Daihatsu Charade

Daihatsu Charade 2006

The Daihatsu Charade has arguably the world's most efficient 1.0 litre petrol engine with an unrivalled fuel economy, exhaust emission and performance combination.

All its city car rivals are substantially slower, failing to remotely match the Daihatsu Charade manual's 99.4 mph top speed or automatic's 93.1 mph maximum - and with much higher CO2 exhaust emissions.

The Daihatsu Charade manual's emissions of 114 g/km qualifies the owner for the lowest possible Road Fund Licence charge of £70 for 12 months (AA band up to 120 g/km).
Not to be outdone, the Daihatsu Charade automatic is also a class-leader with Urban/Extra Urban and Combined fuel economy figures of 38.7/55.4 and 47.9 mpg. Its CO2 exhaust emissions are an ultra-low 140 g/km. Naturally, the new car complies with Euro4 emission standards.

As for acceleration, the new Charade is also in a class of its own with 0-62 mph times of 12.2 seconds for the manual and 15 seconds for the automatic. To put this into context, the manual's figures precisely match the 1.4 litre 75 PS Peugeot 206.

Three Cylinder, Twin-Cam With Dynamic Variable Valve Timing
Daihatsu has long experience in the art of producing efficient small-capacity three cylinder engines which are currently offered on both the smaller Cuore and larger Sirion. A three-cylinder unit gives greater torque than a four with reduced internal friction - both ideal for maximising flexibility and efficiency.

The Daihatsu Charade's in-line 989 cc engine has a bore and stroke of 72 x 81 mm, a 10:1 compression ratio and features both twin-overhead camshafts with 12 valves and Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT).

New features for the Charade include a resin port intake manifold and a head cover incorporating an air-cleaner case. Both reduce weight and strengthen torque in the most frequently used rev-range. Maximum power is 58.5 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque of 67.1 lb ft at 4,000 rpm.

Improved Transmission
Compared to the Cuore and Sirion, the new Daihatsu Charade has an improved five-speed manual transmission with a more precise, linear and direct shift feel.

Fourth and fifth gears pull a relatively high 17.8 and 21.7 mph per 1,000 rpm which reduces engine speed and therefore noise. The automatic transmission is a new 4-speed unit.

European Feel For Suspension
Daihatsu benchmarked the larger Renault Clio for ride and refinement, with extensive development work being undertaken on European roads.

The front suspension is by conventional MacPherson struts with coil springs and a new 'L' shaped lower arm which gives more precise control of wheel movement.

Standard High-Tech Power-Steering
The Daihatsu Charade's standard power steering uses the latest technology to provide optimum feel, quick responses and reduced fuel consumption.

Instead of relying on an engine-driven pump, the new speed-sensitive electric power steering comprises a torque sensor, computer and assist motor which barely require any energy to operate.

'Best-In-Class' Braking Performance
As for braking performance, Daihatsu aims to provide 'best-in-class' stopping distances partly thanks to the excellent anti-dive characteristics of the front suspension.

The Daihatsu Charade is fitted with solid front disc and rear drum brakes operated by an 8 ins servo unit. The anti-lock-braking system incorporated EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution). This optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage.

'Best-In-Class' Refinement
Daihatsu again used the Renault Clio as its benchmark for NVH with the aim of being not only best in the city car class but also among superminis.

Special attention was placed on engine boom, idling shake, running vibration and wind noise - all areas which can contribute to a small car becoming tiring on a long journey.
The Charade's sector-leading aerodynamics of 0.31 Cd not only improves fuel economy and provides a higher top speed - it also makes the car quieter.

Top-Level Safety Performance
Top-level safety performance is promised for the Daihatsu Charade with previously unheard of levels of passenger and pedestrian protection for such a small car.

Designed to offer 'best-in-class' protection in 'real-world' accidents, the new Daihatsu Charade has a straight front side member with its end height at the same level as, for example a Toyota Corolla, Avensis or Lexus. Its car-to-car collision performance was designed around these considerably larger cars.

Other passive safety features include side-impact protection door beams, driver and passenger airbags plus the availability of side airbags. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable and feature both force-limiters and pre-tensioners. Both front and rear seats have adjustable head restraints.

The new Charade features Daihatsu's impact-sensing release system. During a collision it unlocks the doors and turns on the interior light and hazard warning lights to enable easier escape or rescue.

Pedestrian safety is also well catered for. The engine compartment has been designed to allow it to more effectively absorb crash energy and the front windscreen wiper pivots and bonnet hinges have shock-absorbing spaces for the same purpose.

The full Daihatsu Charade line-up together with prices will be announced in May prior to the range going on sale.

However, the available equipment includes: ABS with EBD, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, radio/CD player, driver, passenger and side airbags, speed-sensitive electric power-steering, electric windows and door mirrors, central locking, height-adjustable steering wheel and front seat-belts, rev-counter, rear wash/wipe, split-folding rear seat with adjustable head-restraints, two-tone cloth seat trim, cloth-covered door inserts and fully-trimmed load compartment with removable cover.