2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
BMW grabbed the Mini brand in the 1990s. The result is well known: the Mini became a global success. At the same time as the second edition, Daihatsu is sending the Trevis into the race.
By Stefan Grundhoff
Asia is riding the retro wave. Cell phones, jewelry and clothing are by no means the only areas where yesterday and today celebrate a gentle togetherness. Asian car designers have also discovered yesterday's design for themselves.
Lots of chrome
Apparently the Daihatsu design team fell in love with the old Mini from the early 1960s. The bulbous front section, the nice round headlights and lots of chrome are no longer offered every day; certainly not in the small car class. The design of the Trevis is as smart as its name. It is small (3.40 meters long), manoeuvrable (turning circle 8.80 meters) and should especially appeal to female customers: "Oh, isn't that cute?" elicit.
Despite its manageable dimensions and the unmistakable mini styling of bygone times, the Trevis offers space for four people. There are four doors and a large tailgate so that getting in and out as well as loading and unloading is easy. Of course for a Mini: the long wheelbase.
The design of the interior is a disappointment compared to the chic sheet metal outfit. Gray and black plastics may not go well with the Asian's successful retro styling. The dashboard covers in the style of the BMW Mini and the leather steering wheel add a bit of whistle. On the other hand, the controls, the very long gear stick and the two somewhat lost-looking round instruments are not very imaginative. Unlike in the real mini versions, the instruments are not housed in the center console, but behind the steering wheel.
Clear speedster
Due to the low side line, the large windows and the short overhangs, the Trevis is a neat runabout that can easily be circled into even the smallest parking space. The short rear end and the small tires are also clearly based on the Mini of bygone times. Wherever you look, the design of the small Daihatsu is like a piece and stands out pleasantly from the well-known volume models.
The front-wheel drive is powered by a one-liter three-cylinder, which delivers 43 kW / 98 PS and 93 Nm maximum torque. The chassis of the 1.47 meter wide Trevis has been adapted to the European market. McPherson struts work at the front, and there is a torsion beam axle with coil springs at the rear. In the third mix, the approximately 800 kilogram Trevis should be satisfied with 4.8 liters of Super 100 kilometers. An economical offer can also be expected in terms of price.
Another step to success
The little crawler should compete in the € 10,000 league. Daihatsu's rebirth continues with the Trevis. After a long dry spell, the mini roadster, initially only available as a right-hand drive, brought the brand name back to the automotive scene two years ago. After Sirion, Copen and the recently introduced mini SUV Terios, the Daihatsu Trevis is another step in the right direction.
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