Here’s the second of Daihatsu’s two concept car
world debuts at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS),
after the stunner of a sedan that is the Daihatsu DN F-Sedan. The Daihatsu DN
Multisix is an MPV, something more in tune with the compact car expert’s
product range for Indonesia.
The people carrier is the most popular
choice of vehicle in ASEAN’s largest auto market and most populous nation.
Daihatsu and Toyota are leaders of the three-row MPV market, with the Toyota
Calya and Daihatsu Sigra entry-level duo and the Toyota Avanza and Daihatsu
Xenia mid-size twins.
The Daihatsu DN Multisix concept shown here raises a
possibility of a larger, range-topping MPV offering more space and comfort. As
the name suggests, it seats six instead of seven, and the showcar is larger
than an Avanza (details below). There’s a futuristic interior and suicide doors
typical of showcars, as well as a full-length glass roof. There’s some SUV
flavour in the design too, which is a current trend for people carriers.
The MPV’s face shares the same theme as the Daihatsu
DN F-Sedan, which could hint at a future corporate look for the D-brand. In
terms of dimensions, the show car is quoted at 4,310 mm long, 1,720 mm wide,
1,695 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm and 250 mm clearance. While it may
be longer (vs. 4,190 mm) and wider (vs. 1,660 mm) than the Avanza, the concept
has a shorter wheelbase (Avanza’s is 2,655 mm) by comparison, but shares the
same height.
As a nation and the income of its people makes
progress, so does the population’s expectations when it comes to cars. With
that as the backdrop, the Daihatsu DN Multisix concept could be the carmaker
preparing a more sophisticated offering for Indonesia.
