Subaru Chiffon Try

Remember the Daihatsu FunCross two years ago? Guess what, Subaru borrowed one for their own version of the said kei car. Called the Chiffon Try, it's for those who want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but their nearest dealership is Subaru's. Not bad.

2025 Subaru Chiffon Try

With prices starting at 1,831,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Tanto FunCross is the rugged version of the current-generation Chiffon that features a rugged exterior with a tough front face and black claddings on the side and back. Although rugged, observers still consider it "cute", just like the rest of the Chiffon family.

On the interior, the Try's seats feature a camouflage design and some orange panelings that are in sync with its rugged design. Although they're somewhat show-off, their signature traits are still in this model; the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, space for four people, various seating arrangements, and various compartments to store your stuff, among many others. Word of advice, though, there are USB-C ports involved in this car so you better bring the right plug while on the go.

Like today's Chiffon range, the Chiffon Try runs on the DNGA architecture. Along with the rack-and-pinion steering, front MacPherson Strut suspension, ventilated disc front brakes, and leading trailing rear brakes, not to mention the torsion beams for FF models and 3-link rear suspension for 4WD models, the Try behaves pretty much like a Chiffon despite its rugged looks, as expected. Although made for the great outdoors, it's still a city car that fits well with the Tokyo traffic.

Under the hood, the Try runs on the KF 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EFI engine. Mated to a D-CVT, the fuel economy is up to 21.9km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Like most Chiffon models, the Try features Smart Assist, a suite of active safety features ranging from collision avoidance, detection, driving load reduction, and parking. It even comes with full LED headlamps, VSC, TRC, CTA, emergency stop signal, ABS, TAF body, SRS airbag, and ISOFIX.

So, if you want a Daihatsu Tanto FunCross but your nearest dealership is a Subaru dealership, the Chiffon Try is for you.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Daihatsu Tanto FunCross

With the fourth-generation Daihatsu Tanto range gained their minor model change, a third entry was added and it's basically a direct rival to the Suzuki Spacia Gear; it's called the Daihatsu Tanto FunCross and it's the rugged version of the fourth-generation Daihatsu Tanto.

2023 Daihatsu Tanto FunCross

2023 Daihatsu Tanto FunCross

With prices starting at 1,721,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the Tanto FunCross is the rugged version of the fourth-generation Daihatsu Tanto that serves as the direct replacement for the recently discontinued Wake. Because this is basically a fourth-generation Tanto, the FunCross is about 35mm shorter than the Wake but similarly sized compared to the Suzuki Spacia Base, its main rival.

Beginning with the design, the FunCross features a rugged exterior with a tough front face and black claddings on the side and back. Although rugged, it's still considered by observers as "cute", just like the rest of the Tanto family.

2023 Daihatsu Tanto FunCross interior

On the interior, the FunCross's seats feature a camouflage design and some orange panelings that is in sync with its rugged design. Although they're somewhat show-off, the signature Tanto traits are still in this model; the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, space for four people, various seating arrangements, and various compartments to store your stuff, among many others. Word of advice, though, there are USB-C ports involved in this car so you better bring the right plug while on the go.

The Tanto FunCross runs on the DNGA architecture just like the fourth-generation Tanto range. Along with the rack-and-pinion steering, front MacPherson Strut suspension, ventilated disc front brakes, and leading trailing rear brakes, not to mention the torsion beams for FF models and 3-link rear suspension for 4WD models, the FunCross behaves pretty much like a Tanto despite its rugged looks, as expected. Although made for the great outdoors, it's still a city car that fits well with the Tokyo traffic.

Under the hood, the FunCross runs on the KF 660cc 3-cylinder DOHC 12V EFI engine in naturally aspirated or turbo flavors. Mated to a D-CVT, the fuel economy is up to 21.9km/L based on WLTC Mode standards, which is surprisingly more fuel efficient than the Suzuki Spacia Gear. That sounds like a win for Daihatsu.

