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.

New Toyota Pixis Epoch

After Daihatsu launched the all-new and more fuel-efficient, second-generation Mira e:S, Toyota decided to borrow the latest fuel-efficient Daihatsu for a while so they can sell it at their Toyota dealerships as the all-new Pixis Epoch.

2018 Toyota Pixis Epoch

For some people who can't afford Toyota's fuel-efficient offerings such as the Prius and its little brother, the Aqua, the Pixis Epoch kei-car got their backs because while it isn't as efficient as the two hybrids mentioned earlier, it is the most fuel-efficient petrol car offered at most Toyota dealerships across Japan with prices start from 907,200 up to 1,209,600 Japanese Yen plus on-road costs.

What you get in the all-new Pixis Epoch, like as shown from the second-generation Daihatsu Mira e;S, is a newly sharpened styling, refined interior for a more basic approach, new monocoque chassis, and a more fuel-efficient 660cc engine promising up to 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards.

In terms of safety, the Pixis Epoch comes with Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car, in addition to the false start restraining control function, Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

Can you consider this to someone who can't afford a Prius or an Aqua but like a fuel-efficient Toyota that gives them more run for their money. Sure you can and the odds aren't bad for a fuel-efficient Toyota that is based on Daihatsu's latest, fuel-efficient, offering.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Subaru Pleo Plus

2018 Subaru Pleo Plus

After Daihatsu launched the all-new and more fuel-efficient, second-generation Mira e:S, Subaru decided to borrow the latest fuel-efficient Daihatsu for a while so they can sell it at their Subaru dealerships as the all-new Pleo Plus.

Priced at 896,400 Yen, the all-new Subaru Pleo Plus like what the latest Daihatsu Mira e:S showed us, not only features a more sharp exterior design and a more basic interior space for the average driver, but also an improved 660cc engine alongside its monocoque chassis combined with fuel efficient features such as Cold i-EGR, the late closing of intake valves for load reduction on compression, dual injectors, combustion control by cylinder, CVT Thermo controller, low viscosity CVT fluid, rear differential gear for 4WD models, resin parts, and many more, resulting to 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards.

Not only this is the most fuel-efficient car in the Subaru lineup, it's also the safest because of its Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car, in addition to the false start restraining control function, Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

As told earlier, the new Pleo Plus starts at 896,400 Yen, the most affordable Subaru available in Japan, and also the most fuel-efficient as well. We know that this is based on the all-new Daihatsu Mira e:S but for those who are too lazy to go on the Daihatsu dealership or if their nearest dealership was a Subaru's look no further.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Second Generation Daihatsu Mira e:S

Daihatsu's most fuel efficient and most affordable kei car has been regenerated for its second generation and the all-new, more fuel-efficient, Mira e:S, promises to give drivers even more run for their money. Let's take a quick look on the latest generation of Daihatsu's most affordable, fuel-efficient kei-car ever sold in Japan.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

When Daihatsu first launched the Mira e:S about six years ago, it was known to be the most fuel efficient car in the world until the Suzuki Alto came and the rivalry between the two fuel-efficient cars continued until the arrival of the latest-generation Suzuki Alto with its record-breaking 37kmpl fuel economy. Now, let's get to know about the brand new Mira e:S and by the looks of it, the exterior design has been sharpened to draw some inspiration from the D-Base Concept, resulting to a much better-looking low-cost car that can attract first-time buyers and can be a real head-turner on the streets of downtown Tokyo.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

The inside looks pretty much the same as the previous Mira e:S and it still has that digital instrumental cluster from the last one, meaning that the interior is still beyond average for a compact car but average aside, it's surprisingly spacious and it has good legroom on the back, meaning it's nice to be accommodated with. The boot space isn't too shabby as well for a micro car and there are plenty of cubby holes to store your stuff, making it a practical car fit for family use or a trip round town with your pals.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

