Daihatsu Extol review (2003-2006)
PROS
- Small on the outside, big on the inside
CONS
- Wind buffeting at speed
Summary
The Extol is a micro-van which is a rare breed these days. It has very compact dimensions, being shorter and narrower than supermini-based vans like the Ford Fiesta.
However, thanks to its forward-mounted cabin area, greater height and relatively boxy shape, it has a much bigger cargo area. Its size makes it ideally suited to urban duties, where it threads in and out of traffic easily and makes the most of its tight turning circle.
A decent payload and easy access to the load area are good news for multi-drop delivery drivers. The large volume cargo area suits those who carry bulky items, so it's a good choice for florists and caterers too.
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The 1.3-litre engine is similar to that fitted to the Toyota Yaris supermini, so it's quite sophisticated. It has 85hp and uses a five-speed manual gearbox. It's an engine that needs to be worked hard to produce its performance, but unladen it's pretty nippy.
Top speed is quoted as 93mph. At lower speeds it handles well, feeling light and maneuverable - great for cutting through city traffic. On the motorway it has enough power for long distance work too, but is quite noisy.
Being light weight and tall, it's prone to getting buffeted about by strong winds which can be unnerving at motorway speeds.
The cabin is narrow on account of the slim shape, but it's otherwise roomy and easy to get comfortable in.
There's no seat height adjustment but the steering wheel does adjust for height. The upright driving position gives a good view of the road and it's easy to manoeuvre with a tight turning circle of 8.8m.
Power steering is standard and the controls are light and easy to use. Air conditioning is an optional extra.
Commercial vehicles are always noisy, but the Extol is particularly so on the motorway.
The Extol has a low asking price and dealers sometimes do special offers. It needs servicing every 9000 miles.
Official fuel consumption figures are unknown, but the engine is suitably economical in other applications. There is no diesel application.
You might want to check the proximity of your nearest dealer/service outlet as coverage can be sparse in some parts of the country.
Built in Japan, the Extol has a three-year/60,000 mile warranty.
Daihatsu is part-owned by Toyota (a company renowned for its reliability) so we would have high expectations that it won't let you down.
Driver and passenger airbags are standard. In wet and windy weather conditions its tall shape and rear wheel drive configuration make it feel less stable than a supermini-based van.
Central locking is only activated from the driver's door, and with no remote function available, you need to use the key.
