Daihatsu Charade (2003 – 2006) Review
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Daihatsu Charade (2003 – 2006) At A Glance
Low running costs, plenty of kit and a decent drive. Four-star crash test rating.
Front end loses grip very early in corners.
Reviews for Daihatsu Charade (2003 – 2006)'s top 3 rivals
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Daihatsu Charade (2003 – 2006) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3410 mm |
| Width | 1475 mm |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2375 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 720–740 kg |
| Boot Space | 157–421 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 9000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £6,455–£6,955 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | C |
| Official MPG | 58.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 3dr | £6,455 | 58.9 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.0 3dr Auto | £6,455 | - | - |
| 1.0 5dr | £6,955 | 58.9 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.0 5dr Auto | £6,955 | - | - |
Model History
March 2003
All new, smaller Charade unveiled at Geneva Motor Show. Very low 114g/km CO2 emissions qualifies for £35pa VED. Does 100mph with 0-60 in 11.9 seconds. Has ride and refinement equivalent of Renault Clio.
Height adjustable steering wheel and standard speed sensitive PAS. Options of ABS with EBD, 4-speed autobox, CD, electric windows and door mirrors. Ideal for small garages. 157 litre boot up to 421 litres to window level with back seats down. Combined economy of 58.9mpg. 989cc twin-cam 3 cylinder 12 valve engine puts out 58.5PS at 6,000rpm and 67.1 lb ft torque at 4,000rpm. 21.7mph per 1,000 rpm in 5th for motorway cruising. Prices from £5,995 for EL 3-dr which comes with PAS, ABS with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, electric front windows and a radio/CD player. Great value for money and goes quite well. Permanent price cuts from March 2005 bring price of EL 3-dr down to £5,695.
3,410 (11' 2") long x 1,475mm (4' 10") wide x 1,500mm high.
May 2006
Revised range from May 2006 with improved handling and greater comfort. Based on previous 1.0 litre EL model, range comprises three or five-door manual or automatic starting at £6,460 on-the-road. SL models have been dropped. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, interior trim is new and front seats have been lengthened by 30 mm for improved support. New front grille and bumper. Suspension has been thoroughly revised with a front anti-roll bar and retuned dampers to reduce body roll and sharpen handling.
Front discs now ventilated. ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) which optimises braking force according to the weight distribution of passengers and luggage. CO2 reading of 114 g/km which qualifies it for a £40 Road Fund Licence for 12 months. Fuel economy 68.9 mpg Extra Urban for the manual which also boasts a top speed of almost 100 mph. Driver and passenger airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, central locking and a radio/CD player. Three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance plus a six year anti-perforation warranty.
Charade 1.0 litre 3-door Manual: £6,460.00 on-the-road
Charade 1.0 litre 3-door Automatic: £7,215.00 on-the-road
Charade 1.0 litre 5-door Manual: £6,960.00 on-the-road
Charade 1.0 litre 5-door Automatic: £7,715.00 on-the-road
What to watch out for
Feedback from Robert Evans: "Mine is a 2004 model, and has suffered teething problems which are worth looking out for on the used market, as the following faults appear to be widespread among 2003-2004 models. Both driveshafts had to be replaced under warranty after 2 years. Listen for a scraping sound when turning left or right, especially when pulling away from a junction. The factory tyres wore extremely quickly (fronts completely scrubbed smooth at edges after 10K, rears only lasted 20K). Budget front replacements have lasted a further 20K and still only half worn, budget rears showing little wear after 10K. Other owners contradict this with excellent tyre life from factory fit Hankooks. Check exhaust carefully, especially where it joins the back box. Mine fell off at 3.5 years (and the car does not do short runs often), and the replacement is a single part (£220 from Daihatsu). Non-franchised exhaust specialists can't get hold of the part, and it is in short supply at Daihatsu). This is a pricey weakness and needs budgeting for. (Exhaust is actually £185 inc VAT for the complete system from manifold to tailpipe and including the cat, but fitting is extra.)
More driveshaft problems reported by September 2009 on cars 5 years old.
Rattling front brake calipers also seem to be a common irritation. This is usually caused by the fitting of non-Daihatsu 'pattern' pads, that don't fit properly. Genuine Daihatsu pads are £80.
