Launch of New Mini Passenger Vehicle CAST Simultaneous Development of Three Variations Reflecting Different World Views

Sep. 09, 2015
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

CAST ACTIVA G “SAⅡ”

CAST STYLE G “SAⅡ”

CAST SPORT “SAⅡ”*1

Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. launched its new mini passenger vehicle CAST nationwide*1 on Wednesday, September 9.

The underlying concept for the development of the CAST*2 was to create a mini vehicle with the options people want that is capable of freshening up their lives. It was made for users who give priority to individuality. The CAST is a high quality car with an inviting and universally appealing design, and comes in three different variations—ACTIVA, STYLE, and SPORT—that were developed at the same time to meet the diverse range of user needs. Each model is offered at an affordable price.

Main features of CAST

1. High quality with inviting and universally appealing design

2. Three variations that reflect completely different world views

3. Superior steering stability and fuel efficiency of 30km/L realized by a high level of basic performance

*1: CAST SPORT will be released in October 2015. There may be some differences in the final specifications.

*2: The name CAST was selected with wish to be one of the casts playing various roles in the driver’s lifestyle

*Vehicle description*

1. High quality with inviting and universally appealing design

Three-dimensional modeling and premium exterior

  • A universally appealing design achieved by striving to create an inviting car that people always want to drive
  • High quality round body cross section with a rich surface quality.
  • The compact cabin, round door cross section, and horizontal side silhouette produce a dignified appearance.
  • Vehicle employs a stable trapezoidal structure.
  • Daihatsu’s original D-wrapping technology, featuring carbon black and the newly developed crystal white, is applied to the roof, sides of the roof, and the spoiler, and is included in the manufacturer’s options as the design film top*3.
  • The silver roof rail that enhances the charm of the exterior is included in the manufacturer’s options*4.

*3: The colors available differ by variation.

*4: Available from October 2015.

An interior with a refined texture and functional beauty

  • The inside of the CAST ACTIVA and CAST SPORT features an instrument panel design that surrounds passengers, creating a sporty interior that brings out an individualized look.
  • In the CAST STYLE, the cabin is enveloped by a tranquil horizontal interior design.

2. Three variations that reflect completely different world views

CAST ACTIVA

An exterior featuring a powerful and three-dimensional crossover style.

  • Powerful appearance of resin garnish protecting the lower part of the vehicle, along with large tires (165/60R15) that give off an active look.
  • Quality image created by the dedicated grill, complemented by the lower body and side door mall coated with gun metallic paint.

Minimum ground clearance of 180mm ensures safe passage even on snowy roads.

  • In addition to the crossover style design, the vehicle has been given large tires, while the suspension has also been changed. It boasts a minimum ground clearance of 180mm*5, which is 30mm higher than the other two variations, making it easier to drive on snowy and mountainous roads.
  • The dedicated grip support control and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for the ACTIVA are installed as standard in the 4WD model.

“Grip support control”
When the wheels starts spinning on muddy or slippery roads, braking force is applied to the spinning wheels while driving force is applied to the wheels gripping the road, helping the vehicle to move forward.

“Downhill Assist Control (DAC)”
DAC maintains a constant speed on slippery slopes, even when the driver is not pushing on the brakes, keeping the tires from locking up by stepping on the foot brake hard and ensuring a stable descent.

*5: The minimum ground clearance of 4WD vehicles is 175mm.

Black sporty interior

  • A black interior decorated with instrument panels exhibiting a vibrant and active form that produces a feeling of high quality.
  • Instrument panel design with a black interior featuring an open tray that produces a sporty appearance.
  • Full fabric seats with a combination of shiny silver fabric and suede-like fabric.

A variety of interior and exterior colors

  • A total of 13 colors, including the new colors such as splash blue metallic and fresh green metallic, along with the two-tone colors used in the design film top (crystal white)*6.
  • Three interior colors available: accent color (silver), which is the base, accent color (blue)*6, and accent color (orange)*7.
  • The prime interior (black) *6 is a luxurious black interior that incorporates tone leather seat upholstery (black / red stitching) and tone leather door trim (black).

