Daihatsu Extol (03-06) - Review

The cargo area measures 1.7m long, 1.3m wide and 1.17m high, giving a cargo volume of 2.2 cubic metres. It can take a payload of 615kg, The floor is above the wheel arches so they don't intrude into the load space. In addition to the rear hatch, there are large sliding doors either side. The side doors also give access to additional storage space under the floor, which is useful for storing tools etc. out of sight. In the cabin there's a couple of cup-holders, a small glovebox and a number of small pockets and recesses for change and other odds and ends. The spare wheel is stored under the back so there's no need to unload to change the wheel. A bulkhead and load anchorage points are not fitted as standard.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard. In wet and windy weather conditions its tall shape and rear wheel drive configuration make it feel less stable than a supermini-based van. Central locking is only activated from the driver's door, and with no remote function available, you need to use the key.

The Extol has a low asking price and dealers sometimes do special offers. It needs servicing every 9000 miles. Official fuel consumption figures are unknown, but the engine is suitably economical in other applications. There is no diesel application. You might want to check the proximity of your nearest dealer/service outlet as coverage can be sparse in some parts of the country.

Built in Japan, the Extol has a three-year/60,000 mile warranty. Daihatsu is part-owned by Toyota (a company renowned for its reliability) so we would have high expectations that it won't let you down.