engine
The new Daihatsu Materia features a lively and frugal 1.5 litre petrol engine offered with the choice of either five-speed manual of four-speed automatic transmission.
The engine itself is highly advanced and is similar to that fitted to the Daihatsu Terios compact SUV and can also be seen in 1.3 litre form in the Sirion supermini.

Featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which enhances low-speed pulling power and high-rev response, the twin overhead camshaft unit is compact and light, with an alloy head and block.
Power is 103.3 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque of either 97.4 lb ft at 4,400 rpm for the Daihatsu Materia manual or 101.8 lb ft in the automatic. The engine has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and features a bore and stroke of 72 x 91.8 mm.

It also features durable chains for its camshaft drive which require no maintenance and cannot snap like belt systems.

The five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic both have carefully chosen ratios that provide sprightly acceleration from standstill yet relaxed cruising.
To further aid refinement, various sound-insulation measures enhance noise-suppression. These include asphalt sheets for the passenger floor plus fascia, engine compartment and body frame insulators. All four doors have double seals for a quality closing experience and further refinement boost.

World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Sirion 1.3 litre launched in 2005 featured the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This innovation is also standard on the new Copen 1.3 and now the new 1.5 litre Daihatsu Materia.

It effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs and is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 169 g/km does not increase as the engine becomes older.
This revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.
Using nanotechnology, the intelligent catalyst incorporates metallic ions of palladium, the most heat-sensitive of the metals used in a catalytic converter.
According to temperature and available oxygen, the particles turn in and out of a crystalline state therefore regenerating and prolonging the cat's ability to clean exhaust gasses.

European-Tuned Chassis
Daihatsu has tuned the Materia's chassis for European markets and the result is a firmly-damped but smooth ride and excellent control of body roll despite the car's higher-than average stance.
The power-steering is well-weighted, with good straight-line stability and reassuring self-centring. Meanwhile, the front and rear anti-roll bars coupled with generous low-profile tyres keep understeer well in check.

Front suspension is by MacPherson struts with a long-travel design for an absorbent ride, while the anti-roll bar - specially developed for export - reduces body lean.
The semi-independent rear features a conventional torsion beam and coil springs with separate shock absorbers. The anti-roll bar is complemented by a curved shape to the torsion beam which further improves roll stiffness.

The Daihatsu Materia has a conventional hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system as opposed to the growing trend towards electric power-assistance. The benefits are greater feel and sensitivity.

High Safety Levels
Safety is given high priority in the Daihatsu Materia, especially considering its likely roll as a family car. It therefore has all the latest life-saving and injury-reducing initiatives.
For example, both front seats have seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. These are designed to provide just the right amount of restraint for the level of retardation.

All three rear seatbelts have three-point occupant protection. The outer rear seats also offer the more secure ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.
Should parents wish to carry their offspring in a child seat placed on the front passenger seat, a switch can be used to disable the passenger airbag.

Twin front airbags and side airbags are also standard as are dual side-impact door beams. The body structure is designed to absorb all-angle impacts while maintaining survival space around the occupants.
Various materials are used around the cabin to minimise impact injury such as to the knees and lower legs, while the brake pedal features a special mechanism which reduces intrusion into the cabin.

The braking system features servo-assisted front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. Anti-lock (ABS) is also standard as is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which further avoids the locking-up of individual wheels during severe braking.

Daihatsu Terios, 2007

 

Daihatsu Terios, 2007

Arguably the most stylish small 4x4 on the market, the totally new Daihatsu Terios has a dynamic, fun-to-drive appearance with strong off-road styling cues yet short front and rear overhangs, a long wheelbase and especially wide tracks and body width.
Its roomy, four-door, five-seat body succeeds in being compact yet practical, avoiding the bulk, high fuel consumption and negative image of some 4x4s.

Designed to appeal to young families and older people seeking the traditional 4x4 qualities of visibility, bad-weather traction and versatility, the Daihatsu Terios also offers small car running costs and manoeuvrability.

