Daihatsu will be fully redesigning the Tanto and releasing it around December 2026. The current Tanto model was released on July 9, 2019, and is already in its fifth year. Considering the previous model, a full redesign is planned for the seventh year. We will explain in detail what kind of model it will be.
Summary of information on the new Tanto full model change
Exterior
- New design
- Tanto Custom discontinued, elements consolidated
- Possibility of setting up an active model “FUNCROSS”
- Pillarless doors continue to be used, with larger openings
interior
- New steering wheel
- Center meter abolished, digital meter adopted
- Continued use of electric parking brake and auto brake hold
- 10-inch large navigation system (optional), 9-inch display audio (standard)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatible
Powertrain
- New hybrid system “e-SMART HYBRID” added
- Series hybrid system
- The engine is only used for generating electricity, and the vehicle runs on the motor
Functions and equipment
- Miracle Walk-Through Package
- Driver’s seat long slide (maximum 540mm)
- Passenger seat slide (380mm)
- Power sliding door welcome open function
- Easy closer (prevents ajar doors)
- Next-generation Smart Assist (standard)
- Stereo camera adopted
- Pedestrian-friendly, expanded operating speed range
- Collision warning function, collision avoidance assist brake function
- Lane Departure Prevention Control Function
- Preceding vehicle departure notification function
- AT false start prevention control function + false start prevention function with brake control
- High beam assist, adaptive driving beam
- Sign recognition function
- Smart Assist Plus (optional)
- ACC with full-speed tracking function
- Lane Keeping Control
- Smart Panorama Parking Assist (first for a minicar)
- Side view lamp
price
- Expected price increase of around 100,000 to 200,000 yen
Release date
- Around December 2026
About the new Tanto full model change
The Daihatsu Tanto will undergo a full model change, with a completely new exterior. The platform, DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture), will be further evolved . In addition, ride comfort will be improved by combining it with a newly developed suspension. The pillarless doors, a characteristic of the Tanto, will continue to be used, with enlarged openings and long sliding front seats for easier use.
Current Tanto
Like the new Move , fuel efficiency has been improved by adding a new hybrid grade, e-SMART HYBRID .
The interior will no longer feature a new steering wheel or a center meter, but will feature a digital meter at the front . The electric parking brake and auto brake hold will also continue to be used.
What is the hybrid model “e-SMART HYBRID”?
The new hybrid system, ” e-SMART HYBRID ,” uses an engine exclusively for generating electricity. Its greatest feature is that it uses a series hybrid system that uses that electricity to run 100% on the motor .
New “Tanto” full model change exterior
The exterior will retain the overall body shape concept, but the design will be completely renewed to change the image. Furthermore, just like the full model change that was carried out on the Move, the “Tanto Custom” will be discontinued, and its elements will be consolidated to improve the design. There is a high possibility that a new model, ” FUNCROSS,” will be introduced as an active model .
New Tanto Miracle Walk-Through Package
Like the previous model, the packaging makes effective use of the center pillarless design on the passenger side, and features a “long sliding driver’s seat ( up to 540mm forward and backward ). Furthermore, the passenger seat can be moved forward and backward (380mm) , allowing it to be moved completely forward , making it easy to move from the driver’s seat to the rear seat and making the most of the pillarless design.
These days, ISOFIX-compatible child seats can only be placed in the rear seats, so children have to be placed in the back, and drivers have to get out of the driver’s seat each time to put the child in or take the child out, but the biggest advantage of the new Tanto is that you can easily move to the rear seat and get in and out with your child. The new N-BOX , its biggest rival, does not use a pillarless system, which is a major differentiator.
New Tanto power sliding door welcome open function
If you have reserved a button on the driver’s seat, the power sliding door can be automatically opened when you approach the car. This is a very convenient feature when you have both hands full carrying large luggage or holding a child .
New Tanto Easy Closer
Because the passenger side is center pillarless, the passenger door is heavy and prone to being left half-open due to measures taken to absorb the impact of a side collision. However, the “Easy Closer” function is adopted, which automatically retracts the door when it is half-open, helping to ensure that the door is closed securely. This function is also used for sliding doors .
New “Tanto” Fully Redesigned Interior
The full model change also sees the new Tanto’s interior design being completely revamped. A new steering wheel design has been adopted, and a large 10-inch navigation system and a 9-inch display audio system are now available as options. It is also compatible with the wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto™, allowing access to a variety of services related to your car and driving through Daihatsu Connect. It also features an electric parking brake and auto brake hold. The car is equipped with a wide range of comfortable features.
