To be sold as the Passo by Toyota and the Boon by Daihatsu, the new compact car has created a stir at the China Motor Show with its cute looks and versatility.
To be sold as the Passo by Toyota and the Boon by Daihatsu, the new compact car has created a stir at the China Motor Show with its cute looks and versatility.
This new vehicle is the first to have been jointly developed for the Japanese market by Toyota Motor Corporation and Daihatsu Motor Company and features high levels of utility and great basic performance at an affordable price.
As Toyota’s smallest compact car and a Daihatsu high-end compact car, the Passo/Boon combines power and cuteness within its compact dimensions. The vehicle provides generous cabin space, while the versatile and convenient seating arrangement and abundant storage space signals high levels of convenience.
According to , the instrument panel is simple and user-friendly and the geometric patterns and silver painted finishes create a stylish finish. The main instrument dials, readouts and indicators are mounted on the steering column and are therefore always in clear view.
Despite the Passo/Boon’s compact dimensions, the long wheelbase helps to create an interior space that can comfortably accommodate five adults and is among the largest in its class. By moving the rear seat cushion forward, the flat area can be extended and the rear seats also have a reclining function.
All vehicles are fitted with an air filter that expels pollen, dust and other impurities while top-of-the-range models are fitted with a new air cleaning technology called Plasmacluster Ions. This releases a balanced ratio of positive and negative ions into the cabin, preventing the breeding of airborne germs and bacteria while also easing occupants’ stress.
Top specced vehicles come with an electronic keycard system to lock and unlock doors and turn the engine on and off and the engines featured are the newly developed 1,0-litre and 1,3-litre engines.
The newly developed 1,0-litre engine has a continuously variable valve timing mechanism and optimised intake ports that help to provide high torque and acceleration in the low to medium speed ranges most commonly used in everyday driving. The Passo/Boon is fitted with a Super ECT four-speed automatic transmission which makes for smooth gear shifting.
The front suspension uses MacPherson struts, while the rear in front-wheel-drive versions has a torsion beam with a toe-correct function and the rear in four-wheeldrive versions features a triple-link type with lateral rods.
Four-wheel-drive models feature the V Flex Full-time 4WD system.
