Daihatsu YRV dimensions

DAIHATSU claims its 2004 model YRV combines a Vauxhall Astra-sized interior with Ford Fiesta-segment pricing and exterior dimensions. And it's not far out with that description. I certainly felt there was enough space in the little Japanese motor to give me and my passengers a comfortable ride. Billed as a Young Recreational Vehicle (hence YRV) the Premium version I tested came out pretty well. It's not a flying machine. Then you wouldn't expect that from a 1.3 87bhp mini. Not that its a real slow-coach either. It is claimed the YRV manual will hit 62mph in just 10.3 seconds. Unfortunately its 4-cylinder 16-valve engine makes a fair amount or racket if you really floor it.

Its nippy performance is a bonus, as is its mpg figure which, over the week's running, came in at around 45.Mechanically the YRV bristles with technology, including electronic brake-force distribution from Premium specification upwards.From the outside, distinctive design features include a double-wedge line along its four side doors and an optional panorama fixed glass roof, stretching from the windscreen over the two front seats.Inside, the rear seat is mounted higher than the front for better visibility and is split-folding with 150mm of sliding adjustment to vary the legroom/luggage space according to need. Even when carrying five occupants - which would be a squeeze - luggage capacity is a reasonable 8.4 cubic feet.

Equipment level on the Premium model is high with power-steering, twin airbags, radio-cassette player, rear wash-wipe, rev-counter, electric front windows, central-locking, electric rear windows, rear head-restraints, electric body-colour door mirrors, sports steering wheel, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, remote central-locking, alloy wheels and different cloth trim.However, the YRV's dimensions and practical assets, such as the sliding rear seats on most models, also rival popular prestige small cars such as the Audi A2 and Mercedes A-Class.It's a classy little motor which appears to be well built with good quality engineering obvious. Toyota part-owns Daihatsu, so reliability shouldn't be a problem.

I was slightly disappointed with the amount of engine and road noise from the YRV and the rather harsh ride over rough surfaces, but I've experienced worse in much more costly motors.It holds the road pretty well through the bends and brakes are very effective under pressure. The 1.3 litre all-alloy four-cylinder 16 valve twin overhead camshaft petrol engine, based on the unit fitted to the award-winning Toyota Yaris, has been specially tuned to provide an optimum mix of mid-range torque and top-end power. Daihatsu already makes some of the 'greenest' cars on the planet and the YRV is no exception, being a truly frugal performer when it comes to both fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions. How does it look when you are seated up front? Inside, the European influence shows through with a dimple-effect fascia and door casings, circular air vents, sports-style instrument dials which include a rev-counter and sit in an aluminium-effect display panel.