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Daihatsu D-base Concept Revealed, Previews Next Mira at Tokyo Motor Show 2015

The Tokyo Motor Show is coming, and Toyota's budget brand Daihatsu has revealed several concepts. Among them is the futuristic looking D-base, which many believe to be a preview for a new generation of Mira kei car that will be launched in 2016.
Daihatsu D-base Concept 6 photos
Photo: Daihatsu
Daihatsu D-base ConceptDaihatsu D-base ConceptDaihatsu D-base ConceptDaihatsu D-base ConceptDaihatsu D-base Concept
Like all kei cars, the D-base falls within certain dimensions. Japanese laws dictate that cars of this type cannot be longer than 3.4 meters, for example. Fortunately, the designers, have resisted the urge to make it box-shaped.

The fact that the D-base Concept is powered by a 0.66-liter three-cylinder engine with a turbocharger isn't surprising either. The typical small car mill is matched to a CVT gearbox, but the true headline grabber is the fuel consumption, claimed to be the lowest on the market. The manufacturer says that is due in part to the Energy Saving Technology, a regenerative braking system, and lightweight construction.

The futuristic design language of the 2016 Prius can be seen on the D-base. For example, the headlights are connected by a horizontal bar that looks like the wing of a commercial airliner. The lower grille also has unique styling, while the side skirts have jagged geometric shapes.

As interesting as the aero wheel design is, the tires are even better, They have a paint effect on them that looks like flowing water. Flush-fitting door handles and a trunk lid spoiler at the back hint at future production goodies.

Future Mira customers should check out the D-base concept's interior. It combines light gray tones with blue metallic fabric for a futuristic look. The dash features a large tablet and digital instruments laid out in a circle. Individual bucket seats are present, and the gear selector is located right beside the driver's left leg.

The current generation Mira, the L275 series, was launched in 2006 and is still available in 3- and 5-door formats. Daihatsu export this kei car to many other markets with a 1-liter engine, so you could say the concept holds extra significance.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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