The Enduring Giant-Killer: A Comprehensive History of the Daihatsu Charade

In the vast tapestry of automotive history, some vehicles command attention through sheer size, power, or luxury. Others, however, earn their place through clever engineering, unassuming brilliance, and an uncanny ability to punch far above their weight class. The Daihatsu Charade is a prime example of the latter. For over two decades, this diminutive Japanese car was a pioneer of efficiency, a master of packaging, and, in its most potent form, a genuine performance icon. Its story is not one of brute force, but of intelligent design and groundbreaking innovation that left a lasting mark on the small-car segment.

Daihatsu, a brand renowned for its expertise in compact vehicles, or “kei cars,” conceived the Charade as a step up—a supermini designed for a global audience. Its evolution across four distinct generations tells a compelling story of an automaker responding to, and often anticipating, the changing demands of the world.

First Generation (G10): The Three-Cylinder Pioneer (1977–1983)

The world into which the first-generation Daihatsu Charade was born was still reeling from the 1973 oil crisis. Fuel economy was paramount, and consumers were demanding smaller, more efficient vehicles. Unveiled in 1977, the Charade (chassis code G10) was Daihatsu’s answer. Marketed with the clever tagline “the 5-square-meter car,” it emphasized its compact footprint and urban agility.

Its most significant innovation, however, was under the bonnet. The Charade was one of the very first production cars to feature a three-cylinder engine. The 993cc, water-cooled “CB20” was a marvel of its time. While three-cylinder engines were often associated with vibrations and a lack of refinement, Daihatsu engineered the CB20 with a special single-balance shaft, making it remarkably smooth for its configuration. This engine was not a powerhouse, producing a modest 50-55 PS, but its fuel efficiency was exceptional, setting a new standard for the class.

The G10 was initially launched as a five-door hatchback, a practical and spacious body style for its size. In 1978, a sportier three-door version, marketed as the “Runabout” (chassis code G20), was introduced. The Runabout was distinguished by its two small, round “porthole” windows in the C-pillars, a quirky and memorable design feature that gave it a unique character.

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Trim levels were straightforward and reflected the car’s utilitarian purpose:

• XG/XTE: These were the base models, offering fundamental features. The XTE often included slightly more equipment, such as a radio or improved upholstery.
• XGE/XTG: Higher-spec versions that might include a five-speed manual transmission (a notable feature at the time), a tachometer, and more comfortable seating.

In 1981, the G10 received a mid-life facelift. The original round headlamps were replaced with more contemporary square units, and the grille and taillights were updated. This refresh kept the Charade competitive until its replacement in 1983. The G10 had successfully established the Charade nameplate as synonymous with efficiency and clever packaging.

Second Generation (G11): Turbocharging and Italian Flair (1983–1987)

Building on the success of the original, Daihatsu launched the second-generation Charade (G11) in 1983. This model embraced the “tall-boy” design philosophy popular in Japan at the time, featuring a much higher roofline. This design dramatically increased interior headroom and created a sense of spaciousness that belied the car’s tiny exterior dimensions.

The innovation continued. While the standard 993cc three-cylinder engine remained the cornerstone of the range, Daihatsu introduced two groundbreaking variants that would redefine what a small car could be.

The first was the Charade Turbo. Powered by the CB60 engine, a turbocharged version of the 993cc three-cylinder, it produced around 68 PS. This transformed the sedate Charade into a spirited performer, a precursor to the hot hatches that would dominate the late 1980s.

The second, and arguably more significant, innovation was the Charade Turbo Diesel. Introduced in 1984, this model was powered by a 993cc three-cylinder diesel engine (CL series) fitted with a small IHI turbocharger. It was the world’s smallest turbocharged diesel engine and the first to be fitted to a production car. The result was astonishing fuel economy combined with the drivability of a larger-capacity engine. It was a technological triumph that showcased Daihatsu’s engineering prowess.

In 1985, a special, high-performance version was created in collaboration with the Italian sports car manufacturer De Tomaso (which had a business relationship with Daihatsu at the time). The Charade De Tomaso Turbo was a true enthusiast’s car. It featured the CB60 turbo engine, but now tuned to produce 80 PS. It was visually distinguished by its aggressive body kit, integrated fog lamps, iconic Campagnolo alloy wheels, and a sporty interior with a Momo steering wheel. Offered in a signature red-and-black color scheme, it was a hint of the performance potential lurking within the Charade platform.

Trim levels for the G11 generation became more diverse:

• CS/CX: Standard models with the naturally aspirated petrol engine.
• CD: The diesel model, which was later available as the CD Turbo.
• Turbo: The petrol turbocharged model.
• De Tomaso Turbo: The flagship performance model.