Like most Tanto models, the Tanto FunCross features Smart Assist, a suite of active safety features ranging from collision avoidance, detection, driving load reduction, and parking. Along with its full LED headlamps, VSC, TRC, CTA, emergency stop signal, ABS, TAF body, SRS airbag, and ISOFIX, you got yourself a safe Tanto for all walks of life.

The Daihatsu Tanto FunCross may be more of a rugged version of the fourth-generation Tanto but when compared to the Suzuki Spacia Gear, looks like this one is the slightly clear winner because of its budget and fuel economy that begs to be driven for more. Although the rest of the Daihatsu Tanto lineup is now more fuel-efficient than the Suzuki Spacia family, don't call it a comeback just yet because...well, you get the point.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Subaru Rex (A201F)

Back in the 70s, Subaru made a kei car called the Rex and it lasted for three generations until it was replaced by the Vivio. Now, Subaru revived the Rex, and this time, this is not a kei car. It's a compact SUV that is essentially a rebadged version of today's Daihatsu Rocky.

2023 Subaru Rex

2023 Subaru Rex interior

Priced at 1,820,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the new Subaru Rex has nothing in common with the kei car of the same name from a long time ago. It's just a modern-day Daihatsu Rocky with a Subaru badge on it, meaning for those who want a Daihatsu Rocky but their nearest dealership is a Subaru dealership, this could be their chance.

With its RAV4-esque interior, Kia-esque steering wheel, dashboard similar to the Audi A1, dramatic and functional instrumental panel, and spacing for five people, it seems that the Subaru Rex of the Reiwa era really is like the Daihatsu Rocky of the Reiwa era. It works just like the real thing but there's one catch to this Subaru-fied Daihatsu Rocky as some observers figured out.

Unlike the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize equivalents, the new Subaru Rex is offered only in front-wheel-drive and a standard WA-VE 1.2L three-cylinder 12-valve DOHC engine that produces 87PS of power, 113Nm of torque, and when mated to a CVT gearbox with a 7-speed manual mode, it has a 20.7kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards. Good enough for some trips to a mom-and-pop shop.

Like the two compact SUVs it was based on, the Subaru Rex is packed with Smart Assist consisting of Advanced Safety Assist, Driving Assist, Parking Assist, and Headlamp Assist features. Safer than sorry, they said.

Two variants, one powertrain available. This is what the new Subaru Rex sums up really good and while it lacks something from the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize equivalents, it feels enough to drive one on a daily basis. So, if you want a Daihatsu Rocky but their nearest dealership is a Subaru dealership the Rex could be your answer.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Daihatsu Move Canbus (Gen 2)

Back in 2016, Daihatsu launched the Move Canbus, which is basically a kei minivan that is roughly as small as a Tanto but a fine choice for young Japanese females on the move. Now in its second generation, the new Canbus tries to continue where its predecessor left off with new features that will accommodate just about everyone looking for a dependable friend on wheels.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Priced at 1.496 million Yen plus additional costs, which is more expensive than its main rival, the Suzuki Wagon R Smile, the all-new Move Canbus is offered in two different styles; the single-colored Theory and the two-toned Stripes for those who want a little nod from the previous Canbus. Whichever Canbus you pick, the new model still looks fairly similar to the previous model it replaces and when you pack alongside them, you can't truly tell the difference between them.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes interior

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Theory interior

While the new model features an awkwardly similar exterior design, the interior design has been heavily changed with a rather cozy dashboard design that works like a tray to place your stuff, especially your smartphone thanks to its optional wireless charging port. With the touchscreen monitor positioned above the dashboard and the speedo on the driver's side, the new interior is more functional than the previous model. In terms of comfort, it's still as roomy as its predecessor. It has four seats and it can be folded down for various situations, be it for work or for relaxation time, whichever floats your boat.

2023 Daihatsu Move Canbus Stripes

Now running on the DNGA platform, the new Canbus drives better and more smoothly compared to its predecessor. Under the hood, the new Canbus still runs on a 660cc 3-cylinder engine in natural aspiration and turbo configurations. Mated to a D-CVT gearbox, fuel economy is around 22.9km/L on the WLTC Mode scale, which is less efficient than the Suzuki Wagon R Smile as expected. On the bright side, it's more efficient than its bigger but cheaper sibling, the Tanto.

