Unbeatable Value From Completely New Super-City Charade
Published: 11th May 2003
The new Charade offers unbeatable value thanks to exceptionally high equipment levels providing big car safety and comfort.
The range starts with the Charade EL three-door at £5,995 on-the-road. Far from being a stripped-out special, the EL offers anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), driver and passenger airbags, central-locking, electric front windows and door mirrors and a radio/CD player.
Also standard are a rev-counter and clock, rear wash/wipe, split-folding rear seat, two-tone cloth seat trim, cloth-covered door inserts, a fully-trimmed load compartment with removable cover, rear head restraints and a height-adjustable steering wheel and front seat-belts.
For those needing extra convenience, the Charade EL five door costs £6,495 OTR and shares all the features of the three-door.
Finally, and arguably offering the best equipment-per-pound-ratio, there is the Charade SL five-door at £6,995 OTR. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, alloy wheels and side airbags. An optional four-speed automatic transmission is available for all Charade models for an extra £695.
And to create a warm and friendly atmosphere, every Charade has an instrument display which reads: ‘HELLO, HAPPY’ when the ignition is turned on and
‘SEE YOU – GOODBYE’ when the engine is turned off.
Supermini-Class Packaging
Daihatsu is especially proud of the Charade’s packaging. Despite a length of 3,410 mm, height of 1,500 mm and Japanese K-Car Class width of 1,475 mm, interior shoulder room matches the larger Daihatsu Sirion.
In fact, the new Charade’s wheelbase of 2,375 mm is actually 20 mm longer than the Sirion and even the YRV compact car, allowing the rear seat to be placed further back for maximum legroom.
Boot space is a practical 157 litres (5.5 cu.ft) with the split-folding rear seat up and 421 litres (14.8 cu.ft) with the rear seat folded - both at window-level.
Meanwhile, less agile owners and grocery-laden shoppers will appreciate doors which can be opened at right-angles to the car.
In addition, the front seat height of 480 mm closely matches most people’s hip-height – again easing entry and exit – and a height-adjustable steering wheel and front seatbelts both add to general comfort and convenience.
Like all current Daihatsus, the new Charade will offer customers the reassurance of a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance plus a six year anti-perforation warranty.
