Guess Why We Will Never Get This Compact Crossover In Malaysia?
Daihatsu’s amazing achievement to sell more than 18,000 units of its newly launched Taft kei Crossover in the first month of its launch alone shows the potential of high quality small vehicles that are coming from Japanese manufacturers. However, with our ‘controlled’ automotive market, a small number of Malaysians might be able to experience ownership of this vehicle in 24-36 months’ time when a recon car importer decides to import in some used units at a high selling price.
Meanwhile this impressive sales result has even surprised Daihatsu as its predicted monthly sales target was just 4,000 units a month. Thus putting the figure of 18,000 Tafts sold 4.5 times what Daihatsu has estimated. Bearing in mind this tiny SUV is only being sold in Japan for the foreseeable future.
The Daihatsu Taft, which stands for “Tough & Almighty Fun Tool” is built on a modified Toyota kei car platform as part of the Daihatsu New Generation Architecture (DNGA). Related to the Daihatsu Tanto kei car, the Taft is a chunkier looking off-road version of the Tanto and was envisioned as a replacement for the equally-strange Daihatsu Cast Active and Sport.
As per Japanese kei car regulations, under the bonnet of the Taft is a 658cc 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 51hp or a mighty 63hp if the turbo option is ticked. Both engines are mated to a CVT transmission that either drives only the front wheels or all four wheels on select models.
On the inside of this rugged-looking 4×4, the main highlight would be the standard full length glass roof for which Daihatsu calls the “Sky Feel Top”. In terms of safety features, the new Taft is equipped with an upgraded version of Daihatsu’s Smart Assist active safety suite which includes road sign recognition and lane departure warning.
Starting at just 1,353,000 yen (about RM53,500) this would have been a hit with young single Malaysian drivers and some one child families. Think about it, this could be the replacement model for the ageing and forgotten Perodua Kenari.
Press Release: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Daihatsu”) announced today that its new TAFT mini crossover, which went on sale on June 10, 2020, has achieved total orders of approximately 18,000 units in the first month of its release. This is 4.5 times more than its monthly sales target of 4,000 units, and marks an outstandingly successful launch.
The TAFT seeks to be a partner that can be actively used in both everyday and leisure scenes, and that makes daily life more enjoyable; it was launched into the expanding mini crossover market. The car’s exterior design exudes a toughness and power essential to Crossovers, it comes equipped as standard with the “Sky Feel Top,” a large glass roof, while the rear of the vehicle is a “flexible space” that can be freely arranged. The TAFT also features an upgraded version of the Smart Assist active safety system, while the new DNGA platform guarantees outstanding basic performance—all at an affordable price appropriate to a mini vehicle.
Based on its “Light you up” approach, going forward Daihatsu will continue to provide optimal mobility to every one of its customers, and cater to their needs via its extended range of mini vehicles and compact cars.
Research and Text by Joshua Chin
