The Tokyo Auto Salon has been canceled for 2021 since of — you guessed it, COVID-19 — but that hasn’t stopped Japan’s carmakers from setting up some wild principles for the function. To start with to expose their lineup is Daihatsu, who delivers a five-pack of whimsical kei cars and trucks to the social gathering.
For driving fans, maybe the most powerful is the Copen Spyder Ver. The most noteworthy issue about the regular Daihatsu Copen is the actuality it utilizes a spaceframe structure that lets you easily swap out physique panels to make distinctive appears to be and colors for your compact roadster. This look mixes the retro glimpse of the Copen Cero with a speedster-fashion 50 %-windshield, headrest fairings, and Volk Racing TE37 wheels.
On the other hand, it is not the only race-themed kei motor vehicle here. The Hijet Sporza Ver. requires the similar speedster thought and applies it to an if not mundane shipping and delivery van. It gets a chopped roof, 50 %-windshield, and headrest nacelles much too. But, Daihatsu also retains a feeling of humor about the van. The kanji on the doorway suggests “Laguna Fruits and Vegetables,” a reference to Laguna Seca Raceway and the reality that these sorts of trucks are most normally seen on the farms of rural Japan.
Overlanding has been the hot matter at current SEMA exhibits, so it only can make perception that Daihatsu would capitalize on the craze with a Hijet Jumbo Camper Ver. The retro layout is a tribute to the next-technology Hijet, but upgraded with LED lights, a safari rack, and bed cover.
Who’s the boxy SUV that’s a hit with all the outdoorsy lifestyle millennials? Taft. Who’s the Daihatsu mini-crossover outfitted with rugged off-road tires? The Taft Crossfield Ver., you’re damn suitable. Who’s the kei car or truck with a safari rack, light-weight bar, winch and restoration details? You know I am talkin’ about Taft. Apologies to Issac Hayes.
Last of all, the Daihatsu Thor Premium Ver. D-Sport is a much more classic personalized. Based on the Thor kei car, it gets blingy wheels, a roof spoiler, suspension task, and a snazzy aero kit. It likely doesn’t get significantly in the functionality division owing to the kei class’s horsepower limits to 63 horsepower, but its superb room maximization and vaguely VIP-ish glimpse would support you cruise crowded towns in comfort and ease and design and style.
It is not crystal clear when the general public will be capable to see these vehicles in person but Daihatsu strategies to exhibit them at the Digital Car Salon in early January.