2006 Daihatsu UFE-III

Shown at previous Tokyo Motor Shows in 2001 and 2003, this is the third generation of the 'ultra fuel economy' ÚFE. This hybrid minivehicle achieves category-leading fuel economy of 72km/litre (10-15 mode Japanese emission standard, Daihatsu in-house test data).
- New 3-seater package with driver in front and two rear seats.
- Cd of 0.168, world's lowest* aerodynamic drag coefficient for this class of minivehicle, with polymer and aluminum ultra-light (440kg kerb weight) body and other measures to reduce rolling resistance.
- Hybrid system comprising 660cc inline 3-cylinder direct injection Atkinson engine and two motors.
- New-generation styling with a streamlined super aerodynamic shape, canopy door and pointed LED headlamps.
- Futuristic interior offers comfortable space for three persons within compact dimensions. Operational convenience and functionality with steer-by-wire technology and easy-access control layout.
*As of October 2005

Source - Daihatsu

‘Green' car expert, Daihatsu, is to unveil a record-breaking concept car at ‘The Sunday Times Motor Show Live' together with a host of eye-catching production models – specially customised for the show.

First seen at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, the ÚFE2 hybrid has been verified as the world's most efficient four-seater with the lowest ever recorded drag coefficient of 0.19 Cd.

Standing for ‘Últra Fuel Economy' – the aluminium and composite-bodied minicar weighs only 570 kg and has a pleasingly tapered, teardrop shape with twin gull-wing doors hinged in the centre of the roof.


The spacious four-seat interior is equally futuristic, with a central control unit housing all the major controls including a steer-by-wire system which replaces the conventional steering wheel.

Power is via a low-polluting three-cylinder 660 cc direct-injection petrol engine linked to a compact, lightweight generator and permanent electric motor.

The ÚFE2's secondary batteries are advanced nickel-metal hydride and the gearbox is an automatic CVT (continually variable transmission).

Strictly monitored tests have recorded an astonishing 170 mpg-plus for the ÚFE2 – equivalent to travelling 60 km on one litre of fuel. (concept carz)

Daihatsu is also taking part in the ‘Taster Test Drive' programme at ‘The Sunday Times Motor Show Live' – 27 May to 6 June.

Any showgoer with a general admission ticket and a current driving licence can drive one of a range of Daihatsu models on a specially-devised city route within the grounds of Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. Úp to two passengers can also take part, with all drives being supervised.

Meanwhile, on Stand 5140, Hall 5, visitors can see the whole range of imaginative Daihatsu vehicles such as the new Copen sportscar, super-frugal Charade, YRV Turbo 130, Sirion supermini, Terios mini-4x4 and even the new Extol compact van.




Daihatsu's ÚK management will gauge public reaction to the striking exhibits before deciding on future special editions or accessory packs.

The West Bromwich-based importer's first quarter sales are more than one third higher this year at 36.93 per cent up, while new dealer appointments have averaged one per week in the same period, with the network now standing at 104 outlets.

Daihatsu is also celebrating a dramatic improvement in the ‘J. D. Power and Associates 2004 Customer Satisfaction Index' where it was ranked 7th overall out of 33 manufacturers – up from 11th in 2003.

Furthermore, Daihatsu was the most improved brand for ‘Service Satisfaction' with a 62 point increase on last year, making it 3rd overall instead of 16th. Daihatsu ‘Ownership Costs' showed an equally impressive 30 point improvement, giving it a 5th placing instead of 10th.

Source - Daihatsu