New Tanto fully redesigned with advanced technology “Next Generation Smart Assist” as standard
“Smart Assist III” is equipped with two cameras. It also comes with “Next Generation Smart Assist” which adds new functions such as “ACC with all-speed tracking function.” This next generation Smart Assist uses a stereo camera, is pedestrian-responsive, and has a wider operating speed range than before. It also qualifies as a “Safety Support Car S (Wide)” (Sapo Car S (Wide) eligible vehicle).
Equipped with two corner sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle , the further evolved “Next Generation Smart Assist” helps avoid accidents in close calls while driving, supporting your safe driving. In addition to sonar sensors, the car is newly equipped with the world’s smallest stereo camera, which does not obstruct the driver’s field of vision or headroom. It accurately captures various information such as pedestrians, preceding vehicles, and obstacles, and warns the driver or activates emergency braking.
Collision Warning Function / Collision Avoidance Assist Brake Function ① Collision Warning (Vehicle-to-Vehicle, Pedestrian-to-Pedestrian) While driving, the camera detects vehicles or pedestrians ahead, and if it determines there is a risk of collision, it will sound a buzzer and display the warning in the meter.
② Primary Braking (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian) If the system determines there is a risk of collision, it will automatically apply light brakes (primary brakes) to urge the driver to avoid the collision.
③ Damage Reduction Brake Assist (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian) If the driver applies the brakes while the primary braking function is activated, the brake assist will activate and increase braking force.
④ Emergency Braking (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian) If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, it will apply heavy brakes (secondary brakes) to slow down the vehicle, avoiding a collision or reducing damage.
Lane Departure Prevention Function: If the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane without using its turn signal, the system will warn the driver with a buzzer and a display on the meter, prompting them to take action. It will also assist with steering to bring the vehicle back into the lane.
If the preceding vehicle departure notification function is disabled and the driver does not notice that the preceding vehicle has started moving and does not start moving, a buzzer will sound and a display will appear on the meter to notify the driver.
AT False Start Prevention Control + False Start Prevention with Brake Control ① Forward False Start Prevention Control If the stereo camera detects an obstacle such as a vehicle or wall within 4m ahead and the accelerator pedal is pressed with the shift position in “forward”, the engine output will be limited to prevent sudden acceleration. ② Rear False Start Prevention Control If the sonar sensor built into the rear bumper detects an obstacle such as a wall within 2-3m behind and the accelerator pedal is pressed with the shift position in “reverse”, the engine output will be limited to prevent sudden acceleration. Brake control has also been added.
The high beam assist stereo camera detects the brightness of oncoming vehicle headlights and automatically switches between high and low beams. This allows you to drive with high beams without having to switch between them, allowing you to drive safely at night even on roads with few streetlights.
Adaptive Driving Beam: When driving with high beams on, if an oncoming vehicle is detected, the light is automatically blocked only in the area of the oncoming vehicle.
Sign Recognition Function When the stereo camera detects a no entry sign, a notification is displayed in the meter.
New Tanto fully redesigned with advanced technology “Smart Assist Plus” option
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) with full-speed following function: The stereo camera detects the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead, maintains the distance and speed between vehicles, and follows the vehicle ahead, controlling it until it comes to a stop.
Lane Keep Control: The stereo camera detects the lane and assists steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.
Parking assistance function “Smart Panorama Parking Assist” A first for a minicar, the left and right cameras detect the white lines of parking spaces and assist with steering operations in addition to voice and on-screen guidance.
Side View Lamps When turning right or left at night, auxiliary lights that illuminate the left and right directions are turned on in addition to the normal headlights, brightly illuminating the direction in which the steering wheel is turned.
New “Tanto” full model change – Expected price
With this full model change, the price has risen, and it is expected to be affected by the weak yen and improvements. We expect the price to rise by approximately 100,000 to 200,000 yen.