Having satisfied with its small sizing, DNGA platform, and improved NVH, the new Canbus is loaded with Daihatsu's new-generation Smart Assist that comes with up to 17 active safety features ranging from Collision Warning, Collision Avoidance Support Brake, false start suppression, line deviation warning and suppression control, stagger alarm, roadside deviation warning, sign recognition, AHB, ADB, ACC, LKC, Smart Panorama Parking Assist, and more. It's the safest Canbus ever made in times of the new normal.

Despite its stale looks and being outlasted by the Suzuki Smile, the all-new Daihatsu Canbus is ready to cater to typical Japanese people with its functional interior, improved driving, and tech that will make their day feel like it's the weekends. Feel free to relax with the all-new Canbus anytime you want.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Atrai (S700/10)

The Daihatsu Atrai is a tiny kei multipurpose van that caters to every Japanese people's lifestyle wherever they see fit. Whether if it's made for working, outing, whatever floats their boats, the Atrai is the ideal partner they can rely on. Now on its 6th generation, the all-new Atrai is now the best Atrai they'll ever buy because of its added space and better dynamics that made it even more usable than before.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

The all-new Daihatsu Atrai starts at 1,562,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs and it's about time they've regenerated the Atrai after a long time. While it was worth the wait, the all-new Atrai features a more boxy design and larger dimensions compared to the previous model it replaces, becoming a four-number kei van fit for all walks of life. Although bigger than the previous model, the all-new Atrai is still small and easy to squeeze through Japan's tightest hotspots.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai interior

Thanks to its added size, the new interior is roomier than the previous model, although this van is good for four people, which is ideal for families with one or two kids. Although there's nothing special about the dashboard, apart from the fact that you can slap a touch screen to it at an additional cost, the boot is where the Atrai shines. With the rear seats folded down, there are countless possibilities you can think of with the new Atrai. You can turn it into a nice little sleeper, your workplace away from work, a campsite, and so on. There's so much you can do in such a tiny little van.

There's more, the all-new Atrai comes with class-first features such as dual power-sliding doors, keyless entry, and a welcome open function that can open its doors automatically when the owner approaches near the Atrai.

If you want something unique, you can opt-in for a Deck Van variant, which made its comeback in this new model. It's a pickup-esque variant that is capable of carrying up to 250kg of load at its bed.

2022 Daihatsu Atrai

For the first time in an FR kei cab-over van, the all-new Atrai is mated with a CVT gearbox in place of the previous model's 4AT, which sucks for some drivers but whatever. The 660cc petrol engine and the CVT gearbox delivered an impressive fuel economy of 14.7km/L based on WLTC Mode standards in both FR and 4WD layouts.

Being tiny do has its upsides in Japan's driving conditions and because of its 4.2m turning radius and its DNGA platform underneath, it feels very easy to drive. However, if you are opting for the 4WD variant, there's so much to enjoy driving the all-new Atrai everywhere because of its three driving modes; 2WD, 4WD AUTO, and 4WD LOCK. Handy if you're traversing through dirt while in the woods, hunting, or fishing.

In the issue of safety, the all-new Atrai comes with Smart Assist, which consists of 14 advanced active safety features that will keep it safe everywhere.

The sixth-generation Atrai is now the easiest and the most usable Atrai you'll ever buy despite the CVT gearbox that made it feel regular. With its impressive boot space, the return of the Deck Van variant, bigger dimensions, and the DNGA platform that resulted in better dynamics, it's ready to take on the new normal in a way unexpected for a tiny van. The more your know.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Rocky HEV / Toyota Raize Hybrid

Daihatsu's compact crossover, the Rocky, along with its Toyota Raize equivalent, received their first-ever hybrid variants featuring Daihatsu's first purpose-built hybrid system that promises to be a game-changer on Japanese roads unless some wire-wearing ASEAN car smugglers are hearing about this. Why does Daihatsu's first hybrid system matter to these crossovers? Let's find out.

