When searching for the Daihatsu Taft, you may come across comments like “It’s not a light car.” However, the Taft is a genuine light car. So why does this misunderstanding arise? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons.
Is it true that the Daihatsu Taft isn’t a light car?
The Daihatsu Taft. It’s categorized as a light car, but why do some people say it’s not a light car? This time, we’ll take a closer look at why the Taft has a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of a light car.
A thorough explanation of the reviews and ratings of the new Taft
As of September 2024, when searching for the new Taft, it appears that many searches result in “Taft is not light.”
The new Taft has received mixed reviews across social media, automotive media, and review sites. Positive comments include its stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel economy. Negative comments, on the other hand, point out its uncomfortable ride and high price.
A dignified style that is unusual for a light car
Daihatsu Taft
The Taft’s exterior features a square shape and large, jutting fenders, giving it a powerful look that you wouldn’t expect from a light vehicle. In particular, the large grille on the front fascia has a strong presence, giving it an SUV-like presence.
Open and spacious interior space
The interior of the Taft is so spacious that it overturns the concept of a minicar. In particular, the “Sky Feel Top” that extends above the front seats provides an overwhelming sense of openness, making you feel as if you are riding in an open-top car. The rear seats are also spacious enough that even adults can relax comfortably.
Fully equipped and high driving performance
Although the Taft is a light vehicle, it is equipped with a full range of features and offers excellent driving performance. The advanced safety feature “Smart Assist” is equipped with a variety of functions to support the driver’s safe driving, such as collision avoidance assist braking and lane departure prevention control. Furthermore, the turbo engine model achieves powerful acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, providing a comfortable ride even on long drives.
Reason 1: Taft’s powerful design
The Taft features a powerful SUV-like design, with a square body and large tires. This imposing appearance is different from the image of a light car, which may give the impression that it is not light.
Reason 2: Extensive safety equipment
Although the Taft is a light vehicle, it is equipped with a full range of safety features, including collision mitigation braking and lane departure prevention control. Because such features are often found on standard cars, some people may feel that the Taft is not “light.”
Reason 3: The existence of “Taft” in the past
In fact, the Taft name has existed as a Daihatsu model in the past. However, the previous Taft was larger than the current light vehicle standard. Therefore, based on the image of the past Taft, the current Taft may be mistakenly thought of as “not a light vehicle.”
About Taft
Daihatsu released the new light crossover “TAFT” on June 10, 2020. It is the third model under the ” DNGA ” system, following the new ” Tanto ” and ” Rocky .” The new platform, the “DNGA -A platform, ” prioritizes suspension arrangement and reduces the overall weight of the body structure by improving bending rigidity, utilizing high-tensile steel, and streamlining the structure .
The Taft is based on the new “backpack style” concept, which is “fun for leisure and can be used in everyday life!” and has an exterior design that expresses a playful, angular “toughness and strength.”
The interior is playful yet functional, with a layout and ample storage facilities. A ” flexible board ” allows the luggage height to be adjusted to two different levels. The rear seatbacks can be folded down to create a flat, spacious space, and the seatbacks are made of stain-resistant resin for added security . Even dirty luggage won’t bother you.
All vehicles are equipped with the “Sky Feel Top,” a large glass roof installed above the front seats, as standard. The Taft will be equipped with a “sunroof,” which is not currently available in light vehicles.
It features a 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio system . Apps compatible with SmartDeviceLink and Apple CarPlay can be operated on the display. It also features Daihatsu Connect, a service that connects car navigation systems to smartphones. It also features Daihatsu’s first electric parking brake and hold system.
This is the third model of the DNGA series, following the new Tanto and Rocky . The new DNGA-A platform is designed with suspension arrangement as the top priority, and aims to reduce the overall weight of the body structure by improving bending rigidity, utilizing high-tensile steel, and streamlining the structure. It employs multi-spark (multiple ignition) technology. The transmission employs the newly developed DCVT (Dual mode CVT) with the world’s first power split technology , as well as the advanced technology of next-generation Smart Assist .
About the new Daihatsu Taft
In this partial improvement, three new body colors have been added: a new “Ceramic Green Metallic,” and the powerful “Chrome Gray Metallic” and “Laser Blue Crystal Shine.” Convenience has also been improved with the addition of a 9-inch smartphone display audio that supports voice recognition and wireless connection, and fuel efficiency has been improved by optimizing engine control, achieving the “2020 fuel efficiency standard” and “75% of the 2030 fuel efficiency standard” for all models, expanding the scope of eligibility for environmental performance levies and eco-car tax breaks.
Daihatsu New Taft Special Edition “Dark Chrome Venture”
In addition to the special edition “Chrome Venture” released in May 2021 , the new “Dark Chrome Venture” is now available, featuring dark black plating, gunmetal paint, and black mica metallic trim to give it an even tougher look .
Laser Blue Crystal Shine
Chrome Gray Metallic
Ceramic Green Metallic
Daihatsu New Taft Special Edition “Dark Chrome Venture” Specifications
| Specifications | New Taft NA |
New Taft Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,630mm | 1,630mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 2,460mm |
| ground clearance | 190mm | 190mm |
| 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 |
| transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD(FF)/4WD | 2WD(FF)/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.5km/L (2WD) 19.7km/L (4WD) |
20.2km/L (2WD) 19.6km/L (4WD) |
New Taft partial improvement price grade
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
CVT | 2WD | 1,353,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,479,500 yen | |||
| G | 2WD | 1,485,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,611,500 yen | |||
| G “Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,551,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,677,500 yen | |||
| G “Dark Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,556,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,683,000 yen | |||
| X Turbo | 658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
2WD | 1,441,000 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,567,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo | 2WD | 1,606,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,732,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo “Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,672,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,798,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo “Dark Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,677,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,804,000 yen |
A word from the editorial department
The Taft has appeal beyond the image of a minicar, with its powerful design and comprehensive safety features. However, its true essence lies in the ease of use and economy that only a minicar can offer.
The complaint that the Taft is “not light” is a testament to its appeal. Please try riding in a Taft and experience its appeal for yourself.
The Daihatsu Taft is truly a “non-kei” car, combining a design that transcends the boundaries of a minicar, a spacious interior, comprehensive equipment, and high driving performance. The Taft, which proposes new values without being bound by the concept of a minicar, is sure to continue to attract many users in the future.
I hope that reading this article will help you rediscover the appeal of Taft and be helpful when considering purchasing one.
Taft
