Daihatsu will present no less than four design studies at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month and the first one to be previewed is the D-Base Concept.
Daihatsu’s D-Base Concept is a city car with a length of 3.4 meters, width of 1.48 meters and height of 1.49 meters. Judging from its footprint, it may preview a successor for the Daihatsu Mira kei car (also known as the Cuore).
The fact that the study is powered by a 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine serves to reinforce the impression that the D-Base previews the next-generation Mira. The engine is mated to CVT and returns about 3 l/100 km (78.4 mpg US).
That is due in part to Daihatsu’s Energy Saving Technology, a regenerative braking system and a lightweight body.
Design-wise, the D-Base looks like an evolution of the current Mira e:S production model. It definitely looks ready for production, if you don’t count the concept car tires and colorful design elements. The “hidden” rear door handles remind of Chevy’s Spark, while the relatively generous glazed surface promises good visibility all around.
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