2022 Daihatsu Rocky HEV

2022 Toyota Raize Hybrid

Priced at 2,116,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs or 2,163,000 Yen if you are in a Toyota dealership, the hybrid variants of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize crossovers featured a specially developed hybrid powertrain that some say works just like the one from the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

While the exterior design remains the same as the normal one, albeit the Rocky one features a unique front face to differentiate it from the normal one, the similar interior features a specially-made instrumental panel that checks out the progress of its hybrid system.

The hybrid powertrain features a new 1.2L WA-VEX petrol engine that generates the electric motor, which is broadly similar to the Nissan Kicks e-Power of course, capable of getting through low and medium speeds and suitable for driving around town. Because the battery that generates the said powertrain is positioned under the rear seat cushion, the passenger space and boot space are identical to the normal equivalents.

Thanks to this powertrain and the fact that it is offered exclusively in front-wheel-drive, the fuel economy of the hybrid variants is at 28kmpl based on the WLTC Mode standards, the highest in the compact SUV class.

The Rocky and Raize hybrid variants come with the new S-PDL that allows comfortable acceleration and deceleration by putting your foot on and off the accelerator pedal. It can be engaged in either Normal Mode or Eco Mode according to driving conditions.

Like the normal variants, the hybrid variants do come with improved Smart Assist advanced driving aids featuring a new stereo camera first applied on the Taft, collision warning function and collision avoidance support braking function support pedestrian detection at night, and the sign recognition function for maximum speed and stop sign, giving them a total of 19 safety features, the most for a Daihatsu-made vehicle. Also, the electronic parking brake and the Cornering Trace Assist are now standard for expensive variants.

With the arrival of the hybrid variants of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize, looks like the Nissan Kicks' luck just ran out because of the fuel economy these crossovers possess, especially the budget. Whether you want a front-wheel-drive crossover fit for the trip to the mall with your friends or for work-related stuff in case of logistics and TNVS purposes, consider the hybrid variants of the Rocky and the Raize. They don't look as sharp as the Kicks but they're here to go through the extra mile from sunrise to sunset.

Photo: Toyota/Daihatsu

Daihatsu Taft (LA900S)

In the world of motoring, reviving a name of an old car that is famous to a new car that is not intended to be is something to be called a sacrilege or blasphemy to heritage, an attack on history if you refer. Mitsubishi did this with the Eclipse...Cross, Dodge did with the Dart, and a few others. Now, Daihatsu's on the list with their newest kei crossover that bears a tough name from the past, the Taft.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

Before explaining about Daihatsu's direct competitor against the Suzuki Hustler, let's talk about the Taft name. The original Taft is a "small but terrible" offroader that enjoys being the David of the rough terrain when it first launched in 1974 until it got replaced by the Rugger in 1984. The old Taft means "Tough and Almighty Four-wheel Touring vehicle" but for this kei crossover, the Taft meaning has changed and it's now "Tough and Almighty Fun Tool." It's similar to what happened when Daihatsu revived the Rocky as a little crossover that feels nothing in common with the old one.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

Anyway, while everyone's busy mucking about why Daihatsu revived the tought Taft name for the tiny Hustler rival, consider this; it starts at 1,353,000 Japanese Yen (around $14,000), meaning it's almost a hundred grand more expensive than the latest-generation Suzuki Hustler but by the looks of it, the Taft is slightly better looking than the Hustler, although some say it's like a complete mash-up between the Suzuki Jimny and the old Nissan Cube. Can't blame the design team, right? But there's more to the way it looks because with the optional extra, you can make the Taft look like the one as seen from last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. It's a concept car turned reality and now you can make it look like a concept car for you to try. Slippery, right?

