 Today, Daihatsu reveals yet another innovative concept compact saloon car The NCX is a prototype designed to demonstrate why a 1-litre engine can make good sense even as a saloon car power plant, as well as illustrating how well-made and spacious an interior can be created in a compact body measuring less than 3.7 metres long. Specifically, the NCX has a long cabin that seats five adults in comfort, four doors, a rear hatch, a flat and square luggage compartment, and a distinctive saloon appearance combined with an extremely smooth engine. 
The NCX isn't a regular two-box or even a three-box design, much less a monobox. Its short nose and long roof, sporting a slightly classical feel, represents Daihatsu's proposal for a totally new next-generation saloon shape. The body is sculpted with mildly accented lines and is gently flared from the shoulder line downwards, making the car look wider and lower than it really is while ensuring great stability. The long cabin equipped with six-light windows exudes a sense of quality, while the uniquely-shaped headlights featuring crystal lamps add to the car's high class image. 
The short nose and long roof design allows this compact car to encompass a large interior space with ample headroom and legroom for both front- and rear-seat occupants. And don't be deceived by the rather modest rear end. The flat and square luggage compartment is surprisingly capacious and useful for a host of carrying tasks. In addition, the NCX has thirteen interior pockets for smaller items. 
The power unit at the heart of this compact saloon is a three-cylinder, 1000 cc DOHC engine. Generating rich torque from a low-rev range, this lively engine smoothly propels the NCX with all the grace of an upper-class car, while consuming less fuel per kilometre than any other passenger car on the market. Furthermore, torsion beam suspension fixed to the 14" wheels provides a comfortable ride and excellent straight-ahead stability, while a small turning circle and hydraulic power steering make this car extremely easy to manoeuvre. 
A major reason why many owners of larger cars hesitate in switching to compact models is their concern over increased accident vulnerability. Daihatsu believes that compact-car users should not be deprived of any of the safety features large-car users enjoy. Consequently, the NCX is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art safety features. For starters, there are dual airbags for both the driver and front passenger. The highly rigid body satisfies anticipated future crash regulations including those concerning offset barrier deformations and side-on collisions. Moreover, the front seat belts are equipped with pre-tensioner and force limit mechanisms that effectively protect the driver and front passenger. Whether doors should be kept locked or unlocked while driving is a subject of controversy. Some argue the doors should be kept unlocked for easier occupant rescue in the event of an accident. Others maintain the doors should be locked at all times to protect occupants from intruders. The NCX eliminates the need to make such stark choices: Keep the doors locked, and if an accident occurs the NCX automatically releases the locks and turns on the room lamp to allow a quicker and smoother rescue, even at night. At the same time, the hazard lights start flashing and the fuel is cut off to prevent further danger. Daihatsu has also paid close attention to active safety, equipping the NCX with a braking system featuring front ventilated disc brakes and rear leading trailing drum brakes with 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS. In addition, the rear wiper helps to ensure a good rear view even in poor weather conditions, and a high-mounted brake lamp provides an effective warning for any tailgating motorists. 
Air pollution, acid rain, congested roads, insufficient parking spaces... Think of what's happening in the environment and our society today and the extent to which automobiles have been responsible for many of these problems. Isn't it about time we started thinking seriously about downsizing the resources we devote to automobiles? After all, automobiles were invented to improve our quality of life; not to worsen it. Daihatsu is committed to leading the automotive industry toward a more compact-oriented future, to help make the world a better and more beautiful place for us all. And we are confident that the NCX, which marries the style and comfort of a saloon with the dimensions and fuel efficiency of a compact car, is an important milestone in realizing these goals. 
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