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Rob Smith1 Aug 2001
REVIEW

Daihatsu YRV

This believe it or not, is the most expensive car, other than the 4WD Terios, which doesn't count, in the Daihatsu range

WHAT IS IT?
It's a little car that's intent on challenging the other more established small cars like the Mazda 121 and the Ford Festiva, and like a small terrier is full of small car determination and a surprising amount of agreeable features.

For the ticket price, which is perhaps more than you'd expect, you get air-conditioning, twin air-bags, a CD player, an engine borrowed from the Toyota Echo and a surprising amount of interior space. This car is like the Tardis from the old Dr Who TV show. You just wouldn't credit how much room there is inside what appears on the outside to be quite small.

Daihatsu have done a great job in creating a feeling of space by lifting the roof-line so that the car can now transport a basket ball players family without the need for a sunroof to get their heads through. Despite achieving this minor miracle the car is still quite narrow and is quite capable of filling those car park spaces that would otherwise see you vacating the car through the hatch.

A bonus features of the YRV is the drop down rear seat, which turns the car into a van, kind of like the now scarce Honda City. Unlike the City though, a far more useful amount of stuff can be stashed in the rear of the YRV, courtesy of the high roof.

WHAT'S IT GO LIKE?
Surprisingly the performance is quite good, and although it's no power-house, the 1.3 litre 16V Toyota engine puts out its 64 kW @ 6000rpm to good effect. The car is quite happy to be belted through the gears, and makes surprisingly good progress if the gear-box is worked hard and the revs kept up. While on the subject of the gear-box, the five speed unit is a pleasure to use swapping between ratios quickly and cleanly and adding to the fun factor inspired by the engine.

As far as handling goes, the suspension feels crude and under damped which makes a city pot holes more nerve racking than they should be. In fact it doesn't seem to take a lot to set the whole car clattering if there's a series of bumps in quick succession. Much of the test was carried out on wet roads and the limitations of the tyres were quickly found taking off and on just about any corner. There's little weight over the front and the revvy nature of the engine has the wheels spinning pointlessly which is frustrating if you're trying to keep ahead of the pack. Annoying as that is, it's on corners at just about any speed that the tyres really cause concern. The thing just wants to break away and slither wide which is OK if you've planned for it but not something I'd want a learner or P plater having to deal with.

General maneuverability is good, and the steering is light and accurate, making low speed stuff like reversing easy. Looking around from the drivers seat the vision is just the wrong side of OK. However the rear seat headrests are a real mistake, in that they obscure almost half the rear vision and undoubtedly will lead to reversing damage. What's going on here?

In terms of stopping power, the disc at the front and drum at the rear set up are nicely balanced, giving decent power and good feedback. However once again the tyres in wet weather are a concern.

IS IT BUILT TO LAST?
Now there's a question. There's little doubt that the engine and gearbox will last forever, but somehow the rest of the car doesn't engender that satisfying feel of a car that's going to be a long term proposition. The hard plastic door panels are a poor fit, panels buzz, and the general feel is that the car is light and tinny. Although the car has quite a lot to endear itself, it's not immediately impressive.

WILL IT BE CHEAP TO RUN?
Yes it will, thrashing around still gets over 15km/l which gives a range approaching 600km between fill ups from the 40 litre tank, just what you want from a car like this. Service costs will be reasonable and consumable like tyres (change sooner rather than later) will be pretty cheap too.

SUMMING UP
The YRV is trying very hard to be liked, and you could like it quite a lot for it's features, versatility and economy. Whether or not the buying public will be impressed by it enough to buy it I don't know, I liked the car, but I just wasn't impressed by it.

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Written byRob Smith
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