Segment:
Subcompact / Kei car (in Japan)
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, city dwellers, first-time car buyers, markets valuing fuel efficiency and compactness.
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Alto, Mitsubishi Minica, Honda Life, Nissan Pino/Cervo, Toyota Passo/Duo (depending on market).
Vehicle Philosophy:
Affordability, fuel economy, maneuverability, and practical interior space for its size.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing a reliable, yet potentially complex, small vehicle, empowering owners and independent workshops.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for gasoline engines. Specific engine codes would be required for precise coverage, but typically includes timing belt/chain, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition systems.
Transmission:
Coverage for manual and potentially automatic transmissions, including clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, lubrication, and diagnostic procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive components, including axles, CV joints, and differential (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, struts, control arms, springs, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Steering rack, tie rods, power steering system (if equipped), and steering angle sensor calibration (if applicable).
Brakes:
Front and rear braking systems (likely disc front, drum rear), including brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, and ABS diagnostics (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, fuse/relay identification, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, and chassis structural information. May include rust repair or corrosion prevention guidelines.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair, including refrigerant handling (with proper safety precautions).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and evaporative emissions control system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, and heater core. Coolant types and capacities.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and inspections.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling and reassembling major components and sub-assemblies.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common problems.
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for specific components and systems, often with torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Instructions for cleaning parts before reassembly and proper installation techniques.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians, but also accessible to advanced DIY mechanics with basic knowledge.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Covers on-board diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II if applicable), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and sensor data interpretation.
Special Tools:
Lists required special tools and equipment for specific repair procedures.
Engine Family:
Daihatsu EF-series
Displacement:
Typically 659cc (for JDM kei car regulations), or slightly larger for export models (e.g., 1.0L).
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder (I3)
Aspiration:
Naturally Aspirated (NA) or Turbocharged (for certain variants, especially in Japan).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 50-65 hp for NA, 64+ hp for turbocharged JDM models.
Torque Range:
Typically 55-70 Nm for NA variants.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based (depending on specific engine variant).
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Drivetrain Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed within the manual, crucial for performance tuning and diagnostics.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Specific recommendation found in manual.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF. Specific recommendation found in manual.
Crash Test Results:
Likely limited public data for this era and segment. Specific regional safety ratings (e.g., Euro NCAP, JNCAP) would be detailed in relevant sections of the manual if available.
ABS