This is a ‘kei’ car – that is, one whose engine size, power and physical proportions are restricted and whose owners are rewarded with tax breaks and a favourable parking regime.
The D-Base fits the bill by being just 3.4 metres long and packing a mere 660cc under the bonnet. It returns 94.1mpg – and is expected to go on sale next year.
The concept is also said to illustrate the appearance of the next Daihatsu Mira – the car that used to be called the Charade in the UK. With kei cars making up almost 40% of the domestic market in Japan, both will be critical to Daihatsu’s future success.
