Have you ever seen an off-road vehicle like this? The owner of this Daihatsu Feroza seems to enjoy the outdoors more than the owners of the regular Feroza’s.
Archive for category News
Daihatsu launched today the third generation of its popular hatchback Sirion (AKA Boon). Although I still like the first generation better, this one seems to have a little more character than its predecessor.
Following specifications apply to Boon only (JDM). We should probably expect changes on the engine and transmission for different markets (especially for Europe).
Daihatsu and Toyota teamed up for the recreation of the Sirion/Boon/Passo, with all models now boasting higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions through the adoption of CVT and many other changes.
The new car will be available with either a 1.0-liter or a 1.3-liter engine. The 4-speed automatic transmission seems to be retired. All models (including 4WD versions) are now coming with a CVT transmission. The 1.0 liter uses the 1KR-FE that produces 69 PS (51kW) at 6,000rpm and 92Nm of torque at 3,600rpm.
K3-VE engine has been replaced with 1.3-liter 1NR-FE. The new engine has dual variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves. Its power output is 95 PS (70kW) at 6,000rpm and 121Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.
1KR-FE (1,000cc)’s fuel consumption is only 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
The new car’s wheelbase is 2,440mm. It suggests that the most of the platform has carried over since the old car’s wheelbase was exactly the same.
On January 27th, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it wishes to express its deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the earthquake that struck Haiti and its concerns for everyone in the devastated area.
Daihatsu decided to contribute 500.000 yen in aid, via the Japanese Red Cross Society, to assist earthquake relief efforts.
Daihatsu quits China!
Jan 11
More bad news: First, Australia, then UK and now China…
Daihatsu announced on January 7 that it had withdrawn from a 50-50 joint venture in China in partnership with China’s FAW Jilin Automobile.
The Japanese automaker has made this decision after it adjusted its sales strategy in the Chinese auto market. Daihatsu will sell all its shares in FAW Daihatsu (Jilin) Body Parts Co. Ltd. to FAW Jilin (an auto parts maker in China).
From January to December 2008, Daihatsu sold roughly over a million vehicles, with a growth of 4 percent from a year earlier. However, its sales and net profit had witnessed the first decline since 2002. Moreover, the Xenia, the only model that has been made in China in the form of technology transference, could hardly have a satisfactory sales performance.
In addition, in order to continue the technology licensing agreement, no changes will be made in the partnership between Daihatsu and FAW Jilin Auto with regard to the provision of parts and other activities.
The head of Daihatsu said that his company is not working with Toyota on a compact, low-cost car for emerging markets, denying persistent media reports of such a project.
But President Teruyuki Minoura, speaking at the launch of the new Tanto Exe microcar in Tokyo, said he saw a big role for Daihatsu to lead development of small and cheaper cars within the Toyota group.
Source: Reuters
According to the Car Dealer Magazine, it could be the end of the road for Daihatsu in the UK.
DAIHATSU’S future in the UK hangs in the balance tonight, Car Dealer Magazine is able to reveal.
News has reached the Car Dealer Magazine office that Daihatsu cars will no longer be brought into the country by importer IM Group.
Car Dealer Magazine has also heard that Daihatsu car dealers are being offered the sweetener of a Chinese car franchise by IM Group instead.
IM group operations director Paul Hegarty admitted to us that ‘IM Group continues to look at new opportunities, some of which are Chinese.’
We believe car dealers are being told they can choose to end their contract with IM Group as well.
‘We can’t bring any more cars into the country,’ a spokeswoman for Daihatsu told us, ‘because the exchange rate has made it not economically viable.
‘We are currently getting rid of stock in the dealer network – this is rapidly running out. Stock is quickly being exhausted.’
One car dealer confirmed it was indeed the exchange rate causing the problems. When they heard about it, they went out and bought 60 Daihatsu cars – they’re now down to their last 10.
There is some manoeuvring in the dealer network, but its’ now a matter of ‘wait and see’.
Axe for Daihatsu?
Interestingly, the Daihatsu spokeswoman added that ‘we are not saying that we will never bring the cars in ever again, but it is not viable at this time.’
Hegarty added that currency differences ‘prevents us from CURRENTLY ordering stock. When it changes, it is our intention to do so.
‘Daihatsu is still in the UK, but we are currently not ordering.’ Car dealers, he said, know the situation.
The spokeswoman admitted that this was a period of real uncertainty. ‘We understand that dealers are not very happy, and that this has left them in a period of limbo.
However, it seems that for the moment at least, it could be the end of the road for Daihatsu in the UK.
By James Baggott and Richard Aucock
The study, now in its seventh year, examines new-vehicle quality during the first two to six months of ownership. The study measures more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle categories vehicle exterior; driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/entertainment/navigation; seats; HVAC; vehicle interior; and engine/transmission. All problems are summarized as the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidences and higher performance.
Toyota Rush ranked highest in the entry SUV segment for a third consecutive year. Isuzu Panther and the Daihatsu Terios follow in the segment rankings.
Suzuki APV ranked highest in the entry MPV segment. Following in the segment rankings are the newly launched Daihatsu Luxio, and the Toyota Avanza.
The electric version of Daihatsu Cuore/Mira (EV) has traveled 555.6 kilometers from Tokyo to Osaka, setting a new world record for the distance covered by an electric car on a single charge.
The car was developed by the Japan Electric Vehicle Club, a Tokyo based citizens’ group promoting the widespread use of electric cars.
Powered by 360 kilograms (8,320 cells) of Sanyo Electric Co.’s lithium ion batteries, the Mira EV, which departed Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district at 3 a.m. on Nov. 17, took two breaks on the way and crossed the finish line at Osaka’s Nipponbashi district at 4:26 p.m. the same day.
The achievement smashed the world record of 501 kilometers held by a U.S. firm, and it will be listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
“I am so excited to complete the whole distance,” said driver Tateuchi Tadashi, an automotive critic and group representative.
Materia Turbo!
Nov 16
My expectation for seeing a production model turbo Materia has finally come true! I am expecting this car to go sale in other countries too but its sales is currently limited to South Africa only.
Materia Turbo sprints to 100km/h in just 8.9 seconds thanks to its 110kW (148.5 bhp) of power and 190Nm of torque. Despite this much power, it only consumes 7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. It has a top speed of 200km/h which is electronically limited.
Materia turbo features a 30mm ride height reduction courtesy of Eibach lowering springs.
Tinted glaseses and high performance brakes are included in the standard package. Momo steering wheel, 1000W amplifier powered CD-MP3 player with 6 speakers and limited-slip front differential are listed as optional extras.
The car is equipped with 205/40/17 tires and it could be bought with either one of the rims which can be seen at the photos.
Thanks to an IHI turbo (0.4 bar), an intercooler, a free-flow exhaust, a revised induction system and a performance chip, Daihatsu Materia Turbo promises long engine life along with performance and styling.
Here comes the biggest difference from its predecessor; YRV Turbo: This time, Daihatsu decided to make it manual drive.
