Daihatsu has thrown its latest Kei car contender into the fray, with the introduction of the Mira e:S in Japan. The minicar, which reinterpretates the three-door e:S Concept of two years ago into a five-door form, is available in both two- and four-wheel drive guise domestically, with four level variants (G, X, L and D) for the former and two (Gf and Xf) for the latter.
All versions wear the same KF transverse three-cylinder twin-cam 658 cc mill, offering 52 PS at 6,800 rpm and 60 Nm at 5,200 rpm, mated to a CVT transmission. The company is touting the car’s fuel economy as its biggest selling point – claimed figures for the 2WD version on the new JC08 mode test cycle is a healthy 30km per litre (and on the older 10-15 mode, 32 km per litre), close to hybrid territory.
Features on the 730 kg vehicle (790 kg for the 4WD versions), which is 60 kg lighter than the old Mira, include a pre-stop idle reduction system, and all the models wear 14-inch wheels and 155/65 profile rubbers; there are optional Sporty and Premium interior/exterior dress-up packs available for the car, as well as what is tagged an “earth colour interior.”
Domestically, Daihatsu is ambitiously aiming at moving 10,000 units of the Mira e:S per month in the first year, according to reports, and says that it will apply the technology used for the e:S to other models and vehicles produced overseas, including that in Indonesia, which was where the Daihatsu A-Concept was introduced in July, at the IIMS.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express excitement about the Daihatsu Mira e:S's impressive 30km/l fuel efficiency and compact design, ideal for city driving and parking. Some posts mention the similarity to Perodua models and question whether such efficiency is realistic in real-world conditions. There are also discussions about local car pricing, import taxes, and the comparison between domestic and imported vehicles, with some criticising the high costs and lack of safety features like airbags on Malaysian models. Several comments humorously compare the Mira e:S's look to bread toasters or Myvi, reflecting mixed opinions on its design. Enthusiasm for potential rebadging and the implications for Perodua models are also present. Overall, the comments highlight fascination with the cost-saving benefits and design of the new Daihatsu Mira e:S, alongside critical views on local car policies.