Don’t worry, even this old Charade can climb Cameron Highlands (see picture of the Aura at Camerons) and even Genting with its small and simple engine.
If you’re shopping for a secondhand compact family car and only have a budget of under RM4-5K here is a suggestion. I am sure you haven’t considered Daihatsu’s Charade Aura.
Like most small car buyers, you have probably set your sights on a mainstream model such as a Proton Iswara, Perodua Kancil, Nissan March or a Toyota Starlet. However, if your priorities are ‘value for money’ and space for 5 persons, a Daihatsu Charade Aura might be worth tracking down. The Aura started life as a rather good looking hatchback with lack-luster 1.0-litre engine.
Well the Charade did evolve a little (1989-1993 Aura and the hot-hatch GTti models) were practical and affordable vehicles, post-1994 cars are a far better bet in terms of engine refinement and space.
Creature comforts on the Aura include …… well you only get manual door mirrors and window winders, internal fuel filler and boot release switches as well as a soft headrest for the front passengers. Thats about it. This is basic motoring.
Rust can and will be a problem on early Daihatsu models like this Aura, as can worn engines, particularly on modified versions, which we will advise buying only with a full service history.
There are far less worries on stock standard versions which have proved generally reliable and durable with their owners. Driving a stock unit will not disappoint the average driver as the on road manners of the Aura are quite decent.
Even on the highway the Aura should manage a top speed of 110km/h and wind noise is not a big problem. As long as all consumables have been maintained fuel economy should be good with the standard engine cars where it is capable of 75-80 kilometers in town with RM10 ringgit of RON95 fuel.
Often overlooked and under-rated, the Charade Aura is a capable and durable. This Charade and even the earlier more upright GX model remains an affordable compact alternative and makes sense as a good used car buy for those on a very tight budget.
