Third-generation Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon

It's been six years since only a select few tasted the second-generation Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon compact twins, well only in the Asian markets that are in the form of the Perodua Myvi. Now, with Toyota gaining complete control of Daihatsu to further experiment with the small car market, the new partnership tries to experiment with the category with the new, third-generation Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon compacts. So, what's it all about?

2017 Toyota Passo

2017 Daihatsu Boon

The previous egg-shaped model was nothing but a complete mess because while the previous Toyota model has two different styles, the Daihatsu model gets one. Now, for the third-generation model, it's back to the usual two-style format and yes, there are two different styles to choose from, starting from the normal model which has a similar front view seen from the sixth-generation Mira but with the rearview looks broadly similar to the Subaru Levorg and the side view harshly similar to the old Toyota Sienta. The same thing goes for the stylish model (MODA for the Passo, CLIQ for the Boon) but it has round-shaped lamps similar to the previous model with the hexagonal-shaped grille, again, similar to the Subaru Levorg. It all seems mashed up, isn't it?

2017 Toyota Passo interior

2017 Daihatsu Boon interior

Apart from the questionable exterior, the interior is still as simple as its predecessors. Although nothing special about the inside, the new Passo or Boon still has that bench seat on the front, the one nearly no car has anymore these days. The bench seat is quite the ideal interior part where you can freely move in one way and another without even bothering. Space-wise, the new Passo and Boon can handle boot space very well. With all seats present, the rear space, although small, is big enough to fit five gas bottles, camping gear, and a golf bag. Convenient, I dare say?

2017 Toyota Passo

2017 Daihatsu Boon

Onto the performance part and because this is a small car with fuel efficiency in mind, the only engine offered in the new model is the improved 1KR-FE engine carried over from the previous model. With dual intake ports, twin injectors, and enhanced fuel spray atomization, as well as reshaped pistons, fuel economy, is now 28.0km/L for front-wheel-drive models, a best-in-class for a liter car, while 4WD models, featuring a new idling stop feature, return only 24.4km/L.  Another main reason for its improved fuel economy is not just because of your average CVT gearbox but also its improved lightweight, high-rigidity body and with the new suspension, it drives slightly well so it's kind of good to drive but doesn't get too jumpy on this one because despite having the suspension updated for the new model, you can't feel its cheerful character from within. So, it may not be a bad car to own but its cheerfulness is left denied in a cheap city car.

The new models now come, as standard, with the Smart Assist II collision avoidance assist system. This system uses a collision warning function, collision avoidance brake assist, false start control, line deviation warning function, and a feature that notifies drivers that the vehicle ahead is moving forward. It's amazing that despite being a cheap little city car, no one does it better when it comes to the tech featured, in fact, I'm getting dazed by the new model's technological advancement fit for drivers of all kinds, although there is a major disclaimer about taking advantage of these features for granted, in fact, it's not advisable to take them for granted while driving.

Should you buy it? The new Passo starts from 1,150,200 to 1,830,600 Japanese yen while the new Boon starts from 1,150,000 to 1,853,280 Japanese yen. Consider these two a well-priced city car for a start but don't get too comfortable because when it comes to being a fun car in the city, you'll be sorry for just how bland it behaves, although some optional dealer-specific accessories can slightly hide the fact that you've owned just another city car.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation/Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Passo and Daihatsu Boon - Second Generation F/L

2015 Daihatsu Boon

2015 Toyota Passo

2015 Toyota Passo

The second generation Toyota Passo and the Daihatsu Boon may have been around for four years since their 2010 regeneration but these looks never make the grade and remained exclusive to the Japanese market as of now. Now, both these models underwent a minor change and this time, the updated second-generation Passo and Boon are now fuel efficient than even because they're now have a brand-new 1.0L petrol engine equipped which is 30% fuel efficient than the outgoing engine it replaces.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

Although the engine still retains the 1KR-FE designation, this brand new engine is developed jointly with Daihatsu. It achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 37% thanks to the use of a tumble flow-generating intake, cooled EGR system, and an improved compression ratio. Couple that with the idling stop feature and the result is a record-high 27.6km/L fuel consumption as calculated by JC08 Mode standards. That's 30% more than the last one.

Of course, you can expect the new 1KR-FE engine to be equipped in both the Passo and the Boon but the 1.3L 1NR-FE Dual VVT-i engine? That's only available for the Passo (in normal and +Hana versions). The 1.3L petrol engine still develops a modest 95PS of power and 121Nm of torque while its fuel consumption is a meager 19.0km/L.

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Daihatsu Boon interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

2015 Toyota Passo interior

Of course, since both the Passo and Boon are low-cost Japanese eco boxes made for the average of customers, you can still expect the plasticky interior. Even though it has a radio and an aircon, it still feels like a low-cost car. However, in the +Hana versions of the Passo, the cozy two-tone seating really covers up its low-cost interior perhaps but even though with the +Hana, it's still feels cheap and you don't get the excitement that you get from other compacts.

Price wise, the new Passo costs from 1,098,655 to 1,652,400 Japanese Yen (estimated $11,000 to $17,000) while the Boon costs 1,263,600 to 1,549,800 Japanese Yen (estimated $13,000 to $15,500). You know both of these were manufactured at Daihatsu's Ikeda Plant in Osaka but why is the Boon costs more than its Toyota equivalent, the Passo, even though it doesn't have a high-end model and a 1.3L engine?

