High hopes for Compact YRV

DAIHATSU had European markets firmly in mind when it designed a stunning new kind of compact multi-purpose vehicle. And the YRV concept, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, is likely to be on sale here in 12 months' time.

'We're looking to this model to give our European sales a boost of 20%. We are confident it will provide us with another 2,000 registrations each month,' said overseas planning division general manager Juichi Yanagida. Described as a reference exhibit, the YRV features double-wedge styling, but its most significant advantage is the 140bhp performance provided by a twin-cam, variable valve version of the engine Daihatsu builds for the Toyota Yaris.

'This model should provide us with a strong rival to the Yaris. It has the spirit to appeal to the young, the looks and behaviour of a sports car and is also practical,' said Yanagida. The turbocharged YRV is 3,765mm long, 1,615mm wide and 1,550mm high. Rear seats are mounted higher than the front.