2021 Daihatsu Taft interior

2021 Daihatsu Taft interior

Daihatsu states that the Taft's interior is made under the concept of "Backpack Style" and whatever the reason, the interior is all about comfort, functionality, and practicality fit for anyone who wish to get out of the city without concerning about the c-word the world's talking about lately. On the driver's side, you are greeted by your typical dashboard layout which involves an optional touch screen sat-nav, climate control, USB connectivity, an instrumental panel, and places to store your stuff. That's perfectly normal for a kei car like this but on the back, it's common sense. With the rear seats present, the boot can accommodate up to two luggage bags but if you're into logistics, the rear seats can be folded down to make room for some bigs picks. Best of all, it's easy to clean so you don't need to worry about getting spilled.

For those who are rushing to get to the vantage point in case of a meteor shower but stuck on traffic, the Taft has the ideal solution called the Skyfeel Top, a panoramic moonroof with the shade that can be closed or opened manually, which is nice. With this, you'll never miss those once-in-a-lifetime stuff that comes out in the night sky even when you're pinched by traffic jams.

2021 Daihatsu Taft

How about the way it drives? Well, since it was made to compete against the Hustler, the reborn Taft behaves like the Hustler on city centers and on open roads, only better thanks to its DNGA platform built beneath it and with the optional 4WD with Grip Support, it's not afraid to get wet and dirty. Sadly, it's got no stuff similar to the Citroen C3 Aircross but who cares?

The Taft is powered by a 660cc engine, in NA and turbo configuration, and with the CVT, the Taft delivers a combined WLTP-calculated 20.5km/L fuel economy, which is drastically less than the new Hustler, probably because the Taft doesn't have mild hybrid tech that the new Hustler had. Shame.

Because safety is the top priority in today's cars, the Taft comes with Daihatsu's Smart Assist suite of ADAS. There are 17 driving aids and some others loaded to the Taft to make it one of the safest kei crossovers to drive. Believe it or not, it's got more than the new Hustler had. Fact.

The new Taft may not be as tough and almighty as the original Taft, just like what happened to today's Rocky from last year, and not as efficient as its Suzuki Hustler rival by a drastic margin, but Daihatsu's putting on a show with their newest kei crossover that is bound to grab some headlines even in the "new normal" situation. With crossovers are all in the rage for Gen Z people, the Taft can be the ideal starting point for first time buyers and looks like they're in for a huge gamble in this new normal.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Rocky (A200S/210S) and Toyota Raize

There was once an unnamed Daihatsu crossover made a surprise appearance at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show that drew some attention from the crowd. No one knows what that crossover is, especially if its the production version of the DN-TREC Concept shown at the same venue two years ago, until now, Daihatsu called their newest crossover the Rocky, a name familiar to 90's kids everywhere, and in addition, Toyota borrowed one and called it the Raize.

2020 Daihatsu Rocky

2020 Toyota Raize

Cars like the Dodge Dart and the Porsche 718, some say, truly go down in history in what happens when carmakers revived famous names on models that are not meant to be and the Rocky is one of them. 

The original Rocky is a light off-roader that is known for going everywhere and not afraid to get things dirty. The reborn Rocky isn't because it's just another small crossover made in a world where crossovers are treated like superhero movies. Anyway, while the new Rocky has nothing in common with the Rocky from the early Heisei era, this and its Toyota Raize equivalent served as the replacements for the Be-Go and Rush mini SUVs and because they don the DNGA platform first applied on today's Daihatsu Tanto (Chiffon for Subarists), they promise to work like a normal car.

2020 Daihatsu Rocky

2020 Toyota Raize

More with that later on but first, let's observe the design because while it was influenced by the DN-TREC Concept Car two years ago, the Rocky and Raize carried over some of the concept car elements to make it somewhat appealing for the public. The styling is not so bad but by squinting your eyes further, there are some fishy stuff going on with the design process and believe it or not, they're almost styled like a mini-me RAV4 per se.

2020 Daihatsu Rocky interior

2020 Toyota Raize interior

Inside, the Rocky and Raize, despite its small sizing that is way smaller than the Be-Go and Rush it replaces, is still functional and comfortable for five people. From the steering wheel that looks like a Kia, the dashboard similar to the Audi A1, and the instrumental panel worth asking, not to mention the decent space at the back and some room for luggage (along with the secret compartment underneath it), these new JDM crossovers truly know how to make a statement about being practical vehicles for a living and whether if its good enough for family or friends, the Rocky and Raize is all about getting the job done with no explanations.

