Daihatsu Charade (1987 - 2000) : WELL-KEPT SECRET

Friday October 20

Models Covered: First generation Charade - 1987-1993 (1.0 and 1.3 petrol and 1.0 turbo diesel three and five-door hatchbacks [CX, GTti, CXi, GXi ] ). Second generation Charade 1993-to date (1.3 and 1.5 petrol three and five-door hatchbacks and four-door saloons [GSe 16V, GXi, Xi, LXi, LXi SE, GLXi, GLXi SE, GTi, GSXi])

BY CLAIRE EVANS

If youre shopping for a secondhand supermini, you probably havent considered Daihatsus Charade. Like most small car buyers, youve probably set your sights on a mainstream model such as a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa. However, if your priorities are quality and value for money, a Daihatsu Charade might be worth tracking down. The Charade started life as a rather uninspiring looking hatchback (offered in three and five-door form) with lacklustre 1.

0 and 1.3-litre engines. These were replaced in 1993 by altogether more modern machines. This expanded range included 1.

3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre hatchbacks and a 1.5-litre saloon.

They were better equipped and offered buyers greater value for money. Though now almost completely replaced by the smaller one-litre Sirion, the Charade remains an affordable supermini alternative and makes sense as a good second-hand buy.

As already mentioned, equipment levels are better than average. Standard features of the revised 1993-on cars include a rear wash/wipe, a heated rear window and a removable stereo. All have side impact beams in the doors for added safety. (A drivers airbag became a cost option in 1996 and standard on later cars while the latest LXi SE has a passenger bag as well.

) Further up the scale, the 1.3 LXi five-door comes with power steering, electric mirrors and a rev counter. Move up to the GLXi and Daihatsu has added electric windows and central locking as well as extra speakers for the stereo.

Prices for the earliest 90G Charades start very low and you can bag a 1993K 1.3 CXi for £,400. Our money would go on the new 1.3-litre Charade, though.

Prices for these start only slightly higher at £600 for a 1994L GSe. A mid-range LXi that was first registered in 1995 should cost around £700. If you prefer the nearly new option, expect to pay between £1,400 and £1,600 for a 2000V model of either the 1.3 hatch or the 1.

5 saloon.

Rust can be a problem on older models, as can worn engines, particularly on the complex GTti version, which wed advise buying only with a full service history. There are far less worries on post-93 cars which have proved generally reliable and durable.

(Approx for a 1.3-litre 1993 model excl VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £130 and brake pads for the front and rear are around £40. An alternator should be close to £200 and a radiator around £110. A replacement headlamp is close to £100, a full exhaust system excluding the catalyst will be around £190, and a starter motor can be up to £170.

Under the bonnet of the last generation of hatchbacks theres a choice between 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6-litre power.

However, youre far more likely to end up behind the wheel of one of the most popular mid-range 1.3 cars. This is no hardship though, as it is one of the most refined engines in its class. Indeed, tests showed that the Charade's interior noise levels at 50mph are equal to those of Nissan Micra at just 30mph. The other emphasis with these powerplants is fuel economy: the LXi model, for example, is capable of over 60 miles to the gallon. Around town, it can average 43mpg. Fuel economy was even a priority on the automatic version, which uses a sophisticated electronically-controlled four-speed system codenamed `ESAT`. Left in `auto` mode, the computer selects gear change points to maximise fuel efficiency. Should you need swift acceleration, though, simply plant your foot hard down on the throttle and the transmission switches to `power` mode.

Often overlooked and under-rated, the Charade is a capable and durable supermini that is certain to appeal to anyone buying a secondhand car with their head as well as their heart.