The Cool Cube: A Definitive History of the Daihatsu Coo

In the landscape of automotive design, there are vehicles that follow trends, and then there are those that create their own niche, becoming cult classics in the process. The Daihatsu Coo is firmly in the latter category. A product of mid-2000s Japan, the Coo was more than just a compact car; it was a statement on wheels, a masterclass in spatial efficiency, and a testament to the power of clever platform sharing. To understand the Coo is to understand a specific era of Japanese automotive culture that prioritized personality, practicality, and a unique form of coolness. This is the story of its evolution, from its conceptual birth to its final bow.

The Genesis: A Shared Vision and a Musical Theme

The story of the Daihatsu Coo cannot be told without first mentioning its more famous twin, the second-generation Toyota bB. In the early 2000s, Toyota, the parent company of Daihatsu, was developing a successor to the wildly popular first-generation bB. The new model, codenamed QNC20, was conceived with a radical design philosophy: “A Car-Shaped Music Player.” The goal was to create a mobile lounge, a personal space for young, urban drivers where the audio experience and interior ambiance were as important as the drive itself.

Launched in December 2005, the new Toyota bB was an instant sensation with its aggressive, low-slung “bad boy” styling and its revolutionary sound system. As part of Toyota’s corporate strategy, the highly successful platform was shared with its subsidiary, Daihatsu. This practice, known as badge engineering, allowed Daihatsu to offer a competitive vehicle in the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment without incurring the full cost of ground-up development.

On May 10, 2006, Daihatsu officially launched its version: the Daihatsu Coo. While mechanically identical to the Toyota bB, the Coo was given a distinct personality. Its name, derived from the English word “cool,” was a direct nod to its target demographic. Visually, Daihatsu designers opted for a softer, more approachable aesthetic. Where the bB had an aggressive, angular front fascia, the Coo featured a gentler, more rounded grille and headlamp design, giving it a friendly yet stylish character. It was the “cool” and sophisticated sibling to the bB’s rebellious persona.

The Debut (2006-2008): Defining the Lineup

The Daihatsu Coo launched in Japan with a clear and well-defined model hierarchy, catering to different budgets and feature preferences. All models were powered by Daihatsu’s reliable line of DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) engines and were initially paired exclusively with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The initial trim levels offered were:

• 1.3 CS: This served as the entry-level model. It was powered by the 1.3-liter K3-VE inline-four engine, producing a respectable 92 horsepower. The CS trim was designed for practicality and affordability. Standard features typically included 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, manual air conditioning, a basic two-speaker CD/radio audio system, urethane steering wheel, and power windows. It was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and a full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration, making it a versatile choice for different climates.
• 1.3 CL: The mid-range CL trim offered a significant step up in comfort and convenience while retaining the fuel-efficient 1.3-liter engine. The CL added features that were becoming standard expectations for non-base models. Upgrades over the CS included full automatic air conditioning, keyless entry (KeyFree system), 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and improved interior fabric and trim accents. Like the CS, the 1.3 CL was available in both FWD and AWD.
• 1.5 CX: Positioned as the flagship model, the CX was for buyers who wanted the full Coo experience. It was exclusively equipped with the more powerful 1.5-liter 3SZ-VE inline-four engine, which delivered a peppier 109 horsepower. The CX was about more than just power; it embodied the “car-shaped music player” concept. Its defining feature was the “Illumination and Sound Package,” which included a premium nine-speaker sound system (including a subwoofer) and integrated blue ambient LED lighting that pulsed with the music. The CX also featured front bench seats with a large central armrest, creating a more lounge-like atmosphere, and additional chrome trim. Initially, the 1.5 CX was offered only in FWD.

A key design feature across all models was the “Mったりシート” (mattari shīto), which translates loosely to “relaxing seat.” The front seats could recline to an almost flat position, creating a comfortable space for lounging when parked, further enhancing the car’s role as a personal sanctuary.

The Evolution (2008-2010): Refinements and Special Editions

As the Coo settled into the market, Daihatsu introduced a series of minor updates and special editions to maintain its appeal and respond to consumer feedback.

In November 2008, the Coo received its first minor facelift. The changes were subtle but effective. A revised front bumper and grille design were introduced, subtly sharpening its friendly face. Inside, new seat fabric options became available, and minor tweaks were made to the instrument cluster and interior trim.

More significant was the introduction of a new trim level:

• 1.5 CX Limited: This grade built upon the already well-equipped CX. It typically bundled popular options into a single package, often including an aero kit with front and rear spoilers and side skirts, giving the Coo a sportier, more customized look straight from the factory. It retained all the premium features of the CX, including the advanced sound system, making it the ultimate expression of the Coo.

In 2010, the Coo underwent another minor model change, primarily focused on efficiency and expanding options. The engines were refined to meet Japan’s new, stricter 2010 fuel economy standards, making the Coo a more environmentally conscious choice. The most notable evolution in the lineup was the addition of an AWD option for the 1.5 CX and 1.5 CX Limited models. This was a significant expansion, as it finally allowed customers in snowy regions to combine the top-tier engine and features with the security of all-wheel drive.

The Global Connection: The Daihatsu Materia and Subaru Dex

The Coo’s influence was not confined to Japan. In 2007, Daihatsu launched the export version, rebranded as the Daihatsu Materia. Sold primarily in Europe and other select markets, the Materia was virtually identical to the Coo, offering the same distinctive “tall-box” design and spacious interior. It was lauded for its practicality, reliability, and quirky character in markets dominated by more conventional hatchbacks. The Materia was typically offered with the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines, though trim structures were simplified for export markets.

Furthermore, the platform-sharing strategy extended within the Toyota family. In November 2008, Subaru—in which Toyota held a significant stake—launched its version, the Subaru Dex. The Dex was aimed at differentiating itself with Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille and sportier styling cues. It was offered in trims that mirrored the Coo’s lineup, but with Subaru’s own branding and marketing. The existence of the Coo, Materia, bB, and Dex demonstrated the incredible versatility and success of the underlying platform.

The Final Chapter (2011-2013) and Lasting Legacy

By the early 2010s, the automotive market was beginning to shift. The “cool box” trend, while still popular, was evolving. New competitors emerged, and consumer preferences began to favor vehicles with even greater practicality, such as those with sliding rear doors.

The Daihatsu Coo’s production soldiered on with its established lineup, but major updates ceased. Sales began to decline as the design aged. In January 2013, Daihatsu officially discontinued the Coo, ending its impressive seven-year production run. Its spiritual successor can be seen in the Daihatsu Thor (and its Toyota Roomy/Tank and Subaru Justy siblings), another tall, boxy subcompact that carried forward the Coo’s philosophy of maximizing interior space but with the added convenience of sliding rear doors.

The Daihatsu Coo’s legacy is that of a car that perfectly captured the zeitgeist of its era. It proved that a small, affordable car could be brimming with personality and innovative features. Its evolution was not one of radical redesigns, but of thoughtful refinements—improving efficiency, expanding drivetrain options, and offering special editions that catered directly to its youthful, style-conscious audience.

From the base 1.3 CS to the fully-loaded 1.5 CX Limited, the Coo offered a unique blend of Japanese ingenuity, practicality, and undeniable coolness. It was a rolling lounge, a music player on wheels, and a charmingly unique vehicle that remains a beloved icon for those who appreciate design that dares to be different.