A New Mini MPV Materialises (August 2007)

Daihatsu have finally introduced the funky new mini-sized people carrier to the UK market. The Materia has built up a cult following in both Japan and the USA (known there as a Toyota Scion) and has been designed to maximise the space available inside the car while retaining a look and feel of a mini-limousine.

The interior seats 5 with a specially reduced engine compartment providing more legroom inside the cabin. The Materia's 1.5 litre engine with an output of 102 bhp is more than adequate for a vehicle weighing only 1,000kg. 0-60 times are 10.8 secs for the 5-speed manual version, with a top speed of 106 mph.

At the front is an anti-roll bar and firmer suspension for the european market. At the rear, there’s a semi-independent torsion beam set-up and the steering is through a rack and pinion system with hydraulic assistance. The stubby nose helps deliver a tight 9.8m turning circle. With it's flared wheel arches, unique modern styling and a price tag of just £10,995 it looks set to appeal to a new generation of mini fans.

New Daihatsu Sirion Launched (February 2005)

Since it's amalgamation with the Toyota Group, Daihatsu now enjoys access to the latest in vehicle technology resulting in the new Sirion range.

All models include the following features as standard - air conditioning, driver & passenger air bags, ABS, remote central locking, electric windows front & rear, adjustable steering column, rear wiper with intermittent delay and CD/radio. Also included are 3 years unlimited mileage warranty & roadside assistance plus 8 years body anti-perforation guarantee.

For the amazingly low price of £6,995 (for the 1.0 S) this represents fantastic value for money especially when you take into account the class leading amount of space available inside such a compact car.

But perhaps the best is saved for last, with fuel economy figures topping 56 mpg for the 1.0 S and 48 mpg for the 1.3 models. Carbon Dioxide emissions also a low 118 g/km for the 1.0 S, and only 137 g/km for the 1.3 S.

Daihatsu Green Garden Wins Silver at Chelsea Flower Show (May 2004)

The Daihatsu green garden featuring this unusual tree-like water feature made from recycled car exhausts, won a Silver Flora at this year's annual RHS show in Chelsea. The garden was designed by pupils from a south London girls school who were the winners of a nationwide competition to design a modern ‘biodiversity’ garden.

As well as being solar powered, a separate pump connected to two bicycles boosts the fountain effect when the bikes are pedalled.

Other key features of the garden include a ‘bug hotel’ made from old logs, ‘bee apartments’ in a specially adapted wall made from recycled bricks, and a bat house and hedgehog home, inspired by an ancient icehouse in the school’s own grounds.

Introducing the Extol Van (January 2004)

After receiving the award for 'Best Compact Van' from What Van for the last 11 consecutive years, Daihatsu are replacing the successful HiJet van with the all-new Extol 1.3 litre compact van.

The Extol features an advanced four-cylinder petrol engine with multi-point fuel-injection, twin overhead camshafts, 16 valves and Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) providing a broad spread of power and torque across a wide rev-range. The curb to curb turning circle of just 8.8 metres makes it ideal for town use and with an improved suspension you could even forget that you are driving a van.

The commercial model can carry a payload of 615kg with a load volume of 2.2 cubic metres. Large twin sliding load doors and a high-opening rear tailgate allow easy access for loading and unloading.

There is also an MPV version (not currently available in the UK) with seating for up to 7 people.

The Extol comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags as standard, along with power-steering, central locking and radio/CD player. Air conditioning and metallic paint are also available as optional extras.

Demand High For Daihatsu's Copen Roadster (November 2002)

A Daihatsu Cuore driven by the all-female team of driver Sophie Robinson and co-driver Catriona Rings finished on 15 October a full hour ahead of the next car in its class, a Nissan Micra.

For more information on the World Cup Rally see http://www.siteset.co.uk/worldcup/index.html.

Daihatsu (UK) bought by International Motors (February 2000)

The Japanese specialist in Minicars will join IM's other two Japanese franchises, Subaru and Isuzu. The new acquisition makes Daihatsu IM's biggest selling marque, with just over 12,000 registrations, up on 1998.

Commenting on the purchase, IM's Chairman & Chief Executive said :
"We are delighted that we have been able to acquire the franchise and believe that as a company we have shown that we are extremely good at operating franchises in niche markets. We have the skills and abilities to make it work and firmly believe Daihatsu will become an important part of the IM group in the future".