DAIHATSU has refined the Charade with a range of safety and technical improvements for the 1997 model. Both 1.3 and 1.5 litre engines have been re-engineered to increase torque while reducing overall noise levels, and modifications to the steering result in better turn-in and stability.

The Charade's brakes have also been improved with the addition of ventilated front discs, while four-channel ABS is now available as a £495 option on all models - half the previous price. Additionally, a driver's airbag becomes standard on both the hatchback and saloon GLXi model and is now an option on the three-door Xi and five-door LXi for £295 - again half the previous cost. On-the-road prices start at £7,655 for the three-door Xi 1.3.