Now let's talk about the performance side of the new Mira e:S and for this new model, it now features a "D Monocoque" body that is more rigid and 80kg less compared to the standard model. Because its now 80kg less than the old e:S and combined with its newly improved e:S Technology, you're looking at a 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards. That sounds like 1.8kmpl less than the Suzuki Alto but this is still the most fuel-efficient Daihatsu in the range and time to get to the juicy part of the new e:S Technology because if you dig deeper on the mechanical bits, you will see some interesting stuff that made this car fuel-efficient such as the Cold i-EGR, the late closing of intake valves for load reduction on compression, dual injectors, combustion control by cylinder, CVT Thermo controller, low viscosity CVT fluid, rear differential gear for 4WD models, resin parts, the list goes on and on and there's another contribution to the car's fuel efficiency and it's the aerodynamics because for the new model, it sustained three percent air resistance, making it the most aerodynamic kei car on the market.

The Daihatsu Mira e:S comes with other energy efficient ways and means such as LED lamps, eco power generator, an idle stop and go feature, and scroll-type air conditioner compressor.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

What about safety? To keep up with today's traffic, the new Mira e:S comes with Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car. In addition to the sonar sensor, it enables braking not only for leading vehicles but also for pedestrians. When the stereo camera detects a lane while traveling at speeds at around 60kph or over, when it is about to deviate from the lane, it notifies the driver and urges the departure avoidance operation. Apart from that, it can also trigger the false start restraining control function at either forward or backward. Other features include Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

Should you buy one? The new Daihatsu Mira e:S starts at 842,400 Yen including on-road costs and it's exempted from the car acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, making it a great value for money and its around five grand cheaper to buy than the Suzuki Alto. It really is a promising compact car that gives them more run for their money and it's now technologically advanced to deal with today's traffic conditions. Even though Daihatsu is now under Toyota's control, they're still on the roll for fuel-efficient small-cars on the market and for the Mira e:S, this is just the beginning.

Available colors: Sky Blue Metallic, Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic, Magenta Berry Mica Metallic, Splash Blue Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Pearl White III, Bright Silver Metallic, and White.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Mira e:S/Subaru Pleo Plus/Toyota Pixis Epoch minor change

If you remember back two years ago, you'll remember something about the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the world's most fuel-efficient car available only in Japan as of now. It's the compact car that introduced Japan the JC08 Mode fuel economy test cycle rather than the over-exaggerated 10-15 Mode test cycle. Fuel economy was 30km/L but month's later, its title was stripped out thanks to Suzuki with their Alto Eco that does 30.2kmpl. Two years later, it's now rosed to 33kmpl. Making it the undisputed king of fuel consumption, not this little Daihatsu. They're not pleased by this...

Now, for the 2014 model year, the Daihatsu Mira e:S has now made even more fuel friendly than ever and it's now refreshed for one goal: to take back what the Suzuki Alto Eco got from them.

The new Mira e:S comes with numerous fuel-efficient updates such as an updated i-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) for combustion efficiency, reduced engine losses with the use of a low-friction timing chain, a revamped CVT gearbox, reduced drag with the help of its new exterior design, improved idling stop system, updated "Eco power generation control", and so much more.

All this gives the 2014 Mira e:S a fuel consumption rating of 33.4kmpl. That's right, this isn't a typo. 33.4kmpl, 10% higher than the pre-facelift and best of all, .4kmpl higher than the Suzuki Alto Eco! And those improvements can also be implemented on its other cousins like the Subaru Pleo Plus and Toyota Pixis Epoch, both of these are rebadged versions of the Mira e:S.

So, with that record-breaking fuel economy, I wonder what's going to be the response from its rival Suzuki? Let's just wait...

Subaru Pleo Plus

新世代トマールエンジン

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus

2013 Subaru Pleo Plus interior

The trend of kei car rebadging is becoming a bit too far here in Japan and the Daihatsu Mira e:S, launched last year, became a subject of rebadging. Sure, Toyota borrowed one for their new Pixis Epoch and now, in a terribly confusing way, Subaru decided to join in the fray by borrowing a Daihatsu Mira e:S and replace it with Subaru badges. What do you get in return? Something called the all new 2013 Subaru Pleo Plus! The most fuel-efficient Subaru offered and the most affordable.

