It’s been well over three decades since Daihatsu exited the U.S. market after a brief presence of about four years. However, in Asia, it continues to offer reliable low-cost cars, selling well over a million vehicles annually, including supplies to other brands.
Daihatsu has many new ideas for the future, and among its latest concepts is the Midget X, which we got up close with in Southeast Asia last week.
What is the Daihatsu Midget X?
The Daihatsu Midget X is a futuristic take on the vehicle that was introduced as a three-wheeler in 1957 and evolved into a four-wheeled model in its second generation in 1996. The new concept is also a four-wheeler, but unlike its predecessors, it is all-electric.
The Daihatsu Midget X concept is a personal mobility vehicle designed for short trips, offering older adults a safer alternative to walking and giving parents a convenient way to drop a child off at school or run errands around the neighborhood.
Daihatsu has designed the Midget X to serve both passenger and commercial applications. While this version is for basic personal transport, the model can be configured differently for solo camping and last-mile delivery. All that said, this is a prototype vehicle.
Design
The concept has narrow, quadricycle-like proportions and a friendly face. Its round LED headlamps feature horizontal light bars that resemble eyes, while the curved lower edge of the body-colored front panel creates a smiling expression.
A large, wraparound windshield dominates the upper section, and the separate black wheel arches and lower cladding give the concept a rugged, utilitarian look. The extremely short cab features large, nearly square side windows which provide excellent outward visibility.
The rear-hinged doors open using cylindrical rotary handles, while the dark panel behind them has a coarse, grained finish that contrasts with the smooth bodywork. Small wheels, individual fenders, exposed suspension elements, and a roof-mounted cargo rack lend this utility vehicle an unmistakable character.
A large, box-like storage compartment occupies most of the rear section, and from our inspection, it appears spacious enough for several small bags or everyday cargo. Above it sits a wide rear window, while a slim, flush-mounted light bar spans the lower edge of the body, with white elements at both ends and a red section in the center.
Interior
The vehicle uses rear-hinged doors to improve access to its compact cabin. It has a staggered three-seat layout, with the centrally positioned driver’s seat set slightly forward and two smaller seats behind it on either side. We observed that the rear seats are suitable only for children.
The driver operates the vehicle through a steering yoke that incorporates controls for functions such as the turn indicators and headlights, along with a central airbag. Two compact displays positioned on either side show information including battery charge, vehicle speed, and occupant or seatbelt status.
Specifications
The Daihatsu Midget X is 2,200 mm (86.6 in.) long, 1,295 mm (51.0 in.) wide, and 1,680 mm (66.1 in.) tall and has a 1,600 mm (63.0 in.) wheelbase. While Daihatsu has confirmed that the vehicle is an EV, it has not revealed any details of its powertrain or battery pack.
U.S./Canada connection
This Daihatsu nameplate already has some visibility in North America today. Privately imported examples of the 1996-2001 Daihatsu Midget II have appeared at U.S. specialist dealers and online auctions, while Canadian importers have also offered the ‘kei’ truck.
Their arrival in North America is possible largely because the U.S. generally exempts vehicles once they are 25 years old, while Canada allows most foreign-market vehicles after 15 years. Earlier three-wheeled Daihatsu Midgets have surfaced as collectibles as well.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
