1988 Daihatsu Charade III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The wheelbase of the Daihatsu Charade III measures approximately 2,280 millimeters (89.8 inches). This length plays a crucial role in balancing the car's interior space and ride quality. A shorter wheelbase contributes to agile handling and easier parking, which is essential for city driving. However, despite its compact size, the Charade III's wheelbase is optimized to provide acceptable legroom for front and rear passengers. While not as spacious as larger cars, the wheelbase ensures that ride comfort remains adequate for a supermini category vehicle, minimizing excessive pitching over bumps and providing stable handling characteristics.

The curb weight of the Daihatsu Charade III typically ranges between 800 to 840 kilograms (approximately 1,764 to 1,852 pounds), depending on specific trims and equipment. This relatively light weight benefits both fuel efficiency and performance by requiring less engine power to move the vehicle, resulting in better acceleration and reduced fuel consumption. The lightweight nature also helps in nimble handling, making the Charade III quick to respond to steering inputs. A lighter car generally means easier parking and less wear on tires and brakes, further enhancing the vehicle's suitability for urban settings.

The Daihatsu Charade III offers a practical cargo space for a supermini car. By default, the hatchback's trunk capacity can accommodate around 230 liters (8.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats in the upright position. This space is suitable for daily groceries, small luggage, or similar items. Additionally, the rear seats are foldable, allowing the cargo area to be expanded significantly, providing increased versatility for carrying larger items. When the seats are folded down, the available storage volume grows substantially, making the Charade III adaptable for various hauling needs while maintaining its compact external dimensions.

While specific turning radius figures for the Daihatsu Charade III are not widely published, its compact dimensions and short wheelbase contribute to a tight turning radius typical for subcompact hatchbacks, generally around 4.5 to 5.0 meters (14.8 to 16.4 feet). This tight turning circle allows drivers to perform U-turns and park in confined urban spaces with greater ease. The car's design, paired with precise steering input, ensures it performs well in congested city environments, offering good maneuverability and ease of use in everyday driving scenarios.

Yes, the Daihatsu Charade III easily fits into a standard garage. Most single-car garages are designed to accommodate vehicles up to approximately 5,000 millimeters (196.9 inches) in length and 2,500 millimeters (98.4 inches) in width. With an overall length of around 3,605 millimeters (141.9 inches), a width of about 1,520 millimeters (59.8 inches), and a height near 1,380 millimeters (54.3 inches), the Charade III occupies significantly less space than standard garage dimensions. This allows for additional room to open doors, store items around the car, and comfortably maneuver within the garage.

Compared to the Charade II, the Charade III introduced in 1987 brought slight dimensional updates that enhanced interior space without drastically changing the car's overall footprint. The Charade III maintained a compact length of approximately 3,605 millimeters (141.9 inches), marginally longer or similar to the Charade II's length of about 3,580 millimeters (141 inches). This subtle increase helped improve passenger comfort and cargo volume. The width and height remained relatively consistent, ensuring the new generation kept the maneuverability and ease of parking expected in urban supermini cars. Thus, while the dimensional changes were not drastic, they contributed to a more refined interior environment in the Charade III.

In the late 1980s supermini and hatchback segment, the Daihatsu Charade III positioned itself as a competitively sized vehicle. Compared to rivals such as the Honda Civic hatchback or the Ford Fiesta from the same period, the Charade III was slightly smaller in length and width. For example, the 1988 Honda Civic hatchback measured approximately 4,040 millimeters (159 inches) in length, noticeably longer than the Charade's 3,605 millimeters (141.9 inches). The more compact size of the Charade III provided an advantage in dense urban settings where parking space was limited, while competitors often offered roomier cabins and larger cargo volumes. This size distinction made the Charade III an excellent option for buyers prioritizing maneuverability and efficiency.

The Daihatsu Charade III was primarily equipped with a range of small-displacement petrol engines designed to balance economy and adequate performance. Early models commonly featured a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing around 50 to 60 horsepower, suitable for city driving and short commutes. Later versions offered slightly larger or more tuned engines, including 1.0 to 1.3-liter displacement variants, depending on the market. Transmission options typically included 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearboxes and occasionally a 3-speed automatic. The car's lightweight structure allowed these modest engines to deliver efficient fuel consumption and reliable performance rather than outright power, keeping running costs low for budget-conscious buyers.

The Daihatsu Charade III was designed as a practical hatchback catering primarily to small families and urban commuters, offering seating capacity for up to five passengers. Despite its compact external dimensions, the interior layout aimed at maximizing usable space. Front occupants benefit from adequate headroom and legroom, while rear seats provide acceptable comfort for two adults or three children in shorter trips. The relatively upright seating position and simple dashboard design focused on functionality and ease of use. Folding rear seats allowed for flexible cargo arrangements, enhancing the vehicle's utility for day-to-day use. While it lacked the spaciousness of larger cars, the Charade III successfully balanced compactness with interior comfort suitable for its class.