Daihatsu Mira e:S


Debut: 2017
Maker: Daihatsu
Predecessor:
Mira e:S (2011)


 Published on 10 Oct 2021
All rights reserved. 


The cheapest car you can buy in Japan, with looks and dynamics to match.


Mira e:S is positioned at the bottom of Daihatsu’s product range. Staring at only 850,000 yen (equivalent to US$7600), it is the cheapest car you can buy in Japan alongside Suzuki Alto.

While many K-cars pursue increasing features and versatility, this car returns to the roots of K-cars, i.e. providing a basic transport for people who could not afford regular cars. The first generation Mira e:S was introduced in 2011. Apart from being cheap to buy, it was also extremely economical to run. By cutting all unnecesary weight, friction and drag, and by using an Atkinson-cycle engine, it achieved the highest fuel economy of any K-cars. That's why it is named e:S, which stands for eco & smart.

The second generation keeps this development direction. Its drag coefficient is reduced by a further 3 percent. Weight is cut by another 80kg, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the car's kerb weight, remarkably. And this is achieved without resorting to advanced materials. How did it do that? By using more high-strength steel in its monocoque body, by using thicker gauge panels to replace multiple parts, by using resin to construct its front fenders and tailgate, by lightening its brakes, steering and suspension components strategically. As a result, the car weighs just 650 kg, sounds like taking us back to the early 1970s, when safety and emission regulations were yet to come into force. For your record, it is almost 200kg lighter than a Honda N-One. That said, Suzuki Alto remains the lightweight champion at 610 kg in manual gearbox form.



It serves your basic needs and no more.


As for cost savings, I guess Daihatsu took the if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach. While all body panels and interior moldings are practically new, their shapes and architecture are very close to the old car, so Daihatsu can reuse many mechanical parts lying underneath the sheet metal and plastic molding. On the downside, this means the Mira e:S looks a bit outdated, especially when the old design was already quite boring. Daihatsu's designers try to inject some excitement with edgy headlights, fascia and a BMW-style kick at the C-pillar. Somehow, the car looks a bit, well, cheap. More like something designed for developing countries. Facing the funky and design-led Alto, I think it is difficult to attract younger drivers.

The pursuit of low costs and simplicity means the rear seat can fold but not slide. Rear legroom is a bit tight compared with other K-cars.


Painfully slow and lots of roll in corner.


The Atkinson-cycle motor is another weak point. Carried over from the old car, it produces only 49 horsepower and 42 pound-foot of torque, considerably lower than Suzuki (52hp / 46 lbft) or Honda (58hp / 48 lbft). Even though the car is light, it feels very slow on the road. There is no turbo option either, as the car is set to be a basic vehicle. Daihatsu's CVT has a rather linear response, but not sufficient to compensate for the lack of power and mid-range torque.

As for handling and ride, it is designed for strictly urban commute. Turn faster, the front end rolls alarmingly, blame to the lack of anti-roll bar. That said, it does ride softer and quieter than the Suzuki. This softness is well matched to its weak powertrain and the overall unexciting character. Just don't expect it offers anything more than your basic needs.
Verdict: 
Specifications





Year
Layout
Chassis
Body
Length / width / height
Wheelbase
Engine
Capacity
Valve gears
Induction
Other engine features
Max power
Max torque
Transmission
Suspension layout
Suspension features
Tires
Kerb weight
Top speed
0-60 mph (sec)
0-100 mph (sec)
Mira e:S
2017
Front-engined, FWD
Steel monocoque
Steel, resin.
3395 / 1475 / 1500 mm
2455 mm
Inline-3, Atkinson cycle.
658 cc
DOHC 12 valves, DVVT
-
Dual-injector
49 hp
42 lbft
CVT
F: strut; R: torsion-beam
-
155/70SR13
650 kg
-
years
pardon?
















































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Mira e:S



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