Starting at 795,000 Japanese Yen, the Pleo Plus is equipped with the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. Because it's fuel economy is rated at 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 Mode scale, it is the most fuel efficient Subaru ever offered for fuel-conscious drivers in Japan. The secret of getting a good fuel economy for this new model is because of its Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

I'm afraid I have no words to describe this new Pleo Plus but if you live somewhere where a Subaru dealer is nearby and if you're too lazy to get a new Mira e:S or a Toyota Pixis Epoch, consider this. End of discussion.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch

This is the fourth member of Toyota's new PIXIS kei car range. The first Toyota Pixis, the Pixis Space, is much more of a Toyota equivalent of the Daihatsu Move Conte. Pixis number 2 and 3 were the Pixis Truck and Pixis Van which are essentially a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Hijet Truck and Hijet Van. And now we have this, the fourth Pixis, which is essentially a rebadged version of Daihatsu's most fuel efficient car on the market today which is more fuel efficient than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV but now overshadowed by the Suzuki Alto Eco, the Daihatsu Mira e:S.

It has the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. The fuel economy of the Pixis Epoch (ピクシス エポック) is 30.0km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode test cycle thanks to the Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions).

Available colors are Sky Blue, Shell Rose, Cotton Ivory, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, and White.

My comment:

In essence then, the all new 2013 Toyota Pixis Epoch is just a rebadged version of the kei car that Bruce Willis endorses...

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

How to make the Mira e:S a little more attractive

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

We feel your understanding that the Daihatsu Mira e:S is a little bit too bland but the problem is solved because Daihatsu offers an optional Original Accessories available to customize your Mira e:S just the way you like it.

First off, the "Earth Color interior" package offers two seat colors such as Aqua Blue and Earth Beige, sky blue colored panels, MOMO steering wheel, Scuff Plate Cover, and a special carpet mat.

Second, the "Sporty" package offers an IR Cut Film Set, special side decals, sporty front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, modified front grille, back door garnish, pillar stripe, 14-inch aluminum wheel set, halogen foglamp set, long visor, rear mud guard, and a premium number frame set.

Third, the "Premium" package offers special black leather seats, brown panels, special silver panelings on the front, side, and back, back door garnish, 10-spoke aluminum wheels, long visor, and premium number plate set.

Lastly, Daihatsu offered a "Lamp & Illumination" accessory that features ice blue lighting on the interior, plus a carpet mat, LED headlamp, and an LED room lamp.

For pricing on these accessories, please contact your Daihatsu dealer.

Does Daihatsu really need Bruce Willis to do the Mira e:S commercial?

With the recent launch of the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed vehicle, the Daihatsu Mira e:S, this Japanese kei car maker launched two unique TV commercials for the Mira e:S aired in Japan one day after the car's launch date. So, why would we need Bruce Willis to do this ad? Besides, Bruce Willis is an action star, why would you bring a star in a reasonably priced car commercial?

LOL at that ad where Bruce Willis said it wrong. "DAIMOTSU MIRO OOS!"

Mr. Willis, that's "Daihatsu Mira e:S". ミライース！

ちゃんと覚えるんだブルース。

The Enemy from Without...

2012 Daihatsu Move Custom

2012 Mazda Demio

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

So, the Daihatsu Mira e:S has arrived and claimed the title of being the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car today because of the record breaking 30.km/L in Japan's JC08 mode scale, meaning that's 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale, making it higher than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV's 30.km/L fuel economy and the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move's 27.0km/L.

Didn't realize that the records really put a slam in the fronts of the Daihatsu Move and the Mazda Demio because it the world of fuel efficiency, the higher the fuel economy, the better, but we're not talking about hybrid cars, we're talking about gasoline-fed cars. With today's gas prices, people are looking for fuel-efficient cars but they prefer more about gasoline-fed cars because that's the norm. Thanks to the fuel efficiency of the new Daihatsu Mira e:S, it seems that someone finally found their new partner on the road.

This is how you call it "The Enemy from Without" and no, we're not referring to something from an old video game called Incredible Crisis. We are referring about the arrival of the Daihatsu Mira e:S because of the fuel efficiency that puts the new Daihatsu Move and the Mazda Demio SKYACTIV to shame.

