The Japan-only subcompacts Daihatsu Boon and Toyota Passo (M700) debuted in 2016, received their first facelift two years later, and are now ripe for another. Here’s what stands on the list.
Most importantly, both cars now come with
the full Smart Assist III package of safety aids that now takes advantage of a
stereoscopic camera. The old Smart Assist II system made do with a conventional
single-lens camera. The upgrade enables pedestrian detection and smart braking:
the companies claim you will definitely not be hitting anyone going at 30 km/h, and should be relatively safe until 50 km/h.
The X L Package trim now comes with LED
headlights and either black or silver detailing. The list of exterior finishes
now includes Turquoise Blue Mica Metallic, and the rear windows are now
virtually impervious to UV radiation. Rounding off the changes on the outside
are new wheels for the Daihatsu model.
Like before, customers can choose between
standard and round headlights, and the latter version of the car now goes by
the name of Toyota Passo Moda (or Daihatsu Boon Silk). The powertrain stays
stock, a 1.0-liter 1KR-FE engine still working in tandem with a CVT and either
FWD or AWD.
The new Daihatsu Boon costs between
1,265,000 and 1,926,000 Yen, whereas the Toyota Passo starts at the same amount
and maxes out at 1,903,000 Yen.
