Daihatsu unveils its muddy marvel

Here’s one show car that isn’t afraid to get its wheels dirty! Take a look at the Daihatsu Mud Master-C, which will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The off-road truck, which looks like a futuristic cross between a Bedford Rascal and Land Rover Defender, is designed to tackle just about any surface. It combines part-time four-wheel drive and a rugged low-ratio gearbox with the load capacity of a light commercial vehicle.

Its chunky design has minimal front and rear overhangs, while power is from a 660cc three-cylinder engine. The show car is kitted out as a rescue vehicle, complete with a portable generator and small crane on the back.

Daihatsu will also display its Open Future Concept, or OFC-1, at Tokyo. It debuted at last month’s Frankfurt expo and previews the look of the next Copen. And the Heart and Smile Concept or HSC, will join the two-seater at the event. The 660cc city car’s aerodynamic styling and stop-start technology help to boost fuel economy to a claimed 69mpg.