Daihatsu Mira e:S (LA300S/LA310S)

Last year, the arrival of the 2011 Daihatsu Move reigned as the world's most fuel efficient eco-car that has the reputation of TNP27 (27.0km/L in Japan's 10-15 Mode Cycle), but later in June 2011, it was dethroned by the 2012 Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV because the Demio SKYACTIV has a new P3-VPS engine that accumulates 30.0km/L in Japan's 10-15 Mode scale. Today, the Demio SKYACTIV's reign is over because a new eco-car steps in and its made by Daihatsu. This new eco car has the concept of "3rd Eco Car" (第3のエコカー) and it accumulates a record-high fuel economy 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 mode scale and 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale. Welcome to the 3rd Eco Car, the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S (ミライース).

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

The e:S naming in the Mira e:S was derived from the Daihatsu e:S Concept, as seen from the 2009 Motor Show and the concept of 3RD ECO CAR (第3のエコカー) can be somewhat unknown but in my unique guessing, I think this is the third Daihatsu to be equipped with the revolutionary Eco Idle system. The first was the 5th generation Daihatsu Move and the second was the Daihatsu Move Conte's minor change. The all new Daihatsu Mira e:S has no relation to the Daihatsu e:S Concept car because of its form and packaging. In fact, this can be somewhat an unexpected twist.

The exterior design can be somewhat shabby for a compact car and if you look at it, it looks like it was some kind of an everyday commuter car on an average province. Think of it as a poor man's Kia Morning but the new Mira e:S is focused to be more simple and practical. Up front, you can see a new badge which in fact it looks like some sort of a leaf but this is a symbol of being the most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car ever made by Daihatsu for Japan in mind. The side view can be somewhat similar to the Nissan March K13 and the rear view is somewhat too squishy and rather too blander. Is this the car or is it the design center's too underfunded?

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S interior

Forget about the underfunded exterior design, let's take peek at the interior of the Mira e:S. As I can see, there is a similar looking climate control system that was last seen at the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move and the center console is too similar from the second-generation Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo and if you stare closely at the instrumental, you can observe that everything is too digital, not analog. With such an odd-clustered cockpit, the Mira e:S can accommodate up to four adults and nothing's too special about the bland interior. Guess we should find a way to make it more reasonable inside the Mira e:S...

2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S

And now for the main course of the Mira e:S, its performance. The new Daihatsu Mira e:S is equipped with the special KF engine that accumulates 52PS/6800rpm of power output and 60Nm/5200rpm of torque output. It even comes with a CVT for optimized fuel economy and smooth driving. For the fuel economy, the Mira e:S can accumulate, and if you were sitting down, 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 Mode scale. That's 32.0km/L in 10-15 Mode scale, meaning that's superbly higher than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV and the TNP27 Daihatsu Move combined! What an incredible fuel economy record that makes it the world's most fuel efficient compact car ever made! That wouldn't be done without the help of the Eco Idle (Idle Stop and Go) system, newly developed i-EGR (ion controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (that applies the ion current combustion control, in which ions in the combustion chamber are used to identify the state of combustion, to EGR control), lighter bodywork, thermal management, and Eco power generation control (with regenerative braking functions). These new technology applied are called "e:S Technology" and it was made exclusively on the new Mira e:S.

The Mira e:S not only is fuel efficient, but it can be the safest eco car in mind thanks to the features such as Total Advanced Function (TAF) body, Safety-Oriented Friendly Interior, SRS airbags, optional ISOFIX child seat, Vehicle Stability Control, and Anti-lock Braking System.

The new Daihatsu Mira e:S comes in eight unique color variations such as Sky Blue, Shell Rose, Cotton Ivory, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, and White.

My comment:
As a fan of fuel-efficient vehicles, I am impressed to see that the all new Daihatsu Mira e:S dethroned both the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV and the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move combined! Imagine, 30.0km/L in Japan's JC08 mode cycle, that's somewhat extremely high enough to call it the world's most fuel efficient gasoline-fed car in the market today. Looks like a star is born from Daihatsu and I hope the all new Mira e:S can be proven to be the most successful eco-car made for those who are looking for fuel-efficient cars today because of continuous rise of gas prices today.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

LEAKED! The face of the Mira e:S (tentative)!

