| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1985 |
| Production Years: | 1985 - 1990 discontinued in 1990 |
The Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) is a compact hatchback produced between 1985 and 1990, representing one of the quintessential small city cars typical of the mid-1980s. It falls under the Kei car category in Japan, designed to be highly efficient and maneuverable for urban environments. Though exact dimensions of each variant vary slightly, the Cuore’s typical size ranges around a length of approximately 3,295 mm (129.7 inches), a width of about 1,395 mm (54.9 inches), and height near 1,365 mm (53.7 inches). This compact footprint made the Cuore ideal for tight parking spaces and narrow streets, common in many Japanese cities. The weight was generally light, supporting agile handling and fuel economy. The hatchback body style featured practical rear access and a versatile interior, maximizing usable space despite the vehicle’s small exterior. The L80 and L81 generations preserved the original Cuore’s efficient packaging and economical spirit, catering primarily to drivers seeking affordable, dependable transportation. Overall, the Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) hatchback remains a notable example of 1980s Japanese kei cars that balanced minimal size with practical utility, making it a compelling choice in the compact car segment both historically and for comparisons with other small vehicles.
Discover the standout features that make the 1985 Daihatsu Cuore a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The 1985 Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) hatchback features compact external dimensions designed for urban convenience. It measures approximately 3,355 millimeters (132.1 inches) in length, 1,395 millimeters (54.9 inches) in width, and 1,385 millimeters (54.5 inches) in height. These measurements highlight its small footprint which makes the Cuore highly maneuverable and easy to park in tight city environments.
Inside, the 1985 Daihatsu Cuore offers a cozy cabin typical for subcompact hatchbacks of its time. It comfortably seats four adults, though legroom and headroom are best suited for shorter journeys or smaller passengers. Compared to other 1980s small hatchbacks like the Suzuki Alto or early Honda Civic models, the Cuore provides similar space efficiency but with an emphasis on basic, functional accommodation rather than luxury or spaciousness.
The Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) from 1985 has a curb weight of around 700 to 750 kilograms (1,543 to 1,653 pounds), depending on specific trims and equipment. This light weight contributes to its agile handling characteristics and excellent fuel economy. The reduced mass allows its small engine to perform efficiently, yielding low fuel consumption figures ideal for city driving and daily commuting.
The 1985 Daihatsu Cuore features a wheelbase of approximately 2,230 millimeters (87.8 inches). This relatively short wheelbase supports compact outer dimensions and aids in tight turning radii suitable for city driving. However, the shorter wheelbase can sometimes translate to a firmer ride and limited rear legroom compared to larger vehicles, but it balances maneuverability with adequate interior space for its class.
The Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) from 1985 has a tight turning radius, typically around 4.3 meters (14.1 feet). This compact turning circle makes the Cuore especially adept at navigating narrow city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces, highlighting its design as an urban commuter car.
Yes, the 1985 Daihatsu Cuore fits comfortably in a typical standard residential garage. Given its compact length of approximately 3,355 mm (132.1 inches) and width of about 1,395 mm (54.9 inches), it leaves ample room around the vehicle in most garages that measure about 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and 5.5 meters (18 feet) or more in length. Its modest height of around 1,385 mm (54.5 inches) also ensures no clearance issues, making it practical for everyday residential parking.
Compared to the previous generation Daihatsu Cuore, the L80/L81 model introduced in 1985 is generally similar in size but slightly optimized for better space utilization and modern styling cues of the mid-1980s. While exact measurements vary slightly by market, the L80/L81 maintains a compact footprint consistent with the Cuore's reputation, generally preserving comparable length and width while sometimes offering improved cabin ergonomics and a somewhat updated exterior silhouette.
When compared to contemporaries like the Suzuki Alto and Honda City from the mid-1980s, the Daihatsu Cuore (L80/L81) is very much in the same compact hatchback class. The Cuore's dimensions balance maneuverability and passenger space much like the Alto, with both models offering a lightweight, city-friendly design. The Honda City tends to be slightly larger, offering more interior space and a bit more engine power. Overall, the Cuore holds its own as a practical, economical vehicle with highly competitive compact measurements perfect for urban use.
The 1985 Daihatsu Cuore typically came equipped with a small 547cc two-cylinder or 796cc three-cylinder engine depending on the market. These engines were designed for economical city driving, achieving exceptional fuel efficiency often exceeding 20 km/l (47 mpg US). Its light weight and efficient powertrain made it one of the most fuel-conscious small cars of its era, ideal for drivers prioritizing economy over high-speed performance.
The Daihatsu Cuore (L80, L81) offers modest cargo capacity as a small hatchback, with trunk volume in the range of approximately 200 to 250 liters (7 to 9 cubic feet) with rear seats up. The rear seats can often be folded down to increase usable space for larger items, a feature common in hatchbacks of the period. While not spacious by modern standards, the Cuore provides practical versatility for day-to-day errands and light cargo hauling within its compact form.
Daihatsu