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

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...

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