Although it has a different name, Daihatsu’s newest and smallest offering is really a further development of the Cuore. The name Charade was formerly applied to the larger hatchback, which made its exit three years ago to allow the 1.3 Sirion to take centre-stage as Daihatsu’s supermini contender.
The clever thing about this latest Charade/née Cuore, is that, although truly diminutive outside (and therefore ridiculously easy to park, aided by one of the best turning circles we’ve measured), it has ample room for four full-sized adults inside. The only snag is that there will only be enough room for shopping bags or a small dog behind them. If, on the other hand, it’s three only, the 60/40 split (and nicely carpeted) backrest flops forward, to find more room for impedimenta; and if there’s just two, they can go on holiday.
Yes, really; this so-called city car is great out on the open road, cruising effortlessly near the legal limit, or cutting a surprising dash through the gears when overtaking. The willing three-pot motor thrashes and growls a bit around 4500rpm when stretched through the lower gears, but surprisingly long gearing means that it never gets near such offensiveness when cruising. Around city streets, the Charade ambles amiably down to 1500rpm before saying, “please change down”, and most unhampered left turns can be taken in third.
OK, so it’s not ultimately as smooth as a four-cylinder job (or the three-cylinder VW), but one is compensated handsomely by its fuel economy, which, by any judgement, is remarkable. Remember, too, that our 57.5mpg overall was easily raised, on test, to the mid-60s on long steady runs, and that, at current pump prices, a diesel car has to achieve 2mpg better, to break even on fuel costs.
Our only significant criticism of the driving position is that the seat could do with more lumbar support. The displays and minor controls have been tidied up – the rear wash/wipe is now incorporated in the right stalk, for example. Ninety-degree door opening can be useful, but reaching out to pull the doors shut can be a problem – in fact, there are no proper door armrests, either.
This Charade, whether you opt for the bargain-basement three-door or our top version (with five doors, alloy wheels, air-con and four airbags), is cheaper than the previous Cuore thus equipped – or any rival, come to that. Remember that avoiding individual optional extras is better for the trade-in price – so this fully kitted SL is excellent value.
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LIKES ...
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- facia still hard plastic, but looks and fits better
- radio works well - if you persevere with tiny buttons
- foglamp/rear wiper now integrated into stalks
- low window lines - good all-round view
- rear head restraints push down out of view
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and GRIPES
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- no volume control for facia vents or face/screen appointment
- tailgate trim and closure cheap and nasty
- door oddments cubbier too slit-like
- pessimistic fuel gauge, with no low-level lamp
- disappointing Group 5 insurance
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VERDICT
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Clearly, any cost-conscious small car isn’t going to be the last word in comfort, mechanical refinement or performance. What this latest Charade achieves in these aspects is more than acceptable, however, when you take on board where it excels.
It is, quite simply, the most frugal petrol car we’ve yet tested in real-life conditions; yet it has a fair turn of speed and accommodation for grown-ups, without having to make any apologies. It’s nicely screwed together and the relatively straightforward technology under the bonnet add up to truly low-cost motoring – and not just at the pumps.
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Car Test
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