Daihatsu Cuore L701 1.0 i (L701) (56 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.4 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

L701 Overview:

Daihatsu Cuore (L701). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.1 l/100km). Weighing only 720 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 140 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2000
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars 2
Expert Note:
The Cuore L701 received a 2-star Euro NCAP rating in 2000, indicating a basic level of adult occupant protection by contemporary standards. It lacked advanced safety features common in newer vehicles.

1.0 i (L701) (56 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.0L engine provides adequate power for city driving, with a 0-100 km/h time of 12.8 seconds. It's not built for speed but handles urban commutes competently.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, achieving 5.2 l/100 km combined. Its lightweight design and small engine contribute to very low running costs, especially in extra-urban conditions.

Best Use Case: City / Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional fuel economy and low running costs.
  • • Compact dimensions make it ideal for urban maneuvering and parking.
  • • Known for good reliability and simple mechanics.
  • • Surprisingly spacious interior for its exterior size.
  • • Lightweight and agile handling in city traffic.

Cons:

  • • Limited power for highway driving or overtaking.
  • • Basic safety features by modern standards (2-star Euro NCAP).
  • • Interior comfort and refinement are rudimentary.
  • • Small boot space, though expandable.
  • • Road noise can be significant at higher speeds.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L501: 1996 - 1998).

General:
Brand:Daihatsu
Model:Cuore
Generation:L701
Modification (Engine):1.0 i (L701) (56 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:56 Hp @ 5200 rpm.
Power per litre:56.6 Hp/l
Torque:88 Nm @ 3600 rpm.
Engine displacement:989
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
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:72 mm mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:5.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.8 sec
Maximum speed:140 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.9 kg/Hp, 77.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.2 kg/Nm, 122.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:720
Max. weight:1200
Max load:480
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:430 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:155 l
Fuel tank capacity:40 l
Size:
Length:3410 mm mm [100mm more]
Width:1475 mm mm [80mm more]
Height:1420 mm mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:2345 mm mm [45mm more]
Front track:1330 mm
Rear (Back) track:1300 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size145/70R12
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Daihatsu Cuore. How does it handle on the road?