Daihatsu Cuore L501 0.8 (42 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Cuore:
The Daihatsu Mira was a kei-type city car built by Japanese car maker Daihatsu. It was built with a variety of options and chassis variations, with the latest variant having four models: Mira, Mira AVY, Mira Gino, and Mira VAN. The Mira is the latest successor to the line of cars begun with the Daihatsu Fellow of 1966, and was originally introduced as the commercial version of the Cuore. Outside of Japan, the Mira has also been offered with larger 850 or 1000-cc engines. In Australia, the two-seater version was marketed as the Daihatsu Handivan and later as the Daihatsu Handi. The term mira means "look " in Spanish and "goal" or "purpose" in Latin....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L501 Overview:
Daihatsu Cuore (L501). With 67 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.8 l/100km). Weighing only 640 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 17.6 s). The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daihatsu Cuore L501 was produced before Euro NCAP's inception in 1997, so no official crash test rating is available. As a compact car from the mid-90s, its passive safety features would be basic by modern standards.
0.8 (42 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 42 Hp engine offers very basic performance, strictly suited for low-speed urban environments. Acceleration is notably sluggish (17.6 sec 0-100km/h), limiting its versatility.
Fuel Economy
While specific fuel consumption data is not provided, this variant is expected to be highly economical, aligning with the Cuore's reputation for low running costs, though potentially less refined than injected versions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional fuel economy
- • Compact and easy to maneuver in urban areas
- • Reliable and simple mechanics
- • Low running costs
- • Practical for its size
Cons:
- • Very limited power for highway driving
- • Basic safety features (no NCAP rating)
- • Minimal comfort and features
- • Small interior and cargo space
- • Dated design and technology
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L501: 1995 - 1996).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Cuore |
| Generation: | L501 |
| Modification (Engine): | 0.8 (42 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 42 Hp @ 5300 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 49.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 67 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 847 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 66.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.2 kg/Hp, 65.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.6 kg/Nm, 104.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 640 |
| Max. weight: | 1040 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 830 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 186 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 32 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3310 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1395 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm [10mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1220 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1210 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 145/65 R13 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |













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