Daihatsu Motor's new Tanto

Daihatsu Motor's new Tanto

On April 9, Daihatsu announced the launch of the fully remodeled Tanto (photo), a tall minicar, the fourth generation since the first generation Tanto was launched in 2003. Based on DNGA, a new development platform for minicars and compact cars, the vehicle's chassis and powertrain have been completely redesigned to improve basic performance such as handling stability and flat ride comfort. The price including consumption tax ranges from 1,224,400 to 1,873,800 yen. The sales target is 12,500 units per month. At a press conference held in Tokyo on the same day, President Soichiro Okudaira expressed his confidence in the new model, saying, "Basic performance such as handling stability and quietness have been raised to a very high level, raising the car's status one or two notches. Inside the vehicle, the driver's seat slides backward 54cm to create a passageway to the rear seat, and the sliding door automatically opens and closes to make it easier to get in and out from the sidewalk.

Daihatsu's new platform with DNGA

Daihatsu's new platform with DNGA

Newly developed zero-based lightweight photosynthetic platform. In order to maximize the performance of handling stability and ride comfort, the suspension arrangement was designed with the highest priority, and the body frame was optimally arranged to significantly improve collision safety, NV performance, and body strength. Bending rigidity has been increased by 30% compared to the previous model, and the entire body frame, including the platform, has been lightened by approximately 40 kg through the use of high-tensile materials and structural rationalization. The new Tanto was unveiled at the Tokyo Prince Hotel on July 9, 2019. Credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images