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Daihatsu Charade

All clued up

There's no need to play Give Us a Clue when it comes to making up your mind about Daihatsu's new Charade. Although the model won't be on sale in the UK until July, Auto Express has driven it first - and we can deliver our verdict now.

By J

April 2003

There's no need to play Give Us a Clue when it comes to making up your mind about Daihatsu's new Charade. Although the model won't be on sale in the UK until July, Auto Express has driven it first - and we can deliver our verdict now.

Priced from around ΂£7,000, the Charade will be one of Britain's cheapest cars, and feature a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine which offers economy of 60mpg and a useful 58bhp. The Daihatsu is most at home in the city, where its narrow track and upright driving position make for good visibility and manoeuvrability. Headroom in the front-wheel-drive supermini is generous, although it feels a little cramped across the shoulders. Fully laden, the three-door struggles to carry more than four adults, but stowage space is more generous, and the 30/70 spilt-fold rear seat gives genuine versatility. The system is not as clever as Honda's seating in the Jazz, but at least it folds flat.

On the road, the steering is direct, and light to touch, the suspension firm, and the ride quite hard. The engine is well insulated from the cabin, too. While its distinctive beat is easy to hear, the noise never becomes invasive. At low speeds, the light, agile Daihatsu proves great fun to drive. However, it's not such good news on the motorway. With a maximum speed of 100mph, the car is strained at cruising speeds, despite its well built five-speed gearbox. It's capable of covering long distances, but every mile feels like hard work.

That said, the costs of running the Charade are undeniably low. And build quality is good, too; despite some thin plastics and cheap-feeling fabric, you get the impression that the car will prove fairly durable. The Daihatsu is also pretty stylish. Our vibrant blue model certainly turned heads; other colours include lime green and yellow, so exhibitionists are well catered for. In all, it looks an interesting addition to the class.

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FIRST OPINION

    Expected to cost £7,000 when it goes on sale in July, the new Charade will be pitched into a furious battle in the budget market. However, it should perform well. The car is excellent value, practical, economical and well built. It struggles on the open road, but it's great fun to drive in town. We can't wait to try it in the UK.
 

AT A GLANCE

    One of Britain's cheapest cars
    Practical and versatile interior offers a split-fold rear seat
     
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