Current price of Tanto 2024
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66L |
CVT | 2WD | 1,386,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,512,500 yen | |||
| X | 2WD | 1,540,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,661,000 yen | |||
| X Turbo | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L turbo |
2WD | 1,650,000 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,771,000 yen |
Current price of Tanto Custom 2024
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom X | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L turbo |
CVT | 2WD | 1,782,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,903,000 yen | |||
| Custom RS | 2WD | 1,870,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,991,000 yen |
Tanto Funcross 2024 current price
| Model | engine | transmission |
Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fan Cross | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L |
CVT | 2WD | 1,721,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,842,500 yen | |||
| Fan Cross Turbo | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 0.66 L turbo |
2WD | 1,809,500 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,930,500 yen |
New “Tanto” full model change: Expected specifications
| Specifications | Tanto | Tanto Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,755 to 1,775 mm | 1,755 to 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,460mm | 2,460mm |
| engine | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 38kW (52ps) / 6,900rpm |
47kW (64ps) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
100Nm (10.2kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | – |
transmission |
CVT | D-CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD | 2WD/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
-km/L (2WD) | -km/L (2WD) |
There will be no hybrid model in the lineup at the time of the full model change, but it seems likely that the e-SMART HYBRID will be introduced in the future.
| Specifications | Tanto e-SMART HYBRID |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,755 to 1,775 mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,460mm |
| engine | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine + motor |
| Maximum power | 38kW (52ps) / 6,900rpm |
| Maximum torque | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
47kW (64ps) |
transmission |
– |
| Drive system | 2WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
–km/L |
| price | – |
About Tanto
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. released the Tanto, a light tall wagon, on November 27, 2003. It is now positioned as a representative Daihatsu model. The third and fourth generations underwent full model changes about six years apart.
First generation L350S/L360S
November 27, 2003: The first model was released.
In January 2005, the special edition “Smile Selection II” was released. This is an upgraded version of the “Smile Selection” released in June 2004.
June 30, 2005 – A minor change was made to the later model. As part of the new series, the sporty derivative model “Tanto Custom” was released, featuring a bold front face and aerodynamic parts such as a large aero bumper.
Production ended in November 2007.
Second generation L375S/L385S
December 17, 2007 – The second generation was announced and released. The “Miracle Open Door” was adopted, which combined a center pillarless and sliding door on the passenger side, a first for a light vehicle.
December 17, 2008 – Three special edition models were released: “Wonderful Selection,” “Custom V Selection,” and “Custom V Selection Turbo.”
September 1, 2009 – Special edition vehicles “X Limited Selection” and “X 4WD Selection” released.
October 1, 2010 – Minor change.
June 6, 2011 – Partial improvement. All grades of naturally aspirated vehicles were replaced with the “second-generation KF engine” to improve fuel efficiency.
May 21, 2012 – Partial improvements were made to the turbocharged “Custom RS” model.
September 10, 2012 Some improvements.
Production ended in September 2013.
Third generation LA600S/LA610S
Tanto Custom
On October 3, 2013, a full model change was announced and sales began on the same day.
The emblem was changed to “TanTo.” A grade equipped with the collision damage mitigation brake “Smart Assist” was set, and from April 2015 it was changed to the evolved version “Smart Assist II.” (Equipped with a camera in addition to laser and sonar sensors.) Smart Assist II achieved the highest rank in the JNCPN preventive safety evaluation. The adoption of “e:S Technology” focused on strengthening “vehicle evolution.” At the front, the A-pillar shape has been devised to suppress wind turbulence, and at the rear, a spoiler made of resin and an integrated back door streamline the flow of air behind the vehicle. It won the Good Design Gold Award in 2013.
May 8, 2014 – Special edition vehicles “Smart Selection SA”, “Smart Selection SN”, and “Smart Selection SA&SN” are released.
July 4, 2014 – Daihatsu announced that it had sold 135,688 units in the first half of 2014 (January to June 2014), making it the No. 1 brand in terms of new car sales, including registered vehicles. Daihatsu became the No. 1 brand in terms of new car sales, including registered vehicles, in the first half of the year.
April 27, 2015: Partially improved (sales began on May 11).
Minor change on December 14, 2015.
November 30, 2016 Some improvements.
December 18, 2016 – Some improvements
August 20, 2018 – Special edition vehicles “L” Limited SA III “” and “Custom RS” Top Edition Limited SA III “” are released.
June 30, 2019: Orders for the third-generation model were stopped and production was discontinued in preparation for production of the next-generation model.
4th generation LA650S/LA660S
Tanto
On July 9, 2019, the full model change was officially announced and sales began. The new Tanto/Tanto Custom, developed under the concept of “More than a car. A life partner for a new era,” has a completely new platform. It debuted as the first model based on Daihatsu’s new generation car-making concept, “DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture).” It also features “Next Generation Smart Assist.”
