With 137,000 units sold in 2018 alone, the Daihatsu Tanto kei car series remains quite a hit in Japan. No wonder the company wants to bolster the sales even more by advancing it a generation.
Due to the company’s strict internal regulations, the new generation is virtually identical to the previous one as far as body dimensions are concerned. It is 3,395 millimeters (11.14 ft.) long and 1,475 mm (4.9 ft.) wide with 2,460 mm (8.07) of wheelbase. The exterior design is also standard fare, although you may now opt for the sported-up Tanto Custom version if you want more individuality and character.
The main feature of the new car comes in the form of an enormous left doorframe, which should make transporting bulky items a breeze. The front passenger seat can be moved forward or backwards in the 380-millimeter (15-inch) range, and the driver seat beats even that number with 540 mm (21.25 inches) of longitudinal adjustment.
The 2019 Daihatsu Tanto uses the new DNGA platform, which is essentially a derivative from Toyota’s TNGA architecture. The new platform makes it weigh 40 kilograms (88 pounds) less than its predecessor, despite such added features as the automatic emergency brake, parking assist, and adaptive cruise control systems.
The engine palette is represented by two revised KF 0.66-liter three-cylinders. One of these produces 52 hp (39 kW) along with 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque, while the other one pumps out 64 hp (48 kW) alongside 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) of torque. For the first time on record, both are available with a D-CVT transmission option. More specifically, the kei car only uses the CVT box for smooth acceleration until it hits 60 kilometers per hour (37 mph). After that, it automatically slips into overdrive gear to minimize fuel consumption. Oh, and you can choose between FWD and AWD.
The sales have already begun in Japan, with prices ranging from U.S. $11,000 to $19,000.