Its turning circle is a tight 9.8 metres (kerb-to-kerb) for the S and SE and a still hatchback-like 10 metres for the bigger-tyred SX, while the SX body length is between that of the new Renault Clio and larger Megane.
Compared to the previous model, the Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SX is 230 mm longer at 4,075 mm and a significant 190 mm wider at 1,745 mm. It is 45 mm higher but purely because of its standard roof rails. The entry-level 'S' model - which lacks roof rails - is actually 5 mm lower than before.

Greatly boosting the new Terios's tough, stable stance are front and rear tracks measuring 1,450 and 1,480 mm respectively - a massive 145 and 170 mm greater than before. Meanwhile, the wheelbase - at 2,580 mm - grows by 180 mm.
Complementing this are especially large 16 ins wheels for all models with either 215/65R tyres for the entry-level Terios 1.5 S manual and higher-spec SE automatic or beefy 235/60R tyres for the manual SX.

Versatile Interior
The versatile interior offers mid-sized hatchback passenger space with a clever split fold-and-tumble rear seat which liberates a 1,290 mm maximum floor length - long enough to take a mountain bike.
Even with the rear seat in use the 380 litre capacity boot is capable of taking four 45" golf bags, four vertically-stacked mid-sized suitcases or a typical baby buggy. Most models also have load-floor securing hooks.

Sprightly, Efficient Powertrain
Based on the Sirion's 1.3 litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine, the Daihatsu Terios has a larger 1.5 litre capacity, producing 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and a flexible 103 lb. ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Its standard Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) enhances low-speed pulling power and high rev throttle response by maximising combustion efficiency. It also boosts fuel economy and lowers exhaust emissions.

The new Terios's engine - with the same 72 mm bore as the 1.3 litre but a longer 91.8 mm stroke - is both lively and flexible, requiring fewer gear-changes to make sprightly progress.
For example, its torque curve is virtually flat between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm - the most frequently used rev-range in normal driving.
Top speed for manual models is almost 100 mph and over 93 mph for the automatic, while the Daihatsu Terios 1.5 S manual records 40.4 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle and the Terios 1.5 SE automatic not far behind at 39.8 mpg.

The new Terios 1.5 S manual has a low CO2 reading of 186 g/km with the Terios 1.5 SE automatic recording 196 g/km.
In fact, the Daihatsu Terios 1.5 S has the best CO2 reading of any four-door 4x4 - diesel included - and comfortably beats rivals such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin and Honda HR-V.

The short-throw five-speed manual gearchange is light and slick, while the four-speed automatic is both quick-reacting yet capable of selecting a higher gear during more gentle driving, aiding fuel economy and refinement.
Meanwhile, all new Terios models have a full-time 4WD system with a fixed 50/50 front to rear torque-split and centre differential which eliminates axle wind-up - the phenomenon of the steering becoming increasingly heavy on full-lock.

Because of this 50/50 torque split, high-speed stability and slippery surface traction is greatly enhanced compared to most rivals. These models are usually rear-wheel drive with selectable 4WD or effectively front wheel-drive, only calling on 4WD when sensors detect wheelspin.

A fascia-mounted switch activates the electronically-controlled differential-lock. This further aids traction in mud or deep snow, while short front and rear overhangs and a 190 mm ground clearance also signal serious off-road ability. The new Daihatsu Terios has a front approach angle of 38 degrees with a rear of 37 degrees.

The compact engine is mounted in-line, followed by the gearbox. A centre differential transfers torque to both the front and rear axles via two separate propeller shafts.

Sporty Handling From New Chassis
The new Daihatsu Terios benefits from a totally new monocoque platform with a revised chassis tuned for car-like, confidence-inspiring handling with vastly improved ride and stability compared to the previous model.
Aided by its considerably wider front and rear tracks, the new Terios features front MacPherson struts, lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar.

The five-link rear suspension has variable-rate coil springs and near vertical rear shock-absorbers which improve damping and therefore comfort, pitch and roll.

In addition, an increased shock-absorber rebound stroke improves rough terrain driveability.
At the rear, a new lateral rod reduces axle squirm and benefits refinement, a newly-designed upper control arm enhances stability, a new shock-absorber reduces brake judder and a longer suspension stroke improves ride comfort.

Other rear suspension improvements include a more compact design resulting in a lower boot floor and a new design of spring and lower control arm which reduce rear differential noise.