2020 Daihatsu Rocky

2020 Toyota Raize

The DNGA platform, first used on the latest-generation Tanto kei minivans, allows both the Rocky and the Raize to utilize a wide range of tech and features, not to mention the driving character lurking beneath their skin and thanks to this platform, the MacPherson struts in the front, torsion beam in the back, rack and pinion steering, and other chassis features, these crossovers feel like they're right on the city street rather than driving on a normal Sunday morning to Cabanatuan. 

They are front-wheel drive as standard but they can opt in for a 4WD drivetrain when things get down and dirty but with the Dynamic Torque Control inspired from today's RAV4 that makes it more lively. Because they have high ground clearance, the Rocky and the Raize are capable of driving through tarmac, gravel, and snow with no explanations whatsoever but because it doesn't have some clever stuff like what the Citroen C3 Aircross had, they're not born to be elephants. Sorry.

Under the hood, it's powered by a 1KR-VET 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo engine producing 98PS of power and 140Nm of torque and because it's mated with a CVT, fuel economy ranges to about 18.6km/L for front-wheel drive models and 17.4km/L for 4WD models based on WLTP standards.

For safety, the Rocky and the Raize can be fitted with the latest Smart Assist driving aids that will make driving life easy.

Should you buy one? The Daihatsu Rocky starts at 1,705,000 Japanese Yen while the Toyota Raize starts at 1,679,000 Japanese Yen, which are surprisingly cheaper to own than the Suzuki XBEE. So, there you are, ladies and gentlemen. The new Daihatsu Rocky, and its Toyota Raize equivalent, may not feel tough as the drivers hoped for and smaller than the Be-Go and Rush it replaces, but it has room, it has sprite, it has efficiency, it has tech, and it has value you can start from points A to Z with no explanations.

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

Toyota Copen GR SPORT

What a pleasant surprise for car enthusiasts across Japan. Having appeared in last January's Tokyo Auto Salon, the Copen GR SPORT is now a living thing but with a major twist; while this is based on the Daihatsu Copen Robe, it's sold as a Toyota, judging by the fact that Daihatsu is under the Toyota umbrella.

2020 Toyota Copen GR SPORT

The Copen GR SPORT joins the Copen range consisting of the Robe, the throwback Cero, the rugged-ish X-Play, and the sold-out Copen Coupe, and since this is sold in most Toyota dealerships despite being a Daihatsu, the 2,380,000 Yen ($24,000 estimated) price tag is reasonable enough for drivers who can't afford either the 86 or the GR Supra, but sadly, that pricing wasn't enough in the case of a newbie that started his driver life with just one million yen in the pocket.

For that pricing, what do you get in this slightly-tweaked Copen Robe? Well, for starters, there's the sporty exterior design, the sporty rims, the RECARO sports seats, the specially-tuned suspension, and that's it. They didn't bother with the turbocharged 660cc engine that can be mated with either a 5-speed MT, which is somewhat a toy to own, or a CVT with 7 simulated gears on it.

It's hard to explain why a Daihatsu Copen Robe is branded as a Toyota with this GR SPORT version but whatever the reason, the so-called Toyota Copen GR SPORT is a reasonably-priced open-top sportscar accessible to almost anyone who wants a fun-sized car with sporty handling that will make them familiarize the way of a sportscar from start to finish and until you are fully satisfied with this car, the Copen GR SPORT could or could not be your first car to start your driving life.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Daihatsu new Tanto/Subaru new Chiffon (LA650/660S)

The Daihatsu Tanto, known for its signature pillarless Raku-Raku Door on the passenger side, is now on its fourth generation (second generation if you're a Subarist who called this kei minivan the Chiffon), and this new version marks the turning point for Daihatsu because this is the first to don the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture platform, which is just like Toyota's TNGA, only compact. More for that later on but right now, let's look at the new model which starts below the 1.3 million yen mark.

