Daihatsu Tanto Test Drive Report / Koichiro Okamoto

ReportDecember 16, 2021

Equipped with a new engine, the difference in fuel efficiency between the Tanto and the previous model is really a 20% increase!

The first generation Tanto debuted in the fall of 2003. At the time, I had the impression that mini cars had finally come this far, and I thought it was a special car.

After that, it quickly became one of the top-selling cars in the market, and changed the power chart to the point where it was called alongside the Wagon R and the Move.

In December 2007, the second generation of the car was launched with the "Miracle Open Door" in addition to its overwhelming spaciousness. The popularity of the Tanto became even more decisive, and in 2010, it often surpassed the champion Wagon R to become the number one selling car per month.

Since then, the Tanto has undergone a series of improvements and minor changes, and in November 2011, five years after the launch of the current model, the Tanto underwent a partial facelift to adopt the new engine, new eco IDLE, eco power generation control, and other features of the fuel-efficient e:S technology used in the Mirais. The 2WD model achieves a fuel efficiency of 24.8km/L under the JC08 mode (27km/L under the 10-15 mode) and the 4WD model achieves 24km/L under the JC08 mode (26km/L under the 10-15 mode). This is a 20% improvement over the 22.5km/L (10-15 mode) of the conventional 2WD model.

The combination of the new engine, which is said to have improved combustion efficiency and reduced energy loss, and the CVT, which is said to have reduced mechanical loss and improved power transmission efficiency, makes a clear difference in acceleration performance when you drive it. When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal, the increase in engine speed is much sharper and the instantaneous power is improved.

Even in the mid to high RPM range, the engine now blows up with a more relaxed feeling, and mid-range acceleration seems to be much faster. I can almost hear Daihatsu's voice saying, "You can't say it's not powerful anymore. It's amazing how much faster the car is now, and how much more fuel efficient it is.

The engine stops when the speed is below 7km/h!

I was also impressed by the idling stop system. If the conditions are right, the engine will stop when the speed drops below 7km/h, even if the vehicle does not come to a complete stop.

This "new eco IDLE" actually stops the car quite frequently. It is also good that the vibration during stop-and-go is kept relatively low.

In addition, the system also performs eco power generation control (regeneration of deceleration energy). If you increase the efficiency of this function too much, you may feel uncomfortable with the braking feel, but this partially improved Tanto is not unpleasant at all. In general, I could feel that both the evolution of the powertrain and the energy management were working well to improve the drivability.

The current Tanto is only available with a naturally-aspirated engine, but at first, the Custom was available for the standard Tanto as well as the Custom, and I felt that the Tanto, which weighed over 900 kg, could only be driven properly with a turbo.

In the second generation, however, the turbo was only available on the Custom. I was afraid that the standard Tanto would not be able to drive well, but when I test drove it, I was actually not that dissatisfied with it, although it seemed a little underpowered. But after test driving, I was actually not that dissatisfied with the car, even though it seemed a bit underpowered. even with the naturally aspirated engine. The evolution of technology is truly amazing.

The Tanto's strength is this!

Although there seems to be no changes to the suspension in this revamp, the Tanto has always had a soft ride, good straight-line performance, and a sense of stability. Although it doesn't offer much in the way of driving pleasure, I think it's a good everyday vehicle. The steering and foot pedals are light to the touch, making it very easy to drive.

However, as always, the roll when cornering is quite large. If possible, it would be better if the front stabilizer that is available for the Custom could be selected for the standard Tanto as well.

It is also important to note that the standard Tanto is equipped with a multi-information display, which is already available on the higher grades of the Custom. This is a very useful feature as it accurately informs the driver of various driving conditions and naturally encourages eco-driving.

The revived X "Limited" grade now comes standard with a navigation system with a rearview monitor. Even for a mini car with a small exterior size, such equipment is a must.

New exterior features include a roof antenna and LED rear combination lights. The standard Tanto G grade has been redecorated with a chrome front grille, aero parts, and a black interior, giving it a slightly sportier look than the Custom.

The Tanto Custom has a slightly more flashy design. However, for those who are not satisfied with the standard Tanto, this is the model they have been waiting for. For those who are not satisfied with the standard Tanto, this is the model they have been waiting for.

One of the strong points of the Tanto is the Miracle Open Door. There are very few cars like this in the world, and just the fact that you find it attractive is reason enough to choose the Tanto.

However, we can't afford to be complacent about the popularity of the Tanto. People tend to look for new things, so the N-Box, the assassin sent by Honda, will be a formidable opponent, and the Suzuki Palette and Nissan LUX, both of which boast deep-rooted popularity, are sure to make some new moves soon.

The Tanto is a good opportunity to reevaluate its value as a representative and the most unique car in the market.

Buy now!