Daihatsu Charmant
Encyclopedia
The Daihatsu Charmant is a compact sedan built by Daihatsu of Japan
, based on the Toyota Corolla
. It was replaced by the Daihatsu Applause
. The Charmant was originally a spin-off of the Toyota Corolla of the 1970s; model changes paralleled those of the Corolla. All Charmants were fitted with Toyota inline-four engines, ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 litres. The word "charmant" is French for charming.
First presented in November 1974, the A35 Charmants, based on earlier Corollas, were normally equipped with 1,290 cc engines producing 72 PS (SAE) at 5,200 rpm. This type of engines were coded as 4K Toyota engines and came with a four- or five-speed manual transmission, as well as a three-speed automatic option. The 88 PS (SAE) 1,588 cc overhead valve 2T engine was also available from 1978 on; this could also be ordered with a three-speed automatic with overdrive. There was also a 1.4 litre engine available, offering 86 PS (SAE).
Unique to the first generation, a station wagon was also available. This was called "Van" in the Japanese domestic market, where it was classed as a commercial vehicle.
Renewed in October 1981, the new squarer bodywork was somewhat outmoded already when being introduced, as was its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
. The only bodywork available is a four-door sedan. In Japan, the biggest engine was now an OHC
1453 cc with 83 PS at 5,600 rpm. In the export, the 1.6 litre 2T engine was also available; power outputs ranged from 76 PS depending on compression ratios and intended markets. The smaller 1.3 litre engine produced between 62 PS depending on market and so on. Trim levels were LC, LE and LGX; these continued until 1987 when the range was discontinued in the United Kingdom and most other export markets. All the engines were carburetted. In Japan, the most luxurious versions (with available climate control) were called "Altair".
The Charmant had a independent front suspension (struts), and a live four-link rear axle. Suspension settings were soft, for maximum comfort. The car underwent a minor facelift in autumn 1984.
The Daihatsu Charmant was aimed at the small executive saloon car market in Britain in 1980s, competing against hatchback-based saloons including the Ford Orion
, Vauxhall Belmont
and Rover 200. It also competed against continental offerings such as the Volkswagen Jetta
. Production ended in late 1987, leaving a gap at the top of Daihatsu's lineup. In 1989, the Applause
appeared to fill the Charmant's shoes.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, based on the Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million...
. It was replaced by the Daihatsu Applause
Daihatsu Applause
The Daihatsu Applause was a compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu from 1989 to 2000. It is most notable for its unusual body style, which, despite appearing to be a 4-door sedan, is in fact a 5-door liftback with a notchback-shaped 412-litre trunk and a tailgate.- Background...
. The Charmant was originally a spin-off of the Toyota Corolla of the 1970s; model changes paralleled those of the Corolla. All Charmants were fitted with Toyota inline-four engines, ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 litres. The word "charmant" is French for charming.
First generation
1980 Charmant Wagon |
First presented in November 1974, the A35 Charmants, based on earlier Corollas, were normally equipped with 1,290 cc engines producing 72 PS (SAE) at 5,200 rpm. This type of engines were coded as 4K Toyota engines and came with a four- or five-speed manual transmission, as well as a three-speed automatic option. The 88 PS (SAE) 1,588 cc overhead valve 2T engine was also available from 1978 on; this could also be ordered with a three-speed automatic with overdrive. There was also a 1.4 litre engine available, offering 86 PS (SAE).
Unique to the first generation, a station wagon was also available. This was called "Van" in the Japanese domestic market, where it was classed as a commercial vehicle.
Second generation
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
In automotive design, an FR, or Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive layout is one where the engine is located at the front of the vehicle and driven wheels are located at the rear. This was the traditional automobile layout for most of the 20th century....
. The only bodywork available is a four-door sedan. In Japan, the biggest engine was now an OHC
Overhead camshaft
Overhead cam valvetrain configurations place the engine camshaft within the cylinder heads, above the combustion chambers, and drive the valves or lifters in a more direct manner compared to overhead valves and pushrods...
1453 cc with 83 PS at 5,600 rpm. In the export, the 1.6 litre 2T engine was also available; power outputs ranged from 76 PS depending on compression ratios and intended markets. The smaller 1.3 litre engine produced between 62 PS depending on market and so on. Trim levels were LC, LE and LGX; these continued until 1987 when the range was discontinued in the United Kingdom and most other export markets. All the engines were carburetted. In Japan, the most luxurious versions (with available climate control) were called "Altair".
The Charmant had a independent front suspension (struts), and a live four-link rear axle. Suspension settings were soft, for maximum comfort. The car underwent a minor facelift in autumn 1984.
The Daihatsu Charmant was aimed at the small executive saloon car market in Britain in 1980s, competing against hatchback-based saloons including the Ford Orion
Ford Orion
The Ford Orion is a saloon car built by the automaker Ford for the European market from 22 July 1983 until 19 September 1993. A total of 3,534,239 Orions were sold throughout the car's 10-year life....
, Vauxhall Belmont
Vauxhall Belmont
The Vauxhall Belmont was a saloon car sold in the United Kingdom by Vauxhall, the British division of General Motors between January 1986 and July 1991. It was equivalent to a saloon version of the award-winning Opel Kadett E, launched in the autumn of 1984, whose other body styles were marketed...
and Rover 200. It also competed against continental offerings such as the Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
Although the Golf had reached considerable success, in the North American markets, Volkswagen observed that the hatchback body style lacked some of the appeal to those who preferred the traditional three-box configuration...
. Production ended in late 1987, leaving a gap at the top of Daihatsu's lineup. In 1989, the Applause
Daihatsu Applause
The Daihatsu Applause was a compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu from 1989 to 2000. It is most notable for its unusual body style, which, despite appearing to be a 4-door sedan, is in fact a 5-door liftback with a notchback-shaped 412-litre trunk and a tailgate.- Background...
appeared to fill the Charmant's shoes.