- Daihatsu will showcase the Mira e:S Turbo concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.
- The concept might evolve into a GR-branded version of the kei car for production.
- Daihatsu’s stand in Tokyo will also include two racecars and four modified kei vans.
Daihatsu has announced its lineup for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, including a performance-focused version of the Mira e:S with a turbocharged engine and Gazoo Racing emblems. The sporty kei car, which is showcased in concept form, will be joined by a pair of racecars and a slew of kei vans featuring various modifications.
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Starting with the highlight of the show, the Mira e:S Turbo concept is described as “an entry-level sports car designed to broaden the horizons of motorsports and make the joy of driving available to everyone”. This makes us believe it could evolve into a production offering, as it looks ready to rock the streets of Japan.
A kei car with rallying roots
The concept is based on the second-gen Mira e:S that has been around since 2017, alongside the Toyota Pixis Epoch and Subaru Pleo Plus triplets. Visually, it is distinguished by the redesigned front bumper with sporty intakes, the unique rear bumper, and the decorative side gills. Furthermore, the 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) long hatchback rides on BBS alloy wheels and features sports seats inside the cabin.
More importantly, the tiny 660cc three-cylinder engine has been upgraded with a turbocharger. Daihatsu didn’t disclose the power output, but the similarly-sized powertrain of the Copen is good for 64 hp (48 kW / 65 PS). This may not sound much, but is an improvement over the 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) from the naturally-aspirated mill of the standard Mira e:S.
Another important change is the placement of a five-speed manual gearbox, instead of the CVT which is the only option in the Mira e:S. Judging from the GR badging, the Mira e:S Turbo will likely feature a sportier chassis setup with input from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing department.
The Mira e:S Turbo will share the stand with a racing version of the kei car which took part in Rally Japan 2024. This has the same bodykit, albeit with a vented hood, different wheels, a recovery point on the front bumper, and a racing livery. As a race car, it also has a two-seater interior with racing buckets and a roll cage.
What else is in store for Tokyo?
Daihatsu will also bring the the racing version of the Copen GR Sport roadster and the Hijet Truck Jumbo Extend with a sliding cargo space that serves a support vehicle for motorsport events.
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Moving on to the rest of the kei vans, these were designed under the theme of “getting closer to the community and protecting daily life”. The Atrai Wildranger is a modified version of the Atrai, featuring a power supply and special compartments for “disaster prevention kits”. In a similar context, the Hijet Truck Lift Disaster Relief Vehicle served as a volunteer satellite center after the heavy rain incident in the northern Kyushu in July 2023.
Last but not least, the Daihatsu Hijet Truck Tool Base is a rolling toolkit for construction sites, featuring a sunshade tent for workers to rest. The Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 will take place between January 10-12.