2020 Daihatsu Tanto

2020 Subaru Chiffon

2020 Subaru Chiffon

Like previous generations, the Tanto (or Chiffon for Subarists) is offered in two distinct versions such as the normal Tanto with looks reminiscent of the first-generation Tanto and the Tanto Custom, which is like the little brother of the 3-box hatchback brothers (namely Toyota's Roomy and Tank, Daihatsu's Thor, and Subaru's Justy of course). Either way, these kei minivans stay true to their kei car sizing fit enough for the Japanese suburbs and city streets.

2020 Daihatsu Tanto interior

2020 Subaru Chiffon interior

As a tall kei minivan, the new Tanto's interior is still as tall as the predecessors, of course, meaning there's a lot of room for the six-footers in the club and because it retains the signature pillarless door on the passenger side, it still feels easy to get out of like a glove. As an all-purpose kei car, the new Tanto (Chiffon) has various seating arrangements that will suit their needs, be it for personal or for business use. Whichever you want to do with it, you should be thankful that the new Tanto (Chiffon) does all the stuff like a normal van do in its everyday life.

Now, let's talk more about the Daihatsu New Global Architecture that the new model has and like the TNGA from Toyota, the DNGA platform is a flexible platform that accommodates the new model's design, powertrain, and dynamics. Not only the new platform made it more lively to drive with, but it also made it more fuel efficient than the previous model. With the DNGA platform, 660cc KF-series engine, and a CVT gearbox, it promises a combined fuel economy of 21.2km/L by WLTC mode standards, the same as today's Mitsubishi eK Wagon of course.

In the importance of safety, the new model features an improved Smart Assist with numerous preventive safety features applied all over the kei minivan, be it standard or optional, that will give owners much-needed confidence to drive in a relaxing manner from the beginning to the end of the day. Nothing delightful about the tech but it sure is worth an obvious feat.

The new Tanto (Chiffon) truly is a turning point for a company that makes small cars that can rival Suzuki's Spacia range because of its new platform, new tech, new design, and new interior, while retaining the signature pillarless door on the passenger side that makes the Tanto a Tanto. There's so much to talk about the new model but it's best to leave it for now.

Photo: Daihatsu/Subaru

Daihatsu Mira Tocot

While cars are more than just being moving appliances on the road that ordinary people used everyday, some believe that cars are a beautiful accessory can own. Seeing the whole "accessory" thing that applies for cars, Daihatsu unveiled their newest chic accessory they can keep, a new kei car called the Tocot.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

What's in the name, you may ask? The Tocot name comes in three ways to describe Daihatsu newest kei car; "To Character" referring to its style, "To Comfortableness" referring to its simple interior, and "To Convenience" referring to its user-friendly features that makes the simpleton more simple enough to be a humble accessory for first-time drivers. Needless to say, this replacement to the aging Mira Cocoa is a back-to-basic kei car that is away from the fancy stuff new cars possess and into something that will make owners theirs. Because this is a simple kei car made for people living in simple lives, the design is nothing cute nor cool, it's regular and there are no other words to describe how it looks because this is a simple-looking kei car with no strings attached.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot interior

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot interior

Just like the exterior design, the interior of the Tocot is all basic for a normal car. You can expect the speedo that greets drivers when switching on, airconditioning that works like what every car should, garnishing in the panel to make it more noticeable, full fabric seats that won't freeze your butt off when you sit down, USB sockets for your gadgets, cubby holes to store your things, foldable rear seats, and a power liftgate. Visibility's relatively superior for a kei car of this size, in case you're wondering. These conveniences really worked like every car should and although being small, it's still simple enough to live with whether you're going to work or home or your favorite places on the weekends.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

Powered by a 660cc three-cylinder 52PS engine, the Tocot has a fuel efficiency of around 29.8km/L and using every kei car on the list, that tops against a Suzuki Lapin in an AGS setting, which is remarkable for Daihatsu to create a fuel-efficient car that makes drivers go the extra mile. Speaking of extra mile, the Tocot comes with Smart Assist III which comes with a stereo camera that functions its lane departure warning, false start suppression, pre-collision braking, and auto high beam capabilities, guaranteeing a safer, more comfortable drive from work or from play.

