Segment:
Subcompact hatchback/sedan.
Target Audience:
Cost-conscious urban commuters, small families, DIY mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Starlet/Echo, Nissan Sunny/Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage.
Selling Points:
Fuel efficiency, affordability, compact size, reliability (often praised for simpler mechanics).
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform detailed maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a practical vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR), engine management.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox assembly, gearshift mechanism, driveshafts.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission assembly, torque converter, hydraulic control system, transmission control module (TCM).
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, differential, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front suspension (struts, control arms), rear suspension (dependent/independent), shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars.
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system (if equipped), steering column, tie rods.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire sizes, rotation, balancing, wheel alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, exterior trim.
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, upholstery, door panels, carpeting, interior trim, HVAC system controls.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heating system, ventilation, climate control components.
Safety Restraints:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), SRS system diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt replacement, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit tracing, common fault diagnosis.
Repair:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (if applicable), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring diagrams for diagnostic purposes.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing major components like engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, brake calipers, radiators, etc.
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete rebuilds to routine maintenance.
Engine Code Examples:
CB series (e.g., CB71, CB90), G series (e.g., G13A, G13B, G15A), HE series.
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder, Inline 4-cylinder; naturally aspirated, some turbocharged variants.
Displacement Examples:
1.0L (993cc), 1.3L (1298cc), 1.5L (1456cc).
Horsepower Range:
Typically 50 hp to 85 hp, with turbocharged models exceeding 100 hp.
Torque Range:
Approx. 70 Nm to 120 Nm.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (early models), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (later models).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, distributor-less ignition systems (DIS) on some later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 40,000 km or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 80,000 km depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 km or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. Refer to manual for exact interval and procedure.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL or higher, viscosity grade 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use of OAT or HOAT type coolant may be specified for later models.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure compliance with manual).
Power Steering Fluid:
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) or dedicated power steering fluid (check manual).
Common Problems:
Corrosion (especially in rust-belt regions), aging suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converter failure, starter motor issues, occasional minor electrical gremlins, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.
Reliability Overview:
Generally considered reliable with regular maintenance, but age and mileage can lead to wear in various systems.
Daihatsu Focus:
Daihatsu is renowned for producing small, economical, and reliable vehicles, often with a focus on city driving and kei car segments in Japan.
First Generation:
Introduced in 1977, known for its compact size and efficiency. Several generations followed, each refining the design and technology.
Key Generations:
G10/G11 (1977-1981), G12/G14 (1981-1986), G100/G114 (1986-1990), G200/G201 (1990-1994), M100/M200 (1994-2000).
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan, with potential production in other Asian countries through joint ventures.
Production End Date:
Production of the Charade nameplate ceased in 2000, replaced by the Sirion/Boon.