Daihatsu Charade Range
Daihatsus Charade was the small car that really put its brand on the map here in Britain. We thought wed seen the last of it when newer Sirion and YRV models elbowed the original version aside at the turn of the century but no. The latest generation version were looking at here is still apparently needed by Daihatsu and has an important job to do in offering compact car buyers yet more choice.
Unlike its predecessor, this Charade is a tiny Citycar rather than a Supermini. The franchise is well used to producing city runabouts. Its previous offering - the Cuore - competed ineffectually against the likes of Fords Ka but this car has proved to be much more of a threat. Whats confusing is that the Charade actually offers a longer wheelbase than Daihatsus larger Sirion Supermini.
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Daihatsu attributes this to a combination of a class-leading aerodynamic body and the fact that the car weighs next to nothing. The 58 horsepower available can punt the Charade to 60mph in 12 seconds and on to a top speed that knocks on the door of 100mph. An automatic version is available, but can only really be recommended if you plan to use it as a second urban scoot. Fuel economy is a beneficiary of the low weight/low drag approach.
An outstanding fuel return of 58.9mpg makes the Charade amongst the most economical cars its possible to buy in the UK and the 114g/km emissions figure also takes some beating.
"The Charade is billed as the most economical petrol engined four-seater on sale in the UK"
Recent enhancements include air-conditioning as standard equipment, new interior trim and front seats that have been lengthened by 30 mm for improved support. Also new is the front grille and bumper, while the suspension has been thoroughly revised with a front anti-roll bar and retuned dampers to reduce body roll and sharpen handling. To further improve the Charades strong braking performance, the front discs are now ventilated. Otherwise, its as you were.
The engine features Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) to provide even stronger low-speed pulling power, resulting in fewer gearchanges, yet also manages to increase top end power. Other innovations include a resin port intake manifold and a head cover incorporating an air-cleaner casing. Both serve to reduce weight and beef up torque in the lower and mid ranges. Anybody who drove the old sporty Daihatsu Sirion Rally cant fail to have been impressed by the meaty feel of the gearchange, and the Charade adopts the same materials used in the bushings and the same springs to give a similarly substantial feel to the manual shifter.
Likewise, the speed-sensitive power steering also offers plenty of feel once the cars rolling, being feather light for parking manoeuvres. The firm feel to the steering and gearbox, the surprising refinement and the abundance of room in the cabin all serve to give the impression that the Charade is operating in a class above its citycar station. Its not, of course, and one benefit of its light weight comes when you press the brakes. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are fitted as standard, a system that takes into account the distribution of passengers and luggage to optimise the braking forces.
Prices start at £6,460 and include twin front airbags, 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.
Fire the word Charade into a thesaurus and itll come back with synonyms such as farce, sham, and travesty hardly the image many would want to project. Most will instead associate it with a genteel parlour game. Its a car that really does go that extra mile to please. Take the front seat height of 480mm, set to closely match most peoples hip height to ease entry and exit (although whether these people were Japanese or British is not clear).
Then there are doors that 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. The Daihatsu Charade remains a bit of a find in the citycar sector. Well equipped, astonishingly economical and even fun to drive, its hard to see a downside.
If youre looking for a citycar runabout, this model probably wont be on your shopping list. But it should be.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Daihatsu Charade range
PRICES: £6,460 - £7,715 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 114g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12s / Max Speed 99.4mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 47.1mpg / (extra urban) 68.9mpg / (combined) 58.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE? Length/Width/Height mm 3410/1500/1475
