Model: Daihatsu Charade Turbo 0 to 100 km/h: 10,52 seconds Top speed: 159 km/hFuel index: 5,70 L/100 km (at 100 km/h) Price: R9 995 CAR test: January 1985 plus one other
Founded in 1907 by Hatsudoki Seizo as an engine manufacturer, Daihatsu is Japan’s oldest motor company. Vehicle production began in 1960 in the Osaka region and the company specialised in diesel mini trucks before branching out to cars; the first, a 1,0-litre, four-cylinder sedan called the Compagno Berlina. Early Charades even competed in the Monte Carlo Rally and East African Safari in 1981 and 1982, respectively. In 1983, the Alfa Romeo factory in Brits took on a project that introduced the Daihatsu name to the South African passenger car market.
PACKAGING
Despite its diminutive frame, the Charade’s neat packaging gave it a spacious interior with seating for five adults. The boot accommodated 170 litres of packing space with folding rear seats freeing up 740 litres of utility space. Instrumentation is spartan; the Turbo substitutes a boost pressure gauge with a green light that merely tells you there is some boost occurring, which is wonderfully quaint. If it’s an old-school turbo-petrol with full-blown instrumentation that blows your hair back, rather look at the Uno Turbo.
POWERTRAIN
This story is from the October 2021 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of CAR.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RED-LETTER DAY
After a 50-year absence, there could be no better way to celebrate the centenary of the world's greatest endurance race, than victory by one of the most revered names in racing
Citroën C3 Feel 1,2 manual
There's a lot to like about the new, India-sourced Citroën C3 package, not least its compelling price point
Silk road
Two brands debuting in South Africa also happen to compete in the same segment. Here's our verdict on the new Omoda 5 and BAIC Beijing X55
GWM P Series 2,0 LTD 4X4 Auto
On the back of impressive market inroads for this budget-friendly double-cab, GWM has upped the ante by introducing a more rugged P-Series LTD derivative. Can its competence match its stronger presence?
Boardroom brawl
One of performance motoring's favourite inter-brand battles is back. But step aside, Merc C63 and BMW M3, it's time for the middleweights to spar
ΚΟΜΒΙ COMRADES
Car collectors Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen let us in on what makes their friendship so special
If it ain't broke...
Subaru's updates to its popular raised-ride-height XV include a new name. Meet the Crosstrek
Defenders, assemble
The already comprehensive Land Rover Defender range has welcomed a new eight-seater 130 edition
Wicked viking
With 300 kW on tap and a trendy sloped-roof design, the Volvo C40 takes the fight to its German EV rivals - and then some
LIFTED LAMBO
The Bolognese Raging Bull has unleashed arguably the wildest take yet on its mid-engined V10 supercar: the rugged-looking Huracán Sterrato