CAST STYLE

Detailed urban exterior

  • The effectively plated bumper molding (front and rear) and side rocker molding give the vehicle urban and high quality feel.
  • The trapezoidal shaped front grille and 15-inch tires create an image of a vehicle with a seemingly low center of gravity that offers stable driving experience.

Interior that produces a high quality space

  • A stylish and elegant interior with a two-tone color of black and beige, adorned with a horizontal instrument panel with a calm and reassuring look.
  • Instrument panel tray with a lid that adds a tranquil and high quality accent.
  • A beautiful cabin covered with a special bright fabric suede and equipped with soft and comfortable full fabric seats.

A variety of interior and exterior colors

  • A total of 13 colors including two-tone colors used in the design film top (crystal white)*6.
  • Three interior colors available: accent color (silver), which is the base, accent color (burgundy)*6, and accent color (light brown)*7.
  • The prime interior (white)*6 is an impressive white interior that features a white instrument panel and a tone leather seat upholstery.
  • A black interior pack decorated with silver is also available in a stylish black.

*6: Manufacturer’s option. The options available may differ, depending on the grade.

*7: Some colors may not be available depending on the color combination.

CAST SPORT (Slated to be released at the end of October 2015. All measurement values are from internal tests.)

Application of technology developed for the COPEN.
Suspension tuning designed especially for sports cars.

  • High steering stability achieved with the optimum tuning*8 of the spring constant for the coil spring (front and rear) and the damping force of the shock absorber (front and rear).
  • Equipped with a 7-speed manual mode paddles shifter and MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel (with red stitching, plating ornaments, and silver decoration) that allow for smooth shift changes and deliver a sporty driving feel.
  • 16-inch tires*8 improve the steering stability and provide a direct steering feel.
  • 16-inch high grip tires are also available as a manufacturer’s option.

*8: 2WD cars only

Special sporty style items

  • Dedicated parts such as an aero bumper (front and rear) with red pin stripe and the special SPORT emblem (grill) are incorporated to get people excited about driving.
  • The stylish front LED illumination lamp (on all Day) for normal lighting was installed to produce a bold and urban image of driving.

An interior that produces a high-quality and sporty feel accentuated by the red shining in black

  • The self-luminous type two-way meter panel and the red instrument panel decoration (matte) mounted inside the sophisticated black interior produces an elegant and bold space.
  • The black leather seat upholstery with red stitching creates an elegant and sporty feel.
  • The prime interior (black and white) options include an instrument panel with a piano black decoration, producing a chic impression, as well as white leather seats to offer a sense of superb quality and contrast.

Three variations of a single vehicle model

Parts have been boldly changed to represent different world views

<Variations>

  • Color variations have been made by mounting resin parts on the outer plate of the rear quarter pillar panel
  • The bumper on the CAST STYLE and CAST SPORT consists of an upper and lower part, with the design of the lower part changed to represent a different world view.
  • To create an original design, people can select the gun metallic paint and plating decoration used, side door molding on the door side bottom, and rocker part to suit their own individual preferences.
  • For the interior, an open type and close type are provided to match the individual variation, while the same structure is used for the instrument panel.

<Lower cost>

  • The use of D wrapping on the roof made it possible to offer a two-tone color vehicle at an affordable price.
  • The use of common parts in the lamp*9 and bumper top*10 helped to reduce development costs.

*9: Same for CAST ACTIVA, CAST STYLE and CAST SPORT.

*10: Same for CAST STYLE and CAST SPORT.

3. Superior steering stability and fuel efficiency of 30km/L realized by a high level of basic performance

Applying the superb basic performance cultivated with the Move

Force control

  • A high level of basic performance is achieved through the use of the lightweight and high-rigidity body of the “D Monocoque,” “D Suspension,” and “D Assist.” Firm handling ensures a smoother ride and enhanced steering stability

Packaging

  • A body design that delivers both high quality and utility, while offering enough to comfortably accommodate four adults.
  • CAST ACTIVA’s minimum ground clearance of 180mm ensures safe cruising on even snowy or mountainous roads.

