Daihatsu Tanto & Tanto Custom Test Drive Report

ReportDecember 15, 2021

The second generation Tanto, developed mainly under the Mama Kids Project

The Tanto, which was introduced in the fall of 2003, is a tall wagon-style mini-car with a lot of space, as its name suggests. Until then, the mainstream of light cars that were just barely large enough to meet the standards were those that emphasized loading capacity, and the company's Move was considered to be the perfect size for daily use as a passenger car.

However, when the Tanto made its debut, it was accepted by the public for its vast living space, bright interior, and excellent packaging, and achieved monthly sales of 8,000 units, far exceeding the manufacturer's expectations. It is no exaggeration to say that the Tanto was a revolutionary child that opened up a new genre of minicars.

In bringing out the second generation of the Tanto, Daihatsu focused on mothers and children. The name of the project was "Mama Kids Project". In other words, by paying close attention to the behavioral patterns and tactile sensations of mothers raising children, Daihatsu was able to create a car that was not only user-friendly and comfortable, but also had attractive functionality.

Pioneering packaging for the new Tanto

There are two main types of styling. One is the new Tanto with a friendly face and a full range of basic equipment. The other is the new Tanto Custom, which has a stately appearance and is equipped with advanced features. Compared to the previous generation, which was flat with its intonation, the new Tanto Custom has a more solid feel and a higher quality overall. Also, for younger customers who prefer darker colors, a new body color using iridescent paints has been introduced.

In the interior, the "Miracle Space," the largest in the minicar range, the "Miracle Open Door" on the left side of the body, and the "Miracle Utility," designed for the convenience of mothers and children, create an impressive space that goes beyond "surprisingly spacious.

The biggest topic of all is the center pillar-less sliding door, the first of its kind in a minicar. It is a low-floor vehicle, and the interior is high enough to allow a child in the early grades of elementary school to change clothes while standing. However, partly due to the center pillar-less design, the door feels heavier when you get in. It is said that the weight increase of 60 to 80 kg was unavoidable to ensure rigidity, but the metal material used is fundamentally different. But think about it. But think about it, a mother with a child in her arms and shopping bags hanging from her should be able to access the car without any stress, which would be a great relief.

There is also a new wooden floor, and a retractable box in the ceiling of the rear seat for storing diapers and other small items. The construction of the details is also superbly done, and this kind of attention to detail gives the second generation a new sense of spaciousness.

Focusing on the performance and fuel efficiency of the turbo x CVT

As for the powertrain, in addition to the NA engine with stable torque at low and medium speeds and either a CVT or 4-speed AT, the new Custom RS is available with a turbocharged engine and CVT.

On a steep uphill slope with three adults in the car, the NA engine was a bit sluggish at times, but the engine responded directly from the start and the ride was comfortable, allowing us to enjoy a relaxing drive.

Cute on the outside, great on the inside!

Thus, the new Tanto has three miracles in its hands. It must have cost a lot of money just to have such extensive improvements and to have different mechanisms on one side of the body. We are very happy to see that the price has been kept unchanged.

The direction of the new Tanto and the new Tanto Custom has been well differentiated to meet the needs of both the family-oriented and the high quality, sporty and cool targets.

The center pillar-less design makes it easy to get in and out of the car, and the view of the outside world jumps into your eyes while driving. The many easy-to-use features that support the daily lives of mothers and children make everyday things more enjoyable.

The accumulation of these elements is what makes the new Tanto an even more attractive model. My honest impression of the new Tanto is that it has no shortage of features, even without the framework of mini cars and regular cars.

Buy now!