The Tale of Two Tafts: The Evolution of a Tough and Almighty Daihatsu Taft

In the sprawling chronicle of automotive history, some names evoke images of raw power, others of refined luxury. And then there are names that conjure a spirit of plucky, indomitable toughness. The Daihatsu Taft is one such name. An acronym for “Tough and Almighty Four-wheel Touring vehicle,” the Taft carved out a niche for itself as a simple, durable, and remarkably capable off-roader. Its story, however, is not a single, continuous line but a tale of two distinct eras separated by over three decades, reflecting the dramatic shifts in the automotive landscape. This is the evolution of the Daihatsu Taft, from a rudimentary global workhorse to a sophisticated, lifestyle-oriented Japanese kei car.

Part I: The Original Bruiser – The F-Series (1974-1984)

The birth of the original Taft came at a time when the world was awakening to the appeal of compact, recreational 4x4s. While giants like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover dominated the large off-roader segment, a new market was emerging for smaller, more economical alternatives, pioneered by the likes of the Suzuki LJ series. In 1974, Daihatsu, a company renowned for its expertise in small vehicles, threw its hat into the ring with the Taft F10.

The F10 (1974-1977)

The first-generation Taft was a masterclass in utilitarian design. Built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis with leaf springs at all four corners, it was unapologetically agricultural but immensely strong. Its mission was clear: to be a reliable tool for farmers, explorers, and anyone needing to traverse difficult terrain without the bulk and expense of a larger 4×4.

• Engine: Powering the F10 was a 958cc (1.0-litre) F-head inline-four petrol engine, producing a modest but determined 57 horsepower.
• Drivetrain: This engine was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission coupled with a 2-speed, part-time transfer case, offering high and low range 4WD. This crucial feature gave the Taft its legitimate off-road credentials, allowing it to crawl over obstacles with surprising ease.
• Body & Trim: Initially offered as a short-wheelbase (SWB) model, the F10 came in two primary forms: a soft-top with folding doors and a removable windscreen, and a fixed-head hardtop version with a resin roof, designated the F10V. Trim levels were virtually non-existent; buyers received a spartan interior with basic instrumentation, vinyl seats, and little in the way of creature comforts. This was a vehicle where function reigned supreme over form.

The Expansion: F20, F50, and the LWB Models (1977-1984)

In 1977, Daihatsu implemented the first significant update to the Taft line, broadening its appeal and capability with new engine options and body styles. This period cemented the Taft’s reputation as a versatile and dependable off-roader.

• The F20 (Petrol): Recognizing the need for more power, especially for export markets, Daihatsu replaced the 1.0-litre engine with a much more robust 1.6-litre (1587cc) Toyota 12R petrol engine. This four-cylinder unit, producing around 79 horsepower, transformed the Taft’s on-road performance and made it a more capable long-distance tourer. A slightly wider track was also introduced for improved stability.
• The F50 (Diesel): Perhaps the most important addition of this era was the introduction of a diesel engine. The F50 was equipped with Daihatsu’s own 2.5-litre (2530cc) DG naturally-aspirated diesel engine. While it produced only around 61 horsepower, its ample low-end torque and superior fuel economy made it immensely popular in agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors. The chugging, dependable F50 became the quintessential Taft for many.
• The LWB F25 & F55: To further enhance its utility, Daihatsu introduced long-wheelbase (LWB) versions around 1978. The F25 (petrol) and F55 (diesel) offered significantly more cargo space and carrying capacity. These LWB models were available as pickups (with a separate bed) and as multi-passenger hardtop wagons, capable of seating up to six people with side-facing rear bench seats.
• The F60 & F65 (Upgraded Diesel): In the early 1980s, the diesel engine was upgraded again. The F60 (SWB) and F65 (LWB) models featured the new 2.8-litre (2765cc) DL diesel. This engine offered a healthier power output and slightly more refinement, keeping the Taft competitive in its final years.

Trim Levels and Global Identity

Throughout this period, trim levels remained simple but began to show signs of evolving consumer expectations. A “DeLuxe” trim often added features like fabric seat inserts, a radio, chrome bumpers, and crucially, manual free-wheeling hubs, which improved fuel economy and reduced driveline wear when driving in 2WD.

