Daihatsu Charade Hatchback (03-07) - Review

Review by Parkers on
This Fiesta-sized package is one Japanese supermini that not only looks modern, but feels it. The cheap price gets buyers into the showrooms, but it's the quality interior finish, substantial standard equipment and comfy ride that gets their signature on the order form.
3.5 out of 5

Other Daihatsu reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

The three-cylinder 1.0 may only have 58bhp, but it's willing, sounds quite sporty and is well-suited to nipping in-and-out of traffic. Motorways need to be tackled at a leisurely pace as the little engine's not really up to repeated long-distance treks.

3 out of 5

Handling

Around town the suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease - an attribute rarely seen in this class. The flipside is that there's considerable bodyroll and tyre squeal if you try to take corners at anything other than pedestrian speed. There could be more grip and the steering can feel remote at times.