The vehicle structure has been revised to reduce vehicle weight, improving vertical bending rigidity by 30% compared to the previous model, and increasing the high-tensile strength ratio of the upper body by 10%, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 80 kg overall. Improvements to the transmission and engine have included the adoption of Japan’s first “multi-spark (multiple ignition)” technology, which has led to improved combustion efficiency through improved compression ratios and injector atomization. This has resulted in further weight reduction and improved fuel economy. The transmission is equipped with a newly developed “DCVT (Dual mode CVT)” that uses the world’s first “power split technology,” and improvements to the engine have resulted in a JC08 mode fuel economy of 27.2 km/L.
December 23, 2019 – The new “Selection” series was released.
June 17, 2020 – The new grade “X Special” was released.
December 1, 2020 Some improvements.
Partially improved on September 21, 2021. The X Turbo, Custom RS, and Custom RS Style Selection now feature an electric parking brake and hold system that is released when the accelerator is pressed, making them useful in traffic jams. In terms of safety features , adaptive cruise control with full-speed range tracking, previously only available on turbocharged models, is now also available on naturally aspirated models, along with Cornering Trace Assist (CTA). A new body color, Turquoise Mica Metallic, has been added.
October 3, 2022 – Minor changes and the addition of the Fun Cross model were announced. The front face of the Tanto Custom has been significantly changed, giving it a more imposing presence and expressing the high quality and refinement of adults. In addition, a new model, the Tanto Fun Cross, has been added to the expanding market for active super-high-roof wagons as an active vehicle that goes beyond everyday use and allows for fun times. Smart Assist now features a blind spot monitor and RCTA (rear cross traffic alert) . The L model (without Smart Assist) has been discontinued, and Smart Assist will now be standard equipment on all vehicles. New body and interior colors have been added.
On December 20th, it was revealed that the investigation into the manufacturer Daihatsu’s fraud issue would expand from the six models that had previously been identified to almost all models, including this one, and the company will be adjusting its operations to halt shipments of all models both domestically and internationally.
On April 10, 2024, the government lifted its shipping suspension order, and production resumed on the same day.
When will the new Tanto undergo a full model change?
The Daihatsu Tanto will be released in 2024 after the company’s fraud scandal is resolved and the current model will be resold. It is expected to undergo a full model change and be released in 2025.
Should I wait until the new Tanto is fully redesigned before buying?
Regarding whether you should wait until the Tanto undergoes a full model change before purchasing, my conclusion is that if you are planning to buy a new car, you should wait. While a price increase is expected, the car will likely be improved in many ways over the current model, with the latest equipment, interior, and exterior improvements, and the introduction of a hybrid system will improve fuel efficiency, making it a good value and more attractive model, so I think you should hold off on purchasing one at this point.
New Tanto Full Model Change Q&A
When will the new Tanto undergo a full model change?
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At present, there has been no official announcement regarding a full model change for the new Tanto, but some sources suggest that a full model change may occur in the second half of 2025.
How will the new Tanto lineup change?
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The plan is to maintain the three-part lineup: standard, sporty custom, and SUV-inspired Fun Cross. It is expected that the individuality of each will be more clearly defined.
How much better will the fuel economy of the new Tanto be?
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Although the exact figures have not yet been released, it is possible that the car will be equipped with a hybrid system for light vehicles, which is expected to significantly improve fuel efficiency.
What are the features of the new Tanto’s latest design?
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While details about the design are still unclear, it’s expected that the designs will highlight the individuality of each model and may also incorporate features to improve aerodynamics.
What kind of hybrid system will be installed in the new Tanto?
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It is highly likely that the car will be equipped with the ” e-SMART HYBRID ” developed by Daihatsu . This system contributes to improved fuel efficiency through motor assistance and regenerative braking.
What is needed to further enhance the appeal of the new Tanto?
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Further evolution is required in all aspects, including design, functionality, fuel economy, and safety. It is especially important that the car has appeal that surpasses that of its rival, the N-BOX.
What does the full model change of the Tanto mean for Daihatsu?
-
The Tanto is Daihatsu’s flagship model, and its full model change is extremely important for maintaining its competitiveness in the minicar market and expanding its share.
A word from the editorial department
Recently, the minicar market has been changing, with sales of mini super tall wagons on the rise. Rival models such as Honda’s N-BOX and Suzuki’s Spacia are particularly strong. Daihatsu, which wants to compete with these models, believes that adding a new powertrain to its lineup will attract attention and increase its appeal.
Daihatsu’s signature car , the Tanto, has undergone a major evolution with its fifth generation. This new model is expected to be more competitive with significant improvements in fuel economy and driving performance. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in Tanto sales. We can’t wait for the new Tanto to arrive.
We will let you know as soon as we have new information, so please look forward to the arrival of the full model change.
Tanto