The Taft’s rugged simplicity made it a popular export. However, it was often sold under different names:

• Daihatsu Scat: In Australia, the Taft was known as the Scat, where it gained a loyal following for its durability in the harsh outback.
• Daihatsu Wildcat: In the United Kingdom and some other European markets.
• Toyota Blizzard (LD10): Through Daihatsu’s partnership with Toyota, the F50 Taft was rebadged and sold as the first-generation Toyota Blizzard from 1980. It was visually identical save for the badging and grille, giving Toyota a ready-made entry into the compact 4×4 segment.

By 1984, the market was demanding more comfort, better road manners, and modern styling. The leaf-sprung, utilitarian Taft had run its course. Daihatsu responded by launching its successor, the Rugger (known as the Rocky or Fourtrak in export markets). This new model featured a more aerodynamic design and, most importantly, independent front suspension, marking a significant departure from the Taft’s raw formula. The “Taft” name was retired, seemingly for good.

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Part II: The Rebirth – A Kei Car for a New Generation (2020-Present)

For 36 years, the Taft name lay dormant, a fond memory for off-road purists. Then, in 2020, Daihatsu resurrected the nameplate for a vehicle that could not be more different from its ancestor, yet one that sought to capture its spirit of adventure in a thoroughly modern context.

The new Taft (chassis code LA900S/LA910S) is a Japanese kei car—a vehicle category defined by strict regulations on size (under 3.4m long) and engine displacement (under 660cc). It is not a body-on-frame, low-range-equipped off-roader. Instead, it is a unibody crossover built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), prioritizing safety, efficiency, and clever packaging.

Design and Concept

The modern Taft’s design is a clear homage to ruggedness, reinterpreted for the urban jungle. Its “Tough & Active” styling features a boxy silhouette, squared-off wheel arches with prominent black cladding, and a confident, upright grille. It’s a vehicle designed to look like it’s ready for anything, even if its primary domain is the city street. Its standout feature is the standard “Sky Feel Top,” a massive fixed glass roof with a UV/IR-blocking shade, designed to bring the feeling of the outdoors into the cabin.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Adhering to kei car rules, the engine is a 658cc three-cylinder petrol unit.

• Naturally Aspirated: Produces around 51 horsepower, ideal for city driving and fuel efficiency.
• Turbocharged: Bumps output to a zesty 63 horsepower (the maximum allowed for kei cars), providing much-needed punch for highway driving and hilly terrain.

Power is sent to the wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with an optional full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction in snow or on slippery surfaces. While this AWD system lacks the low-range gearing of its forefather, it provides a crucial safety and confidence boost for light adventure and all-weather driving.

Models and Trim Levels

The modern Taft embraces the contemporary automotive trend of extensive customization and clearly defined trim levels, a world away from the spartan F10.

• X: The entry-level model. It comes well-equipped with the Sky Feel Top, full LED headlamps, and Daihatsu’s “Smart Assist” suite of safety features, including collision warning and lane departure alerts.
• G: The mid-range trim. It adds features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and aesthetic upgrades such as different wheel designs and interior accents.
• G Turbo: The top-tier model. This includes the turbocharged engine for superior performance, along with all the features of the G trim.

Beyond these core trims, Daihatsu offers several appearance packages that dramatically alter the Taft’s character:

• Chrome Venture: Adds a significant amount of chrome trim to the grille, door handles, and fog light surrounds for a more premium, “bling” look.
• Dark Chrome Venture: Swaps the bright chrome for a smoky, dark chrome finish for a stealthier, more aggressive appearance.

These packages, combined with a vibrant color palette, allow buyers to personalize their Taft far beyond what was ever imaginable in the 1970s.

A Legacy Redefined

The evolution of the Daihatsu Taft is a fascinating study in automotive philosophy. The original F-series was a product of its time: a simple, mechanical tool built to conquer the physical world through sheer robustness. Its legacy is one of reliability in the harshest conditions, a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated engineering.

The modern LA-series Taft is a product of its own, very different, time. It addresses a modern desire for adventure and freedom, but packages it in a safe, efficient, and stylish form suitable for a densely populated, technologically advanced society. It trades the old Taft’s mechanical grip for electronic traction aids, its leaf springs for a comfortable unibody ride, and its spartan cabin for a glass-roofed, feature-rich interior.

While the two Tafts may share little more than a name and a boxy silhouette, they are connected by a common spirit. They both represent Daihatsu’s ability to create a small vehicle that feels bigger than its dimensions—one that promises a sense of toughness, capability, and the freedom to tour. Whether that tour is across a muddy field or through a neon-lit city, the Taft, in both its forms, remains a truly tough and almighty vehicle.