SecondHandSense: Daihatsu Charade:Anyone who has ever witnessed a traffic jam in Japan, which can make our M50 look like part of Operation Freeflow, will immediately understand why the government there decided quite some time ago to encourage people to buy much smaller cars. The so-called K Car category, which allows owners significant tax advantages, has created a whole new generation of small cars.
Manufacturers have also been quick to spot other markets around the world where various factors, such as local tax levels and fuel prices, encourage the purchase of small inexpensive cars. The Daihatsu name was a good deal more popular in Ireland 15 years ago when Irish buyers could not afford the kind of cars we have today.
However, there is still a good argument for looking at a car like the Daihatsu Charade as an ideal city car that still has the advantages of being relatively cheap, extremely economical and very dependable. If that's not enough, then remember that this is a Toyota car under another name. The Japanese giant has owned Daihatsu since 1999.
We should first look at the car's limitations, though they are few enough. You get a three cylinder 1-litre engine that is exceptional in the city but will not really take the strain of long-distance driving (nor will you in a car like this). The engine is at its happiest doing the work for which it was designed, but push the car hard and it will become noisy and uncomfortable.
In town it will buzz about, park on a sixpence, carry four in comfort but will have its capacity significantly reduced if you do carry that number. It is also hugely economical and over 50 miles to the gallon would not be exceptional.
The design - the newer model was introduced in 2003 - is clever. The shape has been formed by the demands of small car use and the look is quite fresh. Inside, things are basic enough but there are very practical features. Switchgear and instrumentation are easy to use and very functional and the Charade has quite a superior feel compared to some of its competitors.
The Charade has been something of a blushing flower when compared to other cars in the same class, such as the Opel Corsa, the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Arosa, any one of which would make a better fist of longer journeys. However, you won't get the fuel economy or the ease of driving and the Daihatsu can be had for less money.
There are no EuroNCAP crash test results for the car because it has not been tested and one would feel the Corsa, VW or Seat to be stronger cars. The car has benefited from Toyota's engineering and there are no recall records for significant mechanical failings.
A 2003 model with air bags, power steering, CD player, head rests, electric windows and central locking and with 52,000 kilometres on the clock is on offer at one garage for €5,450. A 2005 model with the same equipment and just 18,000 kilometres is on offer for €8,950.