Daihatsu Charmant

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Daihatsu Charmant
Daihatsu Charmant 1300.JPG
Overview
Manufacturer Daihatsu
Production 1974–1987
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door station wagon
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related Toyota Corolla (E30-E70)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 4-speed manual
5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length 4,203.7 mm (165.5 in)[1]
Width 1,625 mm (64.0 in)
Height 1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Chronology
Predecessor Daihatsu Consorte
Successor Daihatsu Applause

The Daihatsu Charmant is a compact sedan built by Daihatsu of Japan, based on the Toyota Corolla. It was replaced by the Daihatsu Applause. The Charmant was originally a spin-off of the Toyota Corolla of the 1970s; model changes paralleled those of the Corolla. All Charmants were fitted with Toyota inline-four engines, ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres. The word "charmant" is French for charming.

First generation (1974–1981)

1980 Charmant Wagon

First presented in November 1974, the A35 Charmants, based on earlier Corollas, were normally equipped with 1166 cc engines producing 66 PS (SAE) and 1290 cc engines producing 72 PS (SAE) at 5,200 rpm.[2] This type of engines were coded as 3K (1.2L) and 4K (1.3L) Toyota engines and came with a four- or five-speed manual transmission, as well as a two- or three-speed automatic option.[2] The 88 PS (SAE) 1588 cc overhead valve 12T engine was also available from 1978 on; this could also be ordered with a three-speed automatic with overdrive. There was also a 1.4 litre engine available, offering 86 PS (SAE).[2]

In Japan only the 1.2 and 1.4 litre models were originally available, as the A10 and A20. These were replaced by the 1.3 and the 1.6 in April 1978 (A30 and A40), along with minor changes to the exterior and interior, including a new grille and dashboard. A protective side strip was also added.[3] The new engines were the 4K-U and the 2T-U, while the van received the 4K-J (while retaining the T-J) - these engines fulfilled the commercial vehicle emissions specifications. In July an automatic version of the 1.6 appeared.

Unique to the first generation, a station wagon was also available. This was called "Van" in the Japanese domestic market, where it was classed as a commercial vehicle. The Van was introduced in December 1974, a month after the saloons.[4]

Second generation (1981–1987)

1987 Daihatsu Charmant

A new Charmant was launched at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September 1981[5] with new squarer bodywork that was somewhat outmoded already when being introduced, as was its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The only bodywork available was a four-door sedan.

In Japan, the biggest engine was now an OHC 1.5 L (1,453 cc) with 83 PS (61 kW) at 5,600 rpm.[6] In the export, the 1.6 litre 1.6 L (1,588 cc) 2T engine was also available; power outputs ranged from 76 to 83 PS (56 to 61 kW) depending on compression ratios and intended markets. The smaller 1.3 litre engine 1.3 L (1,290 cc) produced between 62 and 74 PS (46 and 54 kW) depending on market. Trim levels were LC, LE and LGX; these continued until 1987 when the range was discontinued in the United Kingdom and most other export markets. All the engines were carburetted. In Japan, the most luxurious versions (with available climate control) were called "Altair".[7]

The Charmant had an independent front suspension (struts), and a live four-link rear axle. Suspension settings were soft, for maximum comfort.[7] The car underwent a minor facelift in autumn 1984. This setup is perfect for drifting

The Daihatsu Charmant production ended in late 1987, leaving a gap at the top of Daihatsu's lineup. In 1989, the Applause appeared to fill the Charmant's shoes.

Gallery

1988 Daihatsu Charmant 1300 LC Altair front 
1988 Daihatsu Charmant 1300 LC Altair side 
1988 Daihatsu Charmant 1300 LC Altair rear 

References

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