Daihatsu has debuted eight concept cars at the Indonesia motor show in a typically bold move for the quirky Japanese car maker.
The models all form part of Daihatsu’s plan to become a market leader in compact cars that are fuel efficient and affordable.
The UFC 2 concept (pictured top) is a small, seven-seat people-mover made for the Indonesian market. Based on Daihatsu’s compact platform, the UFC 2 aims to maximise interior space while remaining small enough to navigate easily through crowded cities.
The D-R Estate concept (above) represents Daihatsu’s vision of a “high-quality interior styled elegantly and creatively”. Although the ‘Estate’ title may imply the concept is a wagon, the car only has two doors. In that sense it’s more of a ‘shooting brake’, arguably similar to the Ferrari FF, though given it’s powered by a 660cc engine – some 5.7-litres off the Ferrari – it’s unlikely to be quite in the same league.
The debut also includes three new ‘Ayla’ models, a sub-brand which appears to have developed its own design language. These models include the Ayla X-track crossover, Ayla Luxury hatchback, and Ayla GT hatch, which bears a passing resemblance to the Ford Focus RS, including that car’s rather large rear wing.
The NC-Y and NC-Z concepts look like they could be two versions of the same idea, namely a five-door supermini . Daihatsu says the NC-Y has an “intellectual image”, while the NC-Z adds a “dynamic, cool image” to the car maker’s model range.
Finally, Daihatsu debuted the “dream-inspiring” CUV crossover, which features doors that open “upward and downward”, and a reconfigurable interior seating arrangement.
Accompanying Daihatsu’s display is its new slogan, “Daihatsu is our best friend” – a sweet sentiment, if a tad presumptuous.