In the meantime, even though the updated versions are still terrible for the enthusiasts too many, the pricing is a fair start in the compact hatchback market in Japan.

Drooling for extremes

2012 Perodua Myvi SE and 2012 Perodua Myvi Extreme

Back in June 2011, Perodua launched the all new Myvi, which was based on the second-generation Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon but with different design cures to suit the needs of Malaysian customers. It was later sold in Indonesia as the new Daihatsu Sirion (didn't see that thing coming).

Now, there were hotter versions of the all new Myvi arrived under the banners "Perodua Myvi SE 1.5" and the new "Perodua Myvi Extreme". With the concept of "Lagi Power, Lagi Best", the 1.5L engine makes both the new Myvi SE and the new Myvi Extreme. On here, the new Myvi SE gained a new grille, new front bumper, and relocated fog lamps, The new Myvi Extreme has the same look from the SE but more agressive thanks to the grey bumper lid and an elaborate spoiler.

They are both powered by a 1.5L Twin Cam Engine with DVVT (3SZ-VE) which was used in the Perodua Alza (based on the Daihatsu Boon Luminas and Toyota Passo Sette), accumulating 102hp of power, and 136Nm of torque.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2011/09/15/perodua-myvi-se-1-5-and-extreme-launched-manual-and-auto-from-rm50900-to-rm61700-weve-driven-it-already/

Verdict: If only Daihatsu and Toyota made hotter versions of the Passo and Boon...

ムムマッファって何？

Riisa Naka

Japanese viewers find themselves confused after seeing the latest commercial for the second-generation Toyota Passo (トヨタ・パッソ) starring Japanese actress, Riisa Naka (仲里依紗). It was something like "ムムマッファ".

Oh dear, we don't really know what "ムムマッファ" is. Even the Japanese viewers got confused upon hearing the "ムムマッファ" word Riisa Naka said on the Toyota Passo commercial!

Waah! I'm confused!

2012 Perodua Myvi based on second-generation Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo unveiled

2012 Perodua Myvi

2012 Perodua Myvi interior

The second-generation Daihatsu Boon never make it worldwide as the Sirion due to Daihatsu's retreat to the European continent by 2013 but that doesn't stop the new Boon to be a worldwide car because Malaysian subsidiary, Perodua, launched the all new 2012 Myvi based on the second generation Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo.

Since it's made from Malaysia, modifications are made to made it more unisex than its donor car due to its feminine characteristics.

Sccop: http://paultan.org/2011/06/16/2011-perodua-myvi-full-details-and-first-impressions/

Does the all new Perodua Myvi exceeds expectations? 

Hana? L'epice? Jewela?

Toyota Passo 1.0 +Hana '11

Toyota Ractis 1.5 L'epice '11

Toyota Vitz 1.5 Jewela '11

The +Hana on the new Toyota Passo, the L'epice on the new Toyota Ractis Verso, and the Jewela on the new Toyota Vitz/Yaris. Those three compacts were made for the feminine drivers, and if I were a Japanese female driver comparing those three feminine-type compacts, what should it be?

In my opinion, the +Hana on the new Passo provides its "genki" characteristic, perfect for the genki girl type. The Ractis Verso L'epice has a stylish grille that made female buyers want to buy this kind of Ractis, but looks somewhat a simplicity. The new Vitz Jewela has a different face that looks like the Ractis L'epice and it has a bunch of fancy colors, especially the Jewela exclusive colors such as Cherry Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Brown Mica Metallic, Reddish Purple Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica, Turquoise Metallic, Green Mica Metallic, and Blue Mica Metallic. Some Jewela exclusive colors have a silver side mirror on it to add a hint of glamor on the Vitz Jewela.

These feminine type Toyota compacts were a greater deal for Japanese women... 

Daihatsu Second-Generation Boon & Toyota Second-Generation Passo with Passo +Hana

The Storia's successor, the Boon, which is also the Duet's successor, the Passo (since Toyota became partners with Daihatsu), is the perfect match for women with the sense of fashionable lifestyle. (Remember the Japanese Passo commercial with Rosa Kato and the Boon commercial with Rena Tanaka) The Boon and the Passo became successful not just in Japan, but in Asia and Europe under the name of the Daihatsu Sirion or the Subaru Justy.

Now, in this year, change is finally applied to these fashionable compacts:








A certain fashionable women state that each style has its own taste. As for the second-generation Boon and the second-generation Passo, a certain fashionable sense is perfect for the women's taste of cute cars. Available only on the Toyota Passo is the more stylish +Hana (plus hana) variant.





This variant features a sporty exterior, chrome rear lamps, and stylish two-tone upholstery.

Both of them are equipped with a choice of two engines; from the 1.3-liter, 16-valve engine that delivers 95PS of power, and the economical 1.0-litre, 12-valve engine that has the outstanding fuel economy of 22.5km/L, giving them more travel time for the women, especially both of them are equipped with the economical CVT.

My thoughts about the Boon & the Passo:
Judging from its vague but cute look, the Boon and the Passo are a woman's sweet post-valentine treat, especially when a certain woman has a fate to choose between a man with a sports car or the compact car destined to be the perfect soul mate for a woman.


Reader Note: Originally, Toyota Motor Corporation would postpone the launch of the Passo because of the worldwide recall, and yet the Passo's launch did not postpone because Daihatsu was behind the manufacture of the Passo, which is in fact, the Passo is the OEM of the Boon.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation/Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.