Daihatsu Taft Concept Is A Tokyo Salon-Bound Mini-Me Crossover

When it comes to kei cars, no one does it better or weirder than Daihatsu; then again, these two terms often mean the same thing when referring to Japan’s cutest car category.

The Toyota-owned brand’s presence at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon clearly illustrates that, with Daihatsu previewing no less than nine vehicles – eight of which are kei cars or kei trucks.

The most important of the bunch is the Daihatsu Taft, a production-ready concept the automaker describes as “the world’s first light crossover.” The study closely previews a production model that will launch in mid-2020 – and, funnily enough, the name is an acronym for “Tough & Almighty Fun Tool.”

Related: Daihatsu Reveals Four Quirky Concepts For Tokyo Motor Show, Including A Possible Jimny Rival

Daihatsu Taft Concept

Its proportions and dimensions (3,395-mm/133.6-in long, 1,475-mm/58.1-in wide and 1,630-mm/64.2-in high) clearly classify it into the kei car category, as does the 660-cc turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine. Hooked to a CVT, the power plant drives the front wheels, with Daihatsu making no mention of a 4WD version.

According to the carmaker, the Taft is a new type of light crossover that can be used in everyday life as well as for leisure. The boxy kei car comes with a generous glass roof and a flat, easy-to-use luggage space.

Daihatsu Tanto Marvel Spider-Man Concept

Daihatsu’s Tokyo Auto Salon booth will also feature three other kei car concepts based on the Tanto mini car. The Tanto Custom Premium Concept is described as having an overwhelming presence thanks to its “fearless black face” – and very big one, we might add. No other details are offered but, given the name, it’s probably a posh interpretation of the Tanto.

Daihatsu Hijet Truck Peaks Concept

There’s also the Tanto Cross Field Concept equipped with a roof rack that targets users with an active lifestyle. The third Tanto custom concept is the weirdest of them all: it’s called Marvel Spider-Man and it pays tribute to the superhero with a full body wrap made of comics.

Speaking of weird, there are also three Hijet Truck concepts that play the roles of a coffee stand, music-blaster and overlander. Finally, Daihatsu will also display the Rocky Sporty Style and Copen GR Sport production models kitted with a variety of accessories.