Daihatsu Sigra
If you happen to live in southeast Asia
with a lot of people and their stuff to transport through tight streets, this
may very well be the vehicle you'll need. It's called the Daihatsu Sigra, and
it's just been introduced in Indonesia.
Though smaller than most minivans, the
Sigra still packs room for seven into its compact frame. Power comes from 1.0-
and 1.2-liter versions of Toyota's NR-series four-cylinder that also powers
models like the Yaris and iQ. That ought to put it in direct competition with
the Datsun Go+, introduced by rival automaker Nissan in Indonesia three years
ago. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota and similarly serves as the Japanese
automaker's small-car budget brand.
Taking its name from the Sanskrit for
"quick reaction," the Sigra will be built in Indonesia through a
joint venture between Daihatsu and Astra International. The Indonesian
conglomerate has forged similar relationships with Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu and
Honda, among others.
The small minivan is built to comply
with the country's Low Cost Green Car regulations, which means it has to be
priced below 85,000,000 Indonesian Rupiah – or about US$ 6,500 by current
conversion rates. It also has to get around 50 miles to the gallon, and be made
of at least 60 percent domestic parts.
Official Price (Above)
