Daihatsu initially was a small company from Hatsudoki Seizo Co. Ltd made in 1907, and slowly and gradually started exporting its cars to Europe. Though as according to the common belief, the company due to some internal issues sold its major stocks to Toyota in 1990s.
The Daihatsu Hijet is one of the brand from this company starting its production in 1960. The vehicle comes under small body vans and pickups having less sales price leading to less insurance and tax cost. The vehicle is best for carrying domestic small quantity goods including groceries, paper products and stationary. Though the towing capacity is low in these type of vehicles with inadequate suspension.
The vehicle in 1970s came as a S38 and S40 platform in 356 CC at two stroke and 547 CC Over Head Camshaft in I2 technology. The transmission is 4 speed manual in mid engine rear wheel drive.
The Daihatsu Hijet in 1977 also started coming as a S60 platform in 547 CC with majority of it being exported to Austria and other European countries. The 1981 to 1986 Daihatsu Hijet came as two wheel drive and four wheel drive with platform S65 and S66. The displacement aside from the 547 CC in I2 technology included 843 and 993 CC in I3 technology. The S200 and S320 platform are the last one to come before Daihatsu Hijet Hybrid.
The markets where Daihatsu Hijet acquired great market including Srilanka, Myanmar and Russia in used car market because of the need in these markets. The vehicle can best work for the small number of people whose average requirement of towing is less as compare to a serious truck mechanism.
The features of the Daihatsu Hijet depending on the body style in question, the 2 door mini truck, includes nothing flashy yet giving the space advantage, leading to less value added tax because of less displacement. While the overall car cost is also reduced so the duty on port also gets low in used cars. The general features of 2 door are AC, Radio, FOG light, Power Window, Power Steering with flat body exterior as well.
The Daihatsu Hijet pickup on the other hand comes as a small displacement alternative as well, with a high-roofed extended cabin in short body. The space inside is comfortable and cozy with the AC, Radio, comfortable seat and seat belt to facilitate home like experience while performing day to day activities.
Hence Daihatsu Hijet is a Kei Car, mostly used in truck body, facilitating inland transportation of light weight luggage with quiet efficiency.
Guest post written by Johnson Mark.
