Safe, sensible and fun

The new version of the popular Daihatsu Charade may be compact, but it still manages to pack an amazing amount of passenger and luggage space, high levels of quality and comfort and a long list of standard accessories in an overall length of 3.78 metres.

An extraordinary 1.3 VVTi petrol engine gives the new Charade a surprisingly spirited drive, creating a perfect balance between performance and consumption. In fact, the Charade should give 19 km to the litre of petrol and emits only 119g/km of CO2 on the automatic version.

The car is good for five adults with loads of head, shoulder and legroom – getting in and out, even at the back, is effortless. The seat and steering wheel adjustments contribute to an ideal driving position and the materials used inside, both the plastics as well as the fabrics on the seats, are of the finest quality.

The ergonomics are also well thought out and all the controls are within easy reach of the driver. The primary controls are actually integrated in the steering wheel, thus enabling the driver to control the stereo without letting go of it.

The new Charade offers the highest levels of security for a car in this segment, primarily the Vehicle Stability Control which ensures that the driver is constantly in full control of the vehicle.

Obviously the structural integrity of the cabin and the fact that the car is fitted with no fewer than seven airbags all contribute to making this a safe and sensible family car.

The new Charade is a pleasure to drive, with a light steering, small turning circle, excellent suspension, and fantastic road holding. Its familiar styling gives away its direct relation to the Toyota Yaris which also guarantees its pedigree and the expectation of many years of trouble-free driving.

Air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and an on board computer are all standard. All you have to do is choose your favourite colour.