The YRV - 'flagship' of the Daihatsu range

The YRV compact car, what Daihatsu is calling its most important model, goes on sale in March starting at £9,495 OTR.

The 1.3-litre YRV (Young Recreational Vehicle) is the first of a new wave of Daihatsus aimed at appealing to European tastes by offering "VW Golf-class passenger space within a stylish, safe, yet light and compact body".

Top speed from the 1.3 litre engine is 108.7mph and 0-62mph time 11.2 seconds for the manual version.

Fuel economy is 55.4mpg on the extra urban cycle. High strength steels, crumple zones, twin airbags and an engine and transmission that slide under the floorplan enhance the safety credentials of the YRV.

The front-wheel drive, petrol engined, five-seat YRV becomes the new flagship of the Daihatsu passenger car range which includes the Cuore and revised Sirion and Terios. New importer, Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors has discontinued the Move, Grand Move and Charade.

The YRV is expected to represent around one third of Daihatsu UK sales this year with a target of 3,000 units.

Later this year or early 2002, a turbo variant - also 1.3-litre - is expected.

Mechanical features include Electronic Brake Force Distribution on all but the entry model and a Formula One-inspired steering wheel-mounted gear change system, called Steershift.

Inside, the split-fold rear seat is mounted higher than the front for better visibility.

The three-model range comprises the entry level YRV costing £9,495 OTR. Standard equipment includes power steering, driver and passenger airbags, central locking, front and electric windows and driver's seat adjuster.

The luxury Premium variant adds air-con, anti-lock brakes, remote central locking, alloy wheels and different cloth trim, for £10,495.

An F-Speed auto model tops the range until the arrival of the turbo version. Apart from the Steershift, the F-Speed also has a CD player. It costs £11,495 OTR.

Like all Daihatsu cars the YRV will come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and six year anti-perforation cover and one-year's membership of the RAC.

##YRV--none--Daihatsu YRV Premium##