Daihatsu Thor Gets Just A Little Bit Sportier In Japan

Toyota’s minicar specialist, Daihatsu has demonstrated a knack for building small but sporty vehicles. And now it’s taken one of them in a slightly sportier direction, and added some custom touches in the process.

The model is called the Thor, and is also sold as the Toyota Tank, Toyota Roomy, and Subaru Justy. It’s a tall-roofed wagon/hatchback/thing, smaller than a three-door Mini Hatch or a Smart Forfour – in every dimension but height. It doesn’t quite qualify as a Kei car, but it still has a tiny footprint and an even tinier 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT.

In its latest incarnation, Daihatsu has fitted the Thor with a new aero package. It may not provide much additional downforce or smooth the airflow by any measurable standard, but it does give the vehicle a sportier look. It includes a new grille treatment, fog-lamp surrounds, rear bumper trim, side skirts, and dual-material upholstery that at least simulates the look and feel of leather and suede.

Along with the body kit, the Japanese automaker is also offering new 14-inch alloys, LED headlamps and fog lights, and interior trim. And there are new two-tone paint finishes available in blue, gold, or a rather reddish shade of magenta, offset by a black roof and other trim.

Pricing ranges from 1,463,400-1,857,600 yen for the Thor, or 1,771,200-2,008,800 yen for the Thor Custom. That represents a range of about $13,300-18,300 in equivalent US fund. The aero kit adds an extra 234,036 yen (~$2k) to the bottom line. And the order books are already open across the island nation.