Daihatsu Charade : NO MORE GAMES

Daihatsu Have Gone For The City Car Sectors Jugular With Their Latest Charade. Vanessa Hinkley Comes Away Impressed

I suppose it betrays my age and suburban television habits somewhat, but whenever I see a Daihatsu Charade, I cant help but think of Lionel Blair frantically mugging, gurning and prancing about in Give Us A Clue, the televised charades game of yore. While this may have been a successful formula for cheap television, for many years Daihatsu couldnt buy a clue when it came to cracking the UK cheap car market. Their wares were just too weird, too frumpy and just too Japanese. Their latest range of cars is a good deal more dynamic and the latest Charade looks set to be the most successful to date.

Many have raved over its value proposition, its competitive equipment levels and the fact that it is genuinely good fun to drive. When I first took a good walk around the car I was greeted with an unobtrusively styled city tot that looked very much like a shrunken Honda Jazz. If youre looking to make a definitive fashion statement, the Charade isnt going to appeal, but as a neat, modern city car it looks the part. I certainly wouldnt object.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

Daihatsu have succeeded in stuffing a good deal of equipment into the Charade but have kept it looking very low key. The EL and SL trim levels on the Charade provide a decent haul with the SL adding alloy wheels and air-conditioning to the ELs ABS, twin front airbags, CD player and central locking. Other safety features include twin airbags (with side bags on the SL), height adjustable seat belts that feature force limiters and pretensioners, side impact bars and Daihatsus impact-sensing release system. During a collision, this unlocks the doors, illuminates the interior lights and activates the hazard warning lights.

Pedestrian safety hasnt been ignored either, and the engine compartment has been designed to allow it to absorb energy, the windscreen wiper pivots and bonnet hinges both being designed with shock absorbing spaces behind them. The Charade must also be applauded for upholding the tradition of wacky Japanese translations. Its a car that really does go that extra mile to please. Every time you turn the ignition on, the instrument display reads "HELLO, HAPPY" which brings to mind the film Happy Gilmore which features a golfer prone to fits of irrational violence. When you switch off, the display flashes up "SEE YOU GOODBYE." How sweet. A great deal of thought has gone into making the Charade as user-friendly as possible. The front seat height of 480mm is said to closely match most peoples hip height to ease entry and exit although whether these people were Japanese or British is not clear. The doors open at right angles to the car, making entry and exit easy for those laden down with shopping or those who arent as agile as they once were.

The height adjustable steering wheel and front seatbelts also ensure a comfortable driving position.

A great deal of thought has gone into making the Charade as user-friendly as possible. The front seat height of 480mm is said to closely match most peoples hip height to ease entry and exit although whether these people were Japanese or British is not clear. The doors open at right angles to the car, making entry and exit easy for those laden down with shopping or those who arent as agile as they once were. The height adjustable steering wheel and front seatbelts also ensure a comfortable driving position.

Urban handling is very well resolved, especially as power steering is standard across the range. Parking is a cinch though you wonder if you should bother, or just stow the car away in your bag until needed again later!

This is where the Charade really scores. The 3-door EL model costs a scarcely believable Ł5,995 and the 5-door only SL will only command Ł6,995 of your folding. When compared to rather tired opposition such as the Citroen Saxo, the Peugeot 106 and, dare we say, even Fords Ka, the Charade looks as if its of a whole new generation.

At these prices, I expect Id quite happily be able to live with two or three. There arent that many bargains in the UK car market but this is one of them. Buy now before Daihatsu realise theyve committed a howler with their pricing policy.