Segment:
Subcompact hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, enthusiasts of classic Japanese vehicles
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 323, Nissan Sunny
Vehicle Strengths:
Fuel efficiency, compact size, reliability, affordability
Value:
Essential resource for DIY maintenance and repair, preserving classic vehicle value, reducing repair costs
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (carburetor, ignition), emission controls
Transmission:
Manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), clutch system, driveline
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front), drum brakes (rear), parking brake, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system (alternator), battery, lighting, ignition system, dashboard instruments, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes, lubrication points
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and their solutions, engine performance issues, electrical faults
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
From basic preventative maintenance to in-depth component repair and overhaul
Engine Type:
Inline 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
793 cc (0.8 L)
Bore X Stroke:
68.0 mm x 72.0 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 40-45 PS (30-33 kW) at 5500-6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 60-65 Nm (44-48 lb-ft) at 3500-4000 rpm
Carburetor:
Single barrel, downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Keihin)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, points ignition or electronic ignition (later models)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (3.2 - 3.7 US quarts)
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual, 2-speed automatic (less common)
Clutch:
Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Length:
Approx. 3485 mm (137.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1530 mm (60.2 in)
Height:
Approx. 1330 mm (52.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2245 mm (88.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 650 - 750 kg (1433 - 1653 lbs), depending on trim and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1100 - 1200 kg
Trunk Volume:
Limited, due to compact nature
Crash Test Data:
Limited data available for this era and vehicle size; generally focused on basic structural integrity.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assist not standard on all models.
Steering Type:
Rack and pinion, unassisted
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, lap belts in the rear
Body Construction:
Unibody construction
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Chain-driven engine for F5A)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SF or equivalent, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mix of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check local regulations for older vehicles)
Engine Wear:
Piston ring wear, valve stem seal degradation leading to oil consumption
Carburetor:
Clogged jets, vacuum leaks, idle speed instability
Electrical:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, aging ignition components (distributor, coil), alternator failure
Rust:
Common in wheel arches, sills, and floor pans due to age and exposure
Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts
Daihatsu Legacy:
Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, known for small, fuel-efficient vehicles and microcars.
Charade G10 Introduction:
First generation Daihatsu Charade, launched in 1977 as Daihatsu's entry into the global subcompact car market. Designed to be economical and practical.
Facelifts Updates:
Minor styling updates and option changes throughout its production run, but the core G10 platform remained consistent.
Production Period:
1977-1983
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Awards Received:
Generally recognized for its fuel economy and affordability upon release, winning praise in economy car comparisons.
Consumer Reports:
Early models praised for value, though later models might show age-related reliability concerns if not maintained.
Emissions Standards:
Met prevailing emissions standards for its era in various global markets.