The G11 was available as a three-door or five-door hatchback, with some markets also receiving a high-roof “Van” variant. A 1985 facelift brought a revised grille, new taillights, and interior updates, keeping the model fresh until the end of its production run.

Third Generation (G100): The Legend is Forged (1987–1994)

The third-generation Charade, launched in 1987 with the G100 chassis code, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the nameplate. It featured a smoother, more aerodynamic design that was a significant departure from the boxy G11. The build quality was improved, the interior was more refined, and the chassis was more sophisticated, featuring fully independent suspension on some models.

While the base models continued with the trusty 1.0L three-cylinder, and a new 1.3L four-cylinder (G102 chassis) was added to broaden the car’s appeal, one model utterly defined this generation: the Charade GTti.

The GTti was a genuine David among Goliaths. At its heart was the CB80 engine, a 993cc, DOHC, 12-valve, three-cylinder unit with fuel injection and an intercooled turbocharger. This tiny engine produced an astonishing 100-105 PS, depending on the market. It was the first production engine to exceed the magical figure of 100 horsepower per litre, a feat of engineering that stunned the automotive world.

Weighing less than 800 kg, the GTti was a rocket. It could sprint from 0-60 mph in under eight seconds, challenging sports cars that cost twice as much. It became a cult classic, celebrated for its raw, unfiltered driving experience, manic power delivery, and giant-killing performance. The GTti also found success in motorsport, particularly in rallying, where its lightweight and powerful engine made it a dominant force in its class, famously winning its category in the grueling Safari Rally.

The G100 range was the most comprehensive yet:

• Base Models (1.0L): Offered in trim levels like TX and CX, with carbureted or later fuel-injected engines.
• 1.3L Models (G102): These four-cylinder models offered more torque and refinement for mainstream buyers. Trims included the TS and CS. An all-wheel-drive version (G112) was also available in some markets.
• Diesel Models: A naturally aspirated diesel was offered for maximum economy.
• GTti: The flagship hot hatch, with its unique engine and performance-oriented features like sport seats, a body kit, and uprated suspension.

The G100 was also offered as a three-door and five-door hatchback, as well as a four-door sedan. A 1991 facelift gave the car a slightly more rounded front end and revised rear lights, but the legendary GTti remained the generation’s crowning achievement.

Fourth Generation (G200): The Mainstream Shift (1994–2000)

The fourth and final generation of the Charade (G200) arrived in 1994. It represented a significant philosophical shift for Daihatsu. The quirky, innovative edge was softened in favor of a more conventional and mainstream approach. The design was rounder and larger, aiming to compete more directly with European superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Opel Corsa.

The most notable change was the engine lineup. The iconic 1.0L three-cylinder turbo was gone. In its place was a range of more conventional SOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engines.

• 1.3L SOHC: The base engine in most markets, offering a good balance of economy and performance.
• 1.5L SOHC: Provided more torque and relaxed cruising ability.
• 1.6L SOHC: The largest engine ever fitted to a Charade, used for the top-spec performance model.

The mantle of the GTti was passed to the new Charade GTi. While the name was similar, the character was entirely different. Powered by the 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing around 120 PS, the G200 GTi was a competent and quick “warm hatch,” but it lacked the ferocious, high-revving character and groundbreaking engineering of its predecessor. It was more refined and easier to live with, but the raw excitement was gone.

The G200 was produced as a three-door and five-door hatchback, along with a four-door sedan called the Charade Social. Trim levels were often designated by engine size or simple lettering systems (e.g., G200, G203) and varied significantly by market.

While the G200 was a competent, reliable, and well-built car, it had lost the unique selling points that made earlier Charades so special. It was no longer a pioneer of engine technology or a giant-killing performance hero. It was simply another small car in a very crowded marketplace. In 2000, Daihatsu ceased production of the Charade, replacing it globally with the Sirion (Storica in Japan).

Legacy and Epilogue

The Charade nameplate was briefly revived in the 2000s in some markets, but these were merely rebadged versions of other Daihatsu models or even the Toyota Yaris, lacking any of the original’s spirit.

The true legacy of the Daihatsu Charade lies in its first three generations. It was a car that consistently demonstrated that small didn’t have to mean basic. It brought the modern three-cylinder engine to the masses, introduced the world’s first turbocharged diesel in a production car, and, with the GTti, created one of the most memorable hot hatches of all time. The Charade was a testament to Daihatsu’s philosophy of “compact for a new age”—a small car that left a disproportionately large impact on automotive history.