Hi - & thanx 4 taking an interest in this most interesting of Japan's KEI Class cars!
It is a Daihatsu Mira Classic Turbo!
My Pocket Rocket is a Limited (Official) Daihatsu Import based on the (itself rare!) Daihatsu Cuore ( or Mira in some countries) Avanzato TRRX-R4 - which looks like a normal Cuore 3 door, but with spoilers, air scoop & decals ... & a 660cc Turbo engine & 4 Wheel Drive!
I drove the Daihatsu Kopen micro sports car at the Motor Show Live last year , and loved it ! the mechanicals are about the same as my Classic, and as I cant afford a Kopen, this is the nearest i can get for now!!
Daihatsu developed this Classic 'Retro' version cos the Japanese apparently like Old Fashioned English Classics & have a habit of making their everyday cars look like Minis & the like!( Note the shape of the chrome grille & indicator trims!)
Daihatsu showed this Retro car at the Geneva Motor Show in 98 and the reception was such that they sent one to EACH UK Daihatsu Dealer in late 98 & early 99 as a bit of a Publicity Stunt!!
The car is about 10 ft long, 4 ft wide, has a 64bhp 3 cyl engine, which red lines at 8000 rpm, and SUPPOSEDLY does 0-60 in under 9 secs, but I believe more like under 11 secs would be closer to the truth! 0-30mph is VERY quick, though !!
The 4wd system ensured great traction, and the Leather & wood (?) interior, combined with e/w, c/l, pas & Air-con makes the car a pleasant ( if rather cramped!) place to be !
The car puts a big grin on my face EVERY time I drive it!!!!
And at 6ft tall, it puts a grin on the faces of those who see me get out of it too ... but do i care ????? Naaaaah !!!
A Rally version of the Cuore Avanzato exists, and I WANT ONE now!!