The face of the 2012 Daihatsu Mira e:S
was leaked via leaflet! IS THIS IT?

A certain Minkara blogger leaked the face of the upcoming Daihatsu Mira e:S (tentative), coming this Autumn 2011. That leaked leaflet shows a face similar to the latest Perodua MyVi/Daihatsu Sirion sold in Malaysia and Indonesia and it has a new emblem. We can see the inside but barely because a certain Minkara blogger snapped the photo of the face but don't worry.

To refresh your memory, check out the Daihatsu Mira e:S spyshots:

http://autoc-one.jp/daihatsu/report-795083/photo/

If these are correct, this could be the Daihatsu Mira e:S. Daihatsu claims that this is the "3rd Eco Car" and it features new energy saving technology (e:S Technology) that brings the fuel economy to a record-high 30km/L in a JC08 scale. We sure know that the car's fuel economy in the 10-15 Mode scale is higher than the Mazda Demio 13-SKYACTIV. Why? 32km/L. That's what counts.

Photo source: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/486018/blog/23606969/

It's pity that Daihatsu Mira Custom and Subaru Pleo Custom dropped their turbo variants!

2012 Daihatsu Mira Custom

2012 Subaru Pleo Custom

When Daihatsu reveals the next generation of fuel saving technology called "e:S Technology" that will soon be applied to a production version of the Daihatsu e:S concept car this Autumn 2011, there is bad news that the Daihatsu Mira Custom (and its Subaru version, the Pleo Custom) dropped their turbocharged RS variants in favor for all NA (Natural Aspiration) lineup for the 2012 Model Year.

Look closely at the specs;

1) http://www.subaru.jp/pleo/pleo/exinfo/spec1.html

2) http://www.daihatsu.co.jp/lineup/mira-mira_custom/pdf/spec.pdf

If you can see it clearly, there is no "Custom RS" on their lineup. What a shame. Wonder what if we react when both the Daihatsu Mira and the Subaru Pleo will reach its full model change soon...

Cocoa or Lapin?

Suzuki's Alto Lapin

and Daihatsu's Mira Cocoa

Both are JDM, both are kei cars, and both are targeted for the young and fashionable women. In my feminine side, I wonder which of these are the best?

CASE ONE:

The Suzuki Alto Lapin is a spin-off of the world-famous Suzuki Alto and it doesn't share the Alto's mainframe. This car was launched in 2002 and followed with a full model change in late 2008. There used to be a Mazda OEM of the Lapin, called the Spiano, but it was discontinued after the Lapin gained its second-generation. Two engine types are offered on the Lapin; a Natural Aspiration K6A engine and a Turbocharged K6A engine. Whoa! A turbocharged Lapin! Seems that someone would go for the Lapin rather than the Cocoa because of the turbo variant!

There is something cute about the Lapin, the interior... When you start the Lapin's engine, you will be greeted by some animated display on the Lapin's dashboard. How cute!

CASE TWO:

The Cocoa is a spin-off car from the Daihatsu Mira. Although it replaces the Mira Gino and the Move Latte, feminine side is always go first for the Mira Cocoa. Unlike the Lapin, the Cocoa is equipped with just only one engine, the KF-VE engine. No turbocharger included. On the bright side, this engine has more power output than the Lapin's Natural Aspiration K6A engine, but not quite fuel efficient than its rival even when both of them have CVT. There is one feature that the Lapin didn't have; the back monitor equipped on the Cocoa's room mirror.

For styling, I think I'll go for the Daihatsu Cocoa, but for performance-wise women, the Suzuki Lapin takes the bet. It depends on how Japanese women think about these two super-cute kei cars targeted for a certain young Japanese woman.

Subaru Pleo Mk.II

Rewind back to the date October 1998, and if you remember the kei car which is the successor to the Subaru Vivio, known as the Pleo, then how will you explain the outdated 11-year old kei car? Because of the outdated Pleo disappeared since December, and the partnership between Fuji Heavy Industries and Toyota Group, the Pleo name was reborn. Only this time, taken from the form of the seventh-generation Daihatsu Mira (known in other countries as the Cuore or Charade), which gives the newborn kei car some taste and flair suitable for the young, fashionable Japanese women.

