Third-generation Daihatsu Tanto and Tanto Custom (LA600S)

Today, Daihatsu launched the all-new third-generation Tanto tall kei van made to counter against the Honda N BOX and the Suzuki Spacia, all in the name of what it seems to be defending the honor of the Daihatsu kei-car, well sometimes. Anyway, let's do a bit of an "I Can Do Science Me" thingy, just so we can get to know about the all new model that features...the trademark pillarless sliding door on the passenger side.

If by "I CAN DO SCIENCE ME", here goes...

2014 Daihatsu Tanto

2014 Daihatsu Tanto Custom

The previous two generations of the Tanto are a bit round for its boxy shape but for the new version, things are getting a bit proportional because not only it stays true to the Tanto trend, it's starting to look even more noticing because judging by the looks, the new Tanto's design becomes even more promising, a bit more like the Daihatsu Move. Yes, I was pointing on the standard Tanto. As for the Custom model of the Tanto, however, it's as glam as a glam rocker, as punkish as a punk rocker...in a dwarf body. Sorry about that but while the standard model is basically focused for the couples raising children, the Custom targets the youth generation who wanted to express their individuality. Yes, I see what you did there.

2014 Daihatsu Tanto interior

2014 Daihatsu Tanto Custom interior

And then there's the interior and unlike the previous models, the new interior really tries to shake it up real good and because this the tallest Daihatsu kei car you can buy in Japan, your height really doesn't matter even when you're wearing a tall hat. One thing you may notice that on the more expensive versions, you can expect a smartphone-integrated satellite navigation, the same thing as expected on its Suzuki Spacia rival. Hmmm...did Daihatsu took that from its rival or is it because they're just too jealous? But wait, I haven't get through the other part because here on the brand new Tanto, there was a dealer option where you can have a rear monitor so you can have someone watching in the back without all the drama...well almost because you can expect your ears dry red from the long chatter.

2014 Daihatsu Tanto

2014 Daihatsu Tanto Custom

Anyway, now onto the real science experiment. Just how the new model stack up against the Spacia and the N BOX? Just before munching your favorite teriyaki burger in your office break, here's a quick 47-second science on the third-generation Tanto; it comes with the updated version of e:S Technology from the Mira e:S and I already know what that means if somebody told me. With this though, the new model has a fuel economy of 28.0km/L based on JC08 Mode standards. Scaling that up, that's over four more than the N BOX but 1km/L less than the Suzuki Spacia. Hmmm...maybe they did heed the warning that if Daihatsu made a car that is more fuel efficient than the kei cars Suzuki had, they'll fight back. This new model really makes the case in the game of fairness.

The Tanto Custom model offers an exclusive turbocharged model respectively in case someone asks.

Finally there's this SMART ASSIST feature available on SA models of both the Tanto and the Tanto Custom and what it does is simple...it triggers the Emergency Stop Signal system, which warns following vehicles when the driver brakes sharply, to offer enhanced active safety. They learned that from Volvo, Subaru, and many others but be warned, although this was made to halt automatically in a near-collision scenario, you must take extreme caution while driving. Yes really, your instruction manual warns you about this even TV commercials.

As for the pricing, the new Tanto starts at 1.35 million Yen, a hundred thousand more than the Suzuki Spacia.

This is the new Daihatsu Tanto and this third-generation wanted to know if the new one stands a chance against the Suzuki Spacia in terms of fuel economy, convenience, and value. The answer, I believe, is NO.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.