Daihatsu is known for building some of the quirkiest looking vehicles on the Japanese market. There’s the open-top Copen, the Tanto, and more recently the Rocky crossover. Soon though, a new model will be joining the automaker’s kei-car lineup – the Taft. Interesting to say, it is one of their cutest looking models thus far. 

Revealed at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Taft was previewed as a concept for the time being. Design-wise, the Taft looks like a miniaturized Hummer H2 combined with subtle hints of the Toyota FJ Cruiser’s styling. The boxy styling alone is very similar to that of the (in)famous American SUV. Keen-eyed readers will notice that even the vertical grill design of the Hummer has been grafted onto the Taft.

Though it might seem a bit big in the photo, don’t be fooled. The Taft measures relatively the same as most other kei-cars offered in Japan. Specifically, it is only 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide and 1,630 mm tall. Giving it a rugged appeal, however, are the beadlock-style wheels, black fender flares, and somewhat chunky tires.

Daihatsu Taft concept looks like a miniaturized Hummer H2 image

Inside, the Taft can seat four and features a simple dashboard with square air-conditioning vents. The infotainment system sits front and center as well as the gear selector. Interestingly for a really small vehicle, Daihatsu has given the Taft a large panoramic sunroof.

In accordance with Japanese laws, the Taft will be powered by a 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine. No power figures were given but Daihatsu says it will be using a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite its rugged design, the Taft will be 2WD only.

Though it might be a concept at the moment, Daihatsu says that the Taft will be going into production. At the moment, there are no details as to when the production model will debut. Like most kei-cars, the Taft will likely be a Japan-exclusive model. Still, it would be nice to actually drive one of these along our roads.

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