Along with the recently launched, Daihatsu Tanto Exe-based Lucra, the new Pleo comes in two distinctive flavors: the regular Pleo targeted for the simple female drivers and the stylish Pleo Custom with the premium taste bold women wanted. The regular Pleo boasts overall cuteness that women always wanted to purchase this car for its looks. The Pleo Custom boasts overall karen-ness (Note: Karen is beautiful in Japanese) giving the term "a kei car with the look and feel of a luxury car" and customers love to buy this Custom variant for its sporty and luxurious features.

The interior of the new Pleo boasts overall comfort and luxury that only a kei car could take this comfort for granted. With the foldable rear seats, women can take advantage of this feature for placing several shopping bags after a long, stressful shopping trip to the mall. For the peace of mind, the new Pleo has a list of features such as the reinforced body, airbags, vehicle theft immobilizer, and anti-lock braking system. When performance is an issue, the new Pleo comes with either a KF-VE engine that delivers 58PS of power and the fuel economy of 21.0-24.5km/L or the KF-DET turbo engine that triggers 64PS of power and the fuel economy of 19.0km/L. It comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT, depending on the variant you are.

My thoughts about the Pleo:
When the original Pleo disappeared four months ago, it is not surprising that the Pleo will return, only this time, as an OEM of the Daihatsu Mira. Is it a Coincidence or just a truth? You might just figure it out when you step inside the new age Pleo, in regular and custom flavors. Try it and you will decide how the new Pleo affect its audience impact for its style, packaging, quality, and performance. With the partnership between Fuji Heavy Industries and Toyota Group, the Pleo was another one of the Subaru OEMs since the Toyota bB-Daihatsu Coo-based Dex, Atrai Wagon-based Dias Wagon, and the latest Daihatsu Tanto Exe-based Lucra.

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries

Daihatsu Mira Cocoa

The bold cute look of Daihatsu's newest member of the Mira line-up is finally here to sweeten up your way every day. Is it too sweet to tell what car is this? Well, look no further to the cutest Daihatsu in town, the Mira Cocoa.









It might seem to be cute as a hamster but comfortable like a sofa bed. The Mira Cocoa stands out the rest of other cute cars on the road. Wash your eyes and clean up the road before taking a gander to the Cocoa's adorable exterior. At first glance, it might be similar to the late Daihatsu compact car, known as the Move Latte. Look closely at the front view of the Cocoa; you will see that there is no Daihatsu badge on it. It has the trademark Cocoa logo on it. Much ado from the big C mark on it, the headlamps seem to be round as the morning sun. Aside from the retro styling of the Cocoa, you can check out the inside view of this adorable compact car; there goes the same Cocoa logo on the steering wheel and the front seats (as an option). Do not worry about the Cocoa's interior color because it comes in all forms that suit your personality or your affections toward that car.





It's time to say hello to the Cocoa's intense performance that stands out the crowd, like an ugly dog reign supreme as becoming "most beautiful" in the pet show. The Cocoa is powered with a 660cc KF-VE twin cam DVVT3 12 valve engine capable of releasing 58ps of power at the amazing fuel economy of 23.5km/L. It comes with a fuel efficient CVT to keep it long and running.

Aside from being the cutest Daihatsu in town, the Cocoa also has the best safety and security features that bring everyone a peace of mind. TAF (Total Advanced Function) reinforced body, SOFI (Safety-Oriented Friendly Interior), dual air bag, anti-lock braking system, key-free system (that is come equipped with a vehicle immobilizer), multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, security alarm, and a rear camera for added parking safety.

SHOW THEM WHAT ONE CUP OF COFFEE CAN DO!

I am very expected when a bunch of Japanese car enthusiasts cannot hold their breath a few weeks before the Cocoa launched on public. Now that the Cocoa is here on the public, you might consider it a fierce rival to Suzuki's Alto Lapin compact car. Honestly, this is the cutest car everyone would afford on, especially on Japan's eco-car tax breaks.