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Daihatsu Opti L3 0.7 i 12V (58 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Opti:
The Daihatsu Opti is a kei car produced by Japanese automaker Daihatsu from 1992 to 2002, which replaced the Leeza. It was available with a 658 cc petrol engine and either front- or four-wheel drive, and marketed as a more upmarket variant of the Mira. The name "Opti" refers to both "optimistic" and "optimum".
The first-generation Opti was launched in Japan in January 1992, after having been previewed at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show as the "X-409". The Opti was built on the L200 series Mira chassis. The round appearance was conceived around an "ultra lovely" theme and was aimed at female buyers. Specifications were also higher than usual in the kei class, with ample sound insulation and additional rust protection. All models originally came with the EF-EL engine, a fuel-injected, SOHC, 12-valve three-cylinder engine with 55 PS. It was available as a three-door hatchback with an electrically operated canvas top was also available. A 4WD model was also available. In September 1992, the Ox, Ax, and Aℓ-4 trim levels were joined by the low-priced Ad, a sportier Ad-S and the luxurious Ad-I which also has a driver's side airbag. The Ad model got a two-valve version of the EF engine with 42 PS....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L3 Overview:
Daihatsu Opti (L3). With 64 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.2 l/100km). Weighing only 670 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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 Opti L3 was produced before standardized Euro NCAP testing became widespread for all vehicle classes, especially kei cars. As such, no official Euro NCAP rating is available. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typical for a compact car of its era.
0.7 i 12V (58 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 58 Hp 0.7L engine provides surprisingly sprightly performance for its class, especially given the car's low kerb weight of 670 kg. It's perfectly adequate for city driving and can handle occasional short highway stints, though sustained high-speed cruising might feel strained.
Fuel Economy
Exceptional fuel economy is a major highlight, with reported figures of 5.2 l/100 km urban and 3.3 l/100 km extra-urban. This makes it an incredibly cheap car to run, ideal for budget-conscious drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Outstanding fuel economy (3.3-5.2 l/100 km)
- • Extremely compact and maneuverable for city driving
- • Low running costs and insurance (kei car benefits)
- • Reliable and simple mechanicals (typical Daihatsu)
- • Decent power-to-weight ratio for its class
Cons:
- • Limited highway performance and stability
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Small interior and cargo space
- • Dated design and technology
- • Limited availability outside Japan
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Opti |
| Generation: | L3 |
| Modification (Engine): | 0.7 i 12V (58 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 58 Hp @ 7600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 88 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 64 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 659 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 68 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 60.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 3.3 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.5 kg/Nm, 95.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 670 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 32 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3295 mm mm |
| Width: | 1395 mm mm |
| Height: | 1395 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2280 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1220 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1210 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 145/65 R13 |
Does the Daihatsu Opti live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!