Quiet running

  • The rubber material in the pad mounting portion of the steering acts as a damper and absorbs vibrations.
  • The number of paths by which sound can enter the vehicle have been reduced by eliminating many of the gaps and openings in the body panel.

Fuel efficiency

  • Elements of the latest e:S technology have been incorporated, such as the cooled i-EGR, the CVT thermal controller, and a resin body.
  • 2WD NA*11 vehicles achieve a fuel efficiency of 30km/L*12 and qualify for the eco-car tax reduction/exemption. All the vehicles in other grades also offer excellent fuel efficiency*13 and qualify for the eco-car tax reduction.

*11: Naturally aspirated engine

*12: JC08 mode

*13: The fuel consumption value and the tax cut ratio of CAST SPORT have already been confirmed at the time of release.

Safety and security equipment

  • The vehicle is equipped with the Smart Assist II crash-avoidance system. The system features a combination of cameras, laser radar, and sonar sensors, helping drivers to avoid collisions by applying the emergency brake when there is a grave risk of crashing into the car ahead. In addition, the system also alerts drivers when they swerve out of their lane, detects pedestrians, and avoids rapid accelerations forwards or backwards that are caused by accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

4.The 3D simulator and the fun of choosing option parts

Sales method and various items available for creating your dream car

Wardrobe 8

  • Many different parts have been developed for customers to help them create their dream car. The recommended coordinated set is the “Wardrobe 8”, which is provided in an affordable price.
  • In CAST ACTIVA, Shiny Chrome is finely plated, Dynamic features a pronounced line on the bottom, and Stylish Casual creates an individualized feel with a variety of decals.
  • In CAST STYLE, there is Classic, which features decorative shiny plating, the elegantly toned Antique, and Silver Charm, which conveys a sense of cuteness with decal decorations.
  • In the CAST SPORT, Cool Sport uses plating to create a marvelous look, while Racing produces a sporty feel with the use of decals.

High-performance in-car sound system

  • The Premium Diatone Sound System Plan provides an inspiring acoustic space with high-quality sound navigation comparable to that of high-end audio. It is equipped with speakers that employ a unique diaphragm material, sound absorbing material, and sound insulation cushion.

3D simulator

  • Three variations and combinations of interior and exterior options can be selected using the 3D simulator. The simulator can be accessed from your home computer, handheld tablet, and smartphone, making it easy to find your dream car.

*Sales outline*

Monthly sales target: 5000 cars (including CAST ACTIVA, CAST STYLE, and CAST SPORT)
Exhibition date: Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23

*Manufacturer suggested retail prices*

CAST ACTIVA (includes consumption tax)

Grade Engine Transmission Drive Fuel (km/L)
JC08 mode
Price(yen) Eco–car tax
break
(Acquisition tax
/Weight tax)
Mini car tax
A special
provision on
green
movement
NA car CVT 2WD 30.0 1,220,400 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,350,000 80% / 75% 25%
Ⅹ “SAⅡ” 2WD 30.0 1,285,200 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,414,800 80% / 75% 25%
☆ G “SAⅡ” 2WD 30.0 1,414,800 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,544,400 80% / 75% 25%
G turbo “SAⅡ” TC car*14 2WD 27.0 1,517,400 80% / 75% 25%
4WD 25.0 1,647,000 60% / 50% 25%

☆: Photos provided

*14: Turbo charger engine

CAST STYLE (includes consumption tax)

Grade Engine Transmission Drive Fuel (km/L)
JC08 mode
Price(yen) Eco–car tax
break
(Acquisition Tax
/Weight tax)
Mini car tax
A special
provision on
green
movement
NA car CVT 2WD 30.0 1,220,400 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,344,600 80% / 75% 25%
Ⅹ “SAⅡ” 2WD 30.0 1,285,200 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,409,400 80% / 75% 25%
☆ G “SAⅡ” 2WD 30.0 1,414,800 Tax free / Tax free 50%
4WD 26.8 1,539,000 80% / 75% 25%
G turbo “SAⅡ” TC car 2WD 27.0 1,517,400 80% / 75% 25%
4WD 25.0 1,641,600 60% / 50% 25%

☆: Photos provided

* The price does not include the recycling charge.