Autoblog UK

In addition to the Basket and the Deca Deca, Daihatsu will be unveiling two more jolly little vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show. Here too, the designers have decided that the cube is the optimum shape. The e:s is so named to refer to its dual qualities – eco & smart. And it does indeed resemble the Smart. This 700kg lightweight has its world premiere in Tokyo and is claimed to do 85 miles to the gallon (3.3 L/100km). The Tanto Exe is set to woo purchasers by virtue of its good-looking cabin. There is a second version, the Tanto Exe Custom, which can be supplied to individual specification and therefore qualifies as a 'superbox'.

Asian manufacturers are increasingly favouring the cube as a basic design shape. For example, Daihatsu will be arriving at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show with two concept cars they have designated the Basket and the Deca Deca, neither of which will be competing for any beauty prizes. The Basket is an open four-seater equipped with a hard top to cover driver and front-seat passenger, and a soft top for anyone travelling in the rear. This is supposed to give a foretaste of a new 'lifestyle' cabriolet for Japanese urbanites. With its box-like structure, the Deca Deca offers plenty of interior space for minimum exterior dimensions. Of particular practical merit are the cupboard-style doors that give easy access to the versatile multi-purpose cabin.