| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1982 |
| Production Years: | 1981 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The Daihatsu Charmant (A), produced between 1981 and 1987, represents a classic compact sedan of the early 1980s. Launched in the model year 1982, this generation featured a practical and efficient design, typical of its class and era. The Charmant (A) sedan combined modest exterior dimensions with a functional interior, catering to drivers seeking a reliable small family car. While exact dimensions vary slightly depending on specific trims or market versions, the Charmant generally offers a balanced size suitable for urban commuting and light travel. This model's size reflects typical compact sedan proportions from the period, making it an interesting comparison point against other vehicles from manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan of the time. Owners valued the Charmant for its efficient use of space and manageable size, which measured approximately in the mid-size compact range, providing enough room for passengers while maintaining ease of parking and manoeuvrability. In imperial measurements, the car would be approximately characterized with a length around 4 meters (about 13 feet), a width near 1.6 meters (around 5.25 feet), and a height close to 1.4 meters (roughly 4.6 feet), though exact numbers depend on the specific model variants across years. The Charmant (A) remains a notable example of early 80s Japanese sedan design, blending simplicity with reliability, making it popular during its production run and still appreciated by classic car enthusiasts today.
Discover the standout features that make the 1982 Daihatsu Charmant a leader in its class
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The Daihatsu Charmant (A) sedan, produced from 1981 to 1987, features a compact size typical of early 1980s sedans. Its overall length measures approximately 4185 mm (164.8 inches), width about 1600 mm (63 inches), and height roughly 1390 mm (54.7 inches). These dimensions reflect its design focus on urban maneuverability and efficient use of space, suitable for city driving and narrow roads.
With a width of around 1600 mm (63 inches), the Daihatsu Charmant (A) is narrower than many modern compact sedans, which commonly range from 1750 mm to 1800 mm (68.9 to 70.9 inches). This narrower stance contributes to easier parking and better negotiating tight city streets, but may result in a slightly less spacious interior compared to newer vehicles designed with wider dimensions for enhanced passenger comfort.
The Daihatsu Charmant (A) has an approximate height of 1390 mm (54.7 inches), giving it a low profile which helps reduce aerodynamic drag, improving fuel efficiency modestly—a sought-after feature during the 1980s oil economy concerns. However, the relatively low roofline may slightly restrict headroom inside, but it maintains a balanced design that prioritizes a sporty look and functional interior space for a small sedan.
The Daihatsu Charmant (A) has an approximate curb weight in the range of 900 to 950 kg (1984 to 2094 lbs), which is light compared to many contemporary sedans. This lighter weight contributes positively to fuel economy and makes the car more agile on the road, enabling nimble handling and quicker acceleration suitable for city and highway driving of its era. Its weight balance also helps maintain manageable driving dynamics.
The interior space of the Daihatsu Charmant (A) offers sufficient room for up to five passengers, typical for a sedan of its class in the early 1980s. While exact interior dimensions such as legroom and headroom are modest compared to modern cars, the design optimizes space for comfort during city and suburban drives. The compact exterior dimensions mean rear seat space caters well to two adults, with a third passenger possible but less comfortable on longer trips.
Yes, the Daihatsu Charmant (A), with an overall length of approximately 4185 mm (164.8 inches) and width of 1600 mm (63 inches), typically fits well within standard residential garage dimensions. Most garages are about 2400 to 2700 mm (95 to 106 inches) wide and 4800 to 5500 mm (189 to 216 inches) deep, so the Charmant’s compact size allows for easy parking with sufficient space to open doors and maneuver around the vehicle inside the garage.
The Daihatsu Charmant (A) is essentially based on the design lineage of the Toyota Corolla E70 series, which it replaced or overlapped in some markets due to partnership arrangements. Compared to earlier Toyota Corolla models, the Charmant (A) maintained a similar compact footprint but featured some refinements in width and styling to better suit the Japanese and export markets. It offered a slightly more modern appearance while keeping comparable driving dimensions, ensuring continuity and consumer familiarity.
When compared to contemporaries like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sunny from the early 1980s, the Daihatsu Charmant (A) holds its own as a compact sedan. Its length of approximately 4185 mm (164.8 inches) and width of 1600 mm (63 inches) make it slightly smaller or on par with these models. The Charmant’s weight is also relatively low, contributing to efficient performance. Overall, it fits well within the compact segment with practical dimensions suited for city driving and moderate passenger comfort.
The Daihatsu Charmant (A) was typically equipped with four-cylinder engines ranging in displacement around 1.3 to 1.5 liters, depending on the market. These engines produced modest horsepower suited for economical daily driving rather than outright performance. The focus was on reliability and fuel efficiency, reflecting the market demand of the time. Manual and automatic transmissions were available, supporting smooth, practical operation for urban and suburban environments.
During its production from 1981 to 1987, the Daihatsu Charmant (A) saw various updates primarily focused on styling, comfort, and minor mechanical improvements. Facelifts included changes to grille design, lighting, and interior trim to keep it competitive in the compact sedan market. Safety and emission standards also evolved during this period, leading to updates in braking systems and engine tuning. However, the overall size and basic profile remained consistent, preserving the model's identity and practicality.
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