Daihatsu Tanto


The Daihatsu Tanto is a kei car manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Daihatsu. It was introduced at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show as a vehicle based on the Move's "tall" body style, and followed by the Tanto Custom in July 2005.
The name "Tanto" is derived from Italian, Spanish and Portuguese word for "so much" or "a lot".
WWW daihatsu.co.jp/lineup/tan...

First generation (L350; 2003)

The first-generation Tanto went on sale on 27 November 2003. The grade levels consisted of L, X and X Limited for naturally aspirated engine option, and R and RS for turbocharged engine option. The first generation Tanto was only available with conventional automatic transmissions, with four speeds in most models. Naturally aspirated, four-wheel drive Tantos received a three-speed automatic instead.
The Tanto Custom was added in July 2005, aimed at younger buyers and with a more assertive look. The redesigned headlights were linked by a translucent grille garnish; this look was continued at the rear, where the taillights were clear and extended all the way across the car. The Tanto Custom grade levels consisted of L and X for the naturally aspirated engine, and RS for the turbocharged option. The Custom RS also came standard with 15-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped, Momo steering wheel.

Tanto FCHV

The Tanto FCHV was introduced at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the Tanto Custom, the prototype vehicle adds a hydrogen tank and electric motors.

Second generation (L375; 2007)

The second-generation Tanto went on sale on 17 December 2007. Among the main features of this generation is an ordinary side-hinged rear door on the right and a sliding door with the B-pillar integrated into the door on the left.
In June 2011, the naturally aspirated engines were fitted with Daihatsu's "Eco Idle" start-stop system developed for the Mira e:S, including other minor updates to the KF engine, which made the car eligible for additional tax breaks. From May 2012 the Eco Idle system was also fitted to the turbocharged Custom RS model. In September 2013, the second generation was discontinued in favor of the succeeding generation which went on sale the following month.

Third generation (LA600; 2013)

The third-generation Tanto went on sale on 3 October 2013. This generation has sliding doors on both sides ; a curved windshield gave the interior a less box-like feel. Compared to the previous Tanto, which was developed mainly with easse of driving in mind, Daihatsu adjusted the ride, steering, and throttle response to improve handling and feedback. Initially the turbocharged engine was only available on the more aggressively styled Tanto Custom, which prompted some criticism from period reviewers. After only two months, Daihatsu added the Tanto X Turbo, using the regular Tanto's design, albeit with front foglights and a chromed grille. The car is also sold by Subaru as the Subaru Chiffon since December 2016 through an OEM agreement.
The Tanto underwent a very light facelift in December 2015; the regular Tanto only received interior upgrades, including water-repellant fabric, while the Custom received a reworked grille and front bumper, and a larger chrome garnish on the rear gate.

Fourth generation (LA650; 2019)

The fourth-generation Tanto went on sale in Japan on 9 July 2019, followed by the second-generation Chiffon on 16 July. It is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture platform. The regular model is offered in L, X and X Turbo grade levels, while the Custom model is offered in L, X and RS grade levels. The turbocharged engine option is only available in X Turbo and RS grades.
The Subaru Chiffon sister car was offered in a slightly smaller range: L, G, and GS corresponded to the L, X, and X Turbo. The Chiffon Custom was only offered in R and RS, generally equivalent to the Tanto Custom X and RS. All versions feature a CVT transmission and all except the GS were available with optional four-wheel drive.
By one month since its launch, the fourth-generation Tanto had been ordered for approximately 37,000 units, nearly three times the monthly sales target of 12,500 units.
The Tanto Custom received a facelift on 3 October 2022. At the same time, the crossover-styled variant called Tanto FunCross was also added to the lineup. The facelifted Chiffon later followed on 13 October.

Sales

, the Tanto series had been sold 3 million units, the third model to do so after the Mira and Move.
YearJapan
20037,741
200491,933
200592,057
2006106,410
2007100,217
2008159,322
2009144,814
2010140,161
2011111,748
2012148,146
2013135,702
2014232,694
2015157,753
2016155,999
2017141,312
2018136,557
2019175,292
2020129,681
2021116,912
2022107,749
2023159,392
202493,759