YRV strictly for Europe

Daihatsu staged a world debut at the Birmingham motor show with the YRV, its first car specially designed for Europe as it seeks to increase EU penetration.

The YRV (young recreational vehicle) goes on sale in the UK in March.

Andy Edmiston, managing director of Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors (part of International Motors) called the YRV “an important step forward” for Daihatsu.

“This will set the tone for the future – Daihatsu is looking to change customers' perceptions of its image,” he said. “We are ready for a product onslaught.”

DVD hopes to sell around 3,000 YRVs in the first year, targeting everything from Fiat Punto and VW Polo to Toyota Yaris and Audi A2.

Three 5dr 1.3-litre derivatives start at less than £10,000. A premium model, expected to account for the majority of the sales, will be priced close to £10,500.

Daihatsu will add a 140PS turbocharged sports version next year.