Daihatsu Hijet (86-04) - Review

The Daihatsu Hijet is the closest thing on the roads to a loaf of bread on wheels, but it has a history dating back to 1986 and has sold in abundance with its cheap front-end price. During its life, the Hijet appeared as a panel van, a pick-up and a tipper and was even sold with an LPG conversion. The Hijet comes with just one engine – a 1.3-litre petrol unit mated to a five-speed gearbox.

Anyone over 6ft will struggle to find a comfortable position behind the wheel as space is at a premium. Sitting forward of the front wheels and close to the windscreen, some drivers will feel exposed, especially during motorway driving. Music lovers will be forced to entertain themselves as a radio/cassette player doesn’t feature on the standard specification list.

We are talking very much economy motoring here and although the 1.3-litre petrol engine pumps out a lively 64bhp at 4,800rpm and 73lb-ft of torque at 2,800rpm, the Hijet is a skittish performer, which will be blown about on the roads by passing large trucks. This van doesn’t have power steering but as it is light, that should not prove too much of a problem.