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Daihatsu Cuore L201 0.8 (41 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Cuore:
The Daihatsu Mira was a kei-type city car built by Japanese car maker Daihatsu. It was built with a variety of options and chassis variations, with the latest variant having four models: Mira, Mira AVY, Mira Gino, and Mira VAN. The Mira is the latest successor to the line of cars begun with the Daihatsu Fellow of 1966, and was originally introduced as the commercial version of the Cuore. Outside of Japan, the Mira has also been offered with larger 850 or 1000-cc engines. In Australia, the two-seater version was marketed as the Daihatsu Handivan and later as the Daihatsu Handi. The term mira means "look " in Spanish and "goal" or "purpose" in Latin....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L201 Overview:
Daihatsu Cuore (L201). With 65 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 640 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 16.5 s). The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daihatsu Cuore L201 predates Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. As a vehicle from the early 1990s, its safety features would be rudimentary by modern standards, lacking advanced airbags or structural reinforcements common in contemporary cars.
0.8 (41 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 0.8L engine provides very modest performance, suitable only for urban driving. Acceleration is leisurely, and highway cruising will feel strained, reflecting its primary design as a city commuter.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 5.4 l/100 km, this engine offers good fuel economy for its era, making it an economical choice for daily city use, though not class-leading by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent fuel economy for its era
- • Extremely compact and maneuverable for city driving
- • Simple and generally reliable mechanicals
- • Low running costs and easy parking
- • Lightweight design
Cons:
- • Very limited performance, especially on highways
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Cramped interior and small boot space
- • Lack of modern amenities and comfort features
- • Dated design and driving dynamics
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L80,L81: 1989 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Cuore |
| Generation: | L201 |
| Modification (Engine): | 0.8 (41 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1990 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 41 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 48.4 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 65 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 847 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 66.6 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.6 kg/Hp, 64.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.8 kg/Nm, 101.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 640 |
| Max. weight: | 1040 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 409 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 188 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 30 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3295 mm |
| Width: | 1395 mm |
| Height: | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2280 mm |
| Front track: | 1215 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1205 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 145/70 R12 S |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Daihatsu Cuore? Tell us in the comments!