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Daihatsu Charade Hatchback (2003-2007) engines, drive and performance

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Performance rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

The three-cylinder 1.0 may only have 58bhp, but it’s willing, sounds quite sporty and is well-suited to nipping in-and-out of traffic. Motorways need to be tackled at a leisurely pace as the little engine’s not really up to repeated long-distance treks.

Around town the suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease – an attribute rarely seen in this class. The flipside is that there’s considerable bodyroll and tyre squeal if you try to take corners at anything other than pedestrian speed. There could be more grip and the steering can feel remote at times.