Daihatsu to unveil the Taft crossover concept at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon

MANILA: Daihatsu is ready to introduce its new compact crossover concept, the Daihatsu Taft along with a lineup of funky cars.

Daihatsu is gearing up for the Tokyo Auto Salon happening next month and one of the highlights of its display is the Taft concept. The Daihatsu Taft is not a new nameplate. First introduced in 1974, Taft was an acronym for 'Tall & Almighty Four-wheel Touring' vehicle as it was used to name a 4x4 SUV. Daihatsu is reviving the name and giving it a new meaning— 'Tall & Almighty Fun Tool' after it puts the nameplate on a kei crossover.

The new Taft concept is still a show car that is a more production-friendly version of the Waku Waku concept.

But without the hidden rear door handles, and orange highlights. But both sport a boxy design with a striking resemblance in terms of the aggressive geometric front façade, boxy black plastic fender flares, sporty headlights, and front fog lights at the bottom. The design and the color would also make you think it’s Jimny’s crossover cousin.

The Taft measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,630 mm in height—almost similar to the Suzuki Jimny with only a 95 mm height difference. Accordingly, it will be a 2WD vehicle powered by a 660cc naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines to comply with kei car regulations.

The kei concept can seat 4 passengers, driver included and will ride on 165/65R15 tires. There isn’t much detail about the interior cabin beside a promotional snapshot that features a wide sunroof that takes up most of the roof, a streamlined dashboard, multi-function steering wheel, a center infotainment console, and taking cues from the exterior, are rectangular AC vents.

The production version of the Daihatsu Taft is rumored to go on sale in Japan by mid-2020 and will go head to head with the likes of Suzuki Hustler.

Other vehicles on the Daihatsu lineup that the company will showcase are two new versions of the Tanto—one is a crossover-esque Cross Field, while the other is a premium variant with a massive grille.

There is also an upgraded GR Sport version of the new Rocky and Copen. Other interesting cars in their queue are two outlandishly modified Hijet vans and a Spider-Man themed Tanto Custom.

Also Read: Daihatsu Terios Custom launched at GIIAS