You can always
count on Daihatsu to bring a quirky lineup to the Tokyo Motor Show and this
year’s edition of the event makes no exception. Under the theme of
“Gathering – warming up everyone’s lives,” the Toyota-owned automaker will
showcase four new concept vehicles. Each of these studies have names that sound
like the scientific designations of animal species (in Japanese): Ico Ico,
Tsumu Tsumu, Wai Wai, and Waku Waku.
Let’s start with
the last one which envisions a kei car-sized crossover that “expands the world
of play,” according to Daihatsu. The Waku Waku concept appears to be quite
close to a production model, and the fact that small crossovers are very
popular nowadays should motivate Daihatsu to build it.
Despite its small
footprint, the boxy SUV features rugged design elements such as plastic wheel
arch cladding, off-road bumpers, and high ground clearance. It’s not hard to
see it evolving into a Suzuki Jimny rival.
Moving on to the
Wai Wai Concept, it’s a small MPV that offers six seats on three rows and a
“friendly” design that sets it apart from conventional minivans. The normal
front doors and sliding rear doors offer access to an airy cabin.
Two sunroofs
provide plenty of light to the interior featuring folding seats and a
minimalist dashboard with a steering wheel-attached control panel and a
horizontal display spanning the entire width of the dash. As with the Waku Waku
study, this looks like it could morph into a production model quite easily and
successfully.
The Ico Ico Concept
is a people carrier too but it does not require a driver. A small autonomous
shuttle that can drive on narrow roads, Ico Ico is suitable as a last-mile
public transporter. The vehicle is equipped with a retractable platform which
allows for easy ingress-egress, particularly for wheelchair users. Daihatsu
does not say how many people the Ico Ico can transport but looking at the
photos it appears to be a four-seater.
Finally, the Tsumu
Tsumu is arguably the cutest of the four concepts as it envisions a
multi-purpose tiny truck. The Tokyo Motor Show concept’s modular loading
platform is equipped with a large drone unit but Daihatsu says the Tsumu Tsumu
light truck can accommodate other things such as camping units.
The concept
features a roomy cabin that’s easy to access thanks to the new concept door
opening and offers additional cargo space, particularly with the passenger seat
folded down. Daihatsu says the Tsumu Tsumu previews a next-generation light
truck for the Japanese market.
