Reviews - Daihatsu

Overall Rating

Daihatsu's replacement for the Hi-Jet this usually styled mini van from Japan that you will either love its quirkiness or hate its shape completely. Its size and agile moving makes parking a dream with the best turning circle of any commercial vehicle.

• Easy to manouvre
• Fun and nippy in town with good higher speed
• Good storage space

• Unusual looking
• Tight on space in cab
• You will either love it or hate it

The Extol is a forward control vehicle so the steering is done from a position forward of the front axle and has a bonnet unlike its pre-decessor so there is some degree of comfort in the event of a shunt. Unusually the seating position is behind the front wheels and this facilitates a more comfortable ride although you will still feel bumps. Forward control usually means a tight turning circle but the Extol certainly has that with a class leading 8, about the best you'll find on any commercial vehicle. It is certainly unusual to look at and doesn't look too dissimilar from Scooby Doo's van with the big bumper at the front and rear under-bumper making it look like it's been lowered. As a used van buyer it's key to assess its quality's and if it will fit your needs as this van is very specific to lending itself to certain trades. The engine is somewhere under the drivers seat just behind the front axel and comes in a 1.3-litre petrol engine with 82 bhp. Twin overhead camshafts, 16-valves and variable valve timing make this a modern option. Smooth engine up to early 90mph's so good on longer distances and the rear-wheel drive handling, high-manoeuvrability and free-revving engine make the Extol a fun, nippy little vehicle to whiz around town in. This is a dedicated van rather than the car-derived vans that are available for similar prices. The Extol has 2.2-cubic metres of load capacity and the maximum payload of 615kg. Easy to access the standard Extol model features sliding doors on both sides as well as lifting tailgate on the back. There is also additional storage under the floor, ideal for tools or anything you want to keep out of sight. Inside the cab there's power steering, a CD player, twin front airbags, central locking and a heated rear window. Air-conditioning and metallic paint appear on the options list. There is not a huge amount of space in the cab but is enough for anyone with a medium build, larger builds may struggle.

The Extol is fun to drive and ideal for urban business's whose daily tasks involve lots of stopping and starting in busy traffic. Has its place but not suitable for larger occupants requiring space in the cab.