When the Applause took the stage for its 1989 debut at the Geneva Motorshow, our planet was a much different place Today, Daihatsu is proud to introduce an updated version of its timeless Applause concept at the Frankfurt Motorshow. A hybrid model offering the practicality of a hatchback yet the elegance of a saloon car 
The front styling of the new Applause may be its most conspicuous change from the original model. This new styling includes an enlarged front grille with a chrome-plated rim, newly designed headlights, a bonnet (hood) and a front bumper. Despite the facelift, however, the Applause' timeless design concept remains unchanged, giving the new front styling the same "mature" image of the original Applause. 
The back side of the new Applause features a more "shaped-up" look with its slightly raised rear deck end and newly designed taillights. The number plate holder, which has been moved up from the rear bumper to a position between the left and right taillights, also adds to this sharp new look. And of course, the new Applause comes complete with the fully opening notched hatchback for which it is world-renowned. 
The new interior design is beautifully upholstered to enhance the Applause's mature image. The new dashboard of the Applause, now completely redone, features a design more in line with other Daihatsu passenger cars: namely, with a meter cluster and centre console arranged in an inverted L shape. The rear seat can be folded forward entirely or separately (left and right) for flexible configuration. Plus, the whole rear seat can be folded and raised forward to create a flat and wide luggage space. 
The power unit of the Applause has been further refined through an upgraded cam profile, a distributorless ignition, an increased compression ratio of 10.5 and many other improvements 
The MacPherson strut-type, 4-wheel independent suspension system of the Applause employs offset coil springs and improved wheel alignment to provide peak performance and comfort. A stabiliser is incorporated in the front suspension to effectively suppress rolling while the vehicle is cornering. At the same time, the rear suspension employs dual-link lower arms that optimise the rear wheel angle to maintain stability under all kinds of driving conditions. 
The front brakes of the updated Applause come equipped with ventilated discs, known for excelling in heat dissipation and thus providing stable braking performance over continued use. The rear brakes are of the reliable leading and trailing drum type. With 7.5" tandem boosters, Applause drivers need only press lightly on the brake pedal to efficiently slow or stop the car in most situations. European models of the new Applause also come standard with a 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS that effectively controls all four wheels individually. 
The new Applause is also long on safety provisions. Its sturdy and highly rigid body cell, with front and rear crumple zones, minimises the damage to occupants in the event of an accident. Side-impact beams in all four doors add to that protection from a side-on collision. The European spec models also come standard with dual airbags for both the driver and front passenger. Still more, the Applause features an impact-sensing door-lock release system. This system automatically releases the door locks in the event of an accident for quicker and smoother rescue, while at the same time activating the hazard lights and switching on the cabin lamp to signal danger to other motorists. The front seat belts feature pre-tensioner and force limit mechanisms, as well as adjustable anchors, to effectively protect the driver and front passenger in an accident, while gently securing them in normal driving conditions. All in all, the new Applause picks up the success from its popular predecessor and takes it yet one step further. Make no mistake about it: the Applause is back for an encore. 
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