The Tocot starts at an incredibly low price of 1,074,600 Japanese Yen (around 10,800 Dollars or 530,000 Pesos) and that considered to be one of the cheapest Daihatsus you can own. To sum this car up, the Tocot is not the kind of car you can get excited about because of its regular styling but the compact sizing, the efficiency, and the pricing makes you want to get started with this one if you got yourself a license for the first time. Considering it a nice accessory to own, the Tocot really is the kind of blank canvas to get the most out of its simpleness and you can do whatever you want with this car as long as you're with it.

Available colors: Ceramic Green Metallic, Juicy Pink Metallic, Sunny Day Blue Metallic, Pearl White III, Black Mica Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic, Fire Quartz Red Metallic, Ceramic Green Metallic+Design Film Top, Juicy Pink Metallic+Design Film Top, Sunny Day Blue Metallic+Design Film Top, and Pearl White III+Design Film Top.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

GT SPORT: Love GT by Copen

Daihatsu has a wide reputation for making fuel-efficient kei cars in history but in the eyes of speedo boys, none of these cars are worth promising to bring the fun factor to their senses until the year 2014 when they resurrected the Copen kei-convertible to bring the magic back to the speedo boys. With the revived Copen bringing a whole new bunch of fans, it wouldn't take long before they teamed up with GT SPORT to create a Copen unlike no other.



This is Daihatsu's entry to the long line of Vision Gran Turismo concepts that showcase the future of sports cars from the world of Gran Turismo. It's called the COPEN RJ VGT and this is what happens when you turn a Copen Robe into an oversized go-kart fit for track duty.



Made to commemorate the Copen's 15th anniversary when the first one was launched in Japan in 2002 as well as Daihatsu's 110th anniversary since its 1907 founding, the RJ (Racing Jacket) is a demonstration of what a fun Daihatsu should be. The base Copen Robe has a turbocharged 660cc engine that produces 64PS of power but in the RJ, no one knows what powers it especially when it churns out 146HP of power and 149.4ft-lb of torque. Because it weighs 1,323 lbs, which is incredibly the lightest Vision GT car ever offered, the Copen RJ VGT's power-to-weight ratio is around 0.11 horsepower per pound.



Although not much information is given about this heavily tweaked Copen Robe that is made with Gran Turismo in mind, the Copen RJ is one of the key reminders of why Daihatsu will always be part of Gran Turismo history ever since it made its first appearance in Gran Turismo 2 and catered fans with kei cars like the Move, the Mira, and the Midget, not to mention a compact car called the Storia. I really want to know more but now it's time for me to get to the fun part and since the Copen wants to stick to its "LOVE LOCAL" slogan, I went to Suzuka for some sessions.



Designed for those who are new to the Vision GT line of vehicles, the Copen RJ VGT's dynamics are beginner-friendly so there is no effort to get to know about the birthday present for both Daihatsu and their Copen kei-roadster but I do try to warn you that since this is a front-wheel drive roadster, just like the normal Copen, understeer is likely and looks like you'll going to need some painkillers for your arms because the steering is worth spraining your arms when it approaches a corner and understeer. That really is painful but with a little ease, you may find that the Copen RJ is worth fun to drive in the world of Gran Turismo and you will be able to tell the world that you've driven the revived Copen, in RJ guise. Anyway, wanna see how I do?



The tight corners in Suzuka really are a pain in my arms but I managed to finish the whole lap without going out of bounds.



The Copen RJ only exists in the world of Gran Turismo but its presence is a fitting tribute not just for Daihatsu's 110th year but also their Copen's 15th anniversary. It really is a cherry on the top of the cake worth biting for and it's a clear reminder that why Daihatsu is always here to stay in the world of Gran Turismo. It may not be as fast as the other Vision GT machines but for getting started, it really is a stepping stone you can learn something from when you come out of it. That is my bottom line.