Outstanding Safety Measures
The Daihatsu Terios has outstanding safety measures with in-house tests giving results equal to a Euro NCAP 4-Star occupant protection and 3-Star pedestrian protection.

Crushable structures are used at the front and rear of the body with the cabin itself made stronger to minimise occupant injury. To protect from side-impacts, the front floor cross-member, tunnel, sills, B-posts and roof-side rails are all strengthened to secure occupant survival space.
As for pedestrians, the front bumper and bonnet are designed to minimise injury to the head and thigh with a shock-absorbing structure built into the bonnet.

High-power seatbelt pretensioners are standard while special pads are installed to reduce injury to occupant knees, torso and lower legs. The pedals are also designed not to intrude during an impact.
Both driver, passenger and side airbags are fitted and the standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) also feature electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) which maximises stopping power and minimises skidding.

Outstanding Equipment
Every new Terios model has an outstanding equipment tally with the entry-level Terios 1.5 S featuring air-conditioning, power-steering, ABS with EBD, full-time four-wheel drive with centre diff-lock, driver, passenger and side airbags, three rear-seat three-point seatbelts, radio/CD player, four electric windows and reverse parking sensors.

Expected to be the best-seller, the Daihatsu Terios 1.5 SX adds, for example, alloy wheels with 235/60R tyres, two-tone wheelarch extensions and side-skirts, roof rails, multi-information display, front fog-lamps, smoked 'privacy glass' for the rear side doors and rear window, leather steering wheel, electric windscreen de-icer and door mirrors and various AC sockets and load-restraint ties.

The automatic transmission-only Terios 1.5 SE has a similar equipment level to the SX but features a different design of alloy wheel with 215/65 tyres and has colour-keyed side skirts.

Like all Daihatsus, the new Terios will enjoy the protection of a three-year unlimited mileage warranty with roadside assistance plus an eight-year anti-perforation warranty.

Daihatsu Charade, 2006

Daihatsu Charade 2006

Ignoring hybrids, the Daihatsu Charade has arguably the world's most efficient 1.0 litre petrol engine with an unrivalled fuel economy, exhaust emission and performance combination.

For example, the Daihatsu Charade is the UK's No 1 four-seater for petrol-engine economy with Urban/Extra Urban and Combined figures of 47.1/68.9 and 58.9 mpg in manual form.

The 58.9 mpg figure is a staggering 14.1 mpg better than the Hyundai Amica 1.0, 11.8 mpg superior to a Fiat Seicento and leads the SEAT Arosa 1.0 litre by 11.2 mpg.

All its city car rivals are substantially slower, failing to remotely match the Daihatsu Charade manual's 99.4 mph top speed or automatic's 93.1 mph maximum - and with much higher CO2 exhaust emissions.
The Daihatsu Charade manual's emissions of 114 g/km qualifies the owner for the lowest possible Road Fund Licence charge of £70 for 12 months (AA band up to 120 g/km).

Not to be outdone, the Daihatsu Charade automatic is also a class-leader with Urban/Extra Urban and Combined fuel economy figures of 38.7/55.4 and 47.9 mpg. Its CO2 exhaust emissions are an ultra-low 140 g/km. Naturally, the new car complies with Euro4 emission standards.

The new Charade is also in a class of its own with 0-62 mph times of 12.2 seconds for the manual and 15 seconds for the automatic.

Three Cylinder, Twin-Cam With Dynamic Variable Valve Timing

Daihatsu has long experience in the art of producing efficient small-capacity three cylinder engines which are currently offered on both the smaller Cuore and larger Sirion. A three-cylinder unit gives greater torque than a four with reduced internal friction - both ideal for maximising flexibility and efficiency.

The Daihatsu Charade's in-line 989 cc engine has a bore and stroke of 72 x 81 mm, a 10:1 compression ratio and features both twin-overhead camshafts with 12 valves and Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT).

Improved Transmission
Compared to the Cuore and Sirion, the new Daihatsu Charade has an improved five-speed manual transmission with a more precise, linear and direct shift feel.
Fourth and fifth gears pull a relatively high 17.8 and 21.7 mph per 1,000 rpm which reduces engine speed and therefore noise. The automatic transmission is a new 4-speed unit.

European Feel For Suspension
Daihatsu benchmarked the larger Renault Clio for ride and refinement, with extensive development work being undertaken on European roads.
The result is an especially long suspension stroke for the Charade's front and rear arrangement, both in compression and rebound. This provides a subtle, compliant ride but with firm damping control for reduced float.

The front suspension is by conventional MacPherson struts with coil springs and a new 'L' shaped lower arm which gives more precise control of wheel movement.

The rear suspension is via the well-proven semi-independent torsion bar system with separate coil springs. However, compared to other models, the shock-absorbers are mounted more vertically, again providing better damping control and reducing the transmission of road noise.
Standard High-Tech Power-Steering
The Daihatsu Charade's standard power steering uses the latest technology to provide optimum feel, quick responses and reduced fuel consumption.

Instead of relying on an engine-driven pump, the new speed-sensitive electric power steering comprises a torque sensor, computer and assist motor which barely require any energy to operate.
Because of its light weight and finely-tuned suspension, the new Daihatsu Charade can provide high levels of cornering grip with relatively narrow-section 155/65R13 tyres mounted on 13 x 4 ins steel or alloy wheels. This helps fuel economy thanks to a low rolling resistance.

'Best-In-Class' Braking Performance
As for braking performance, Daihatsu aims to provide 'best-in-class' stopping distances partly thanks to the excellent anti-dive characteristics of the front suspension.

In addition, the front disc pads are made from high-friction material and the tyres also benefit from high straight-line grip levels.
The Daihatsu Charade is fitted with solid front disc and rear drum brakes operated by an 8 ins servo unit. The anti-lock-braking system incorporated EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.

'Best-In-Class' Refinement
Daihatsu again used the Renault Clio as its benchmark for NVH with the aim of being not only best in the city car class but also among superminis.

The Charade's sector-leading aerodynamics of 0.31 Cd not only improves fuel economy and provides a higher top speed - it also makes the car quieter.
Apart from having a more rigid body than previous Daihatsus, the Charade features a new engine installation comprising three widely-spread mounting points employing soft rubber.
This system better dampens noise and vibration and reduces engine movement or 'shunt', especially when moving away from rest. An H-shaped front frame is also fitted, together with a performance rod to further reduce vibration.

Top-Level Safety Performance
Top-level safety performance is promised for the Daihatsu Charade with previously unheard of levels of passenger and pedestrian protection for such a small car.
The Daihatsu Charade complies with criterion comparable with a 4-Star Euro NCAP for passenger safety and 3-Star for pedestrian.

The platform is new and makes extensive use of high-strength steels for areas such as the floor pan, B-posts and front engine-mounting frame. This new energy-absorbing structure better disperses impact forces.

Designed to offer 'best-in-class' protection in 'real-world' accidents, the new Daihatsu Charade has a straight front side member with its end height at the same level as, for example a Toyota Corolla, Avensis or Lexus. Its car-to-car collision performance was designed around these considerably larger cars.

Other passive safety features include side-impact protection door beams, driver and passenger airbags plus the availability of side airbags. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable and feature both force-limiters and pre-tensioners. Both front and rear seats have adjustable head restraints.

The new Charade features Daihatsu's impact-sensing release system. During a collision it unlocks the doors and turns on the interior light and hazard warning lights to enable easier escape or rescue.
Pedestrian safety is also well catered for. The engine compartment has been designed to allow it to more effectively absorb crash energy and the front windscreen wiper pivots and bonnet hinges have shock-absorbing spaces for the same purpose.

Equipment, Prices And Model Line-Up
The full Daihatsu Charade line-up together with prices will be announced in May prior to the range going on sale.

The equipment: ABS with EBD, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, radio/CD player, driver, passenger and side airbags, speed-sensitive electric power-steering, electric windows and door mirrors, central locking, height-adjustable steering wheel and front seat-belts, rev-counter, rear wash/wipe, split-folding rear seat with adjustable head-restraints, two-tone cloth seat trim, cloth-covered door inserts and fully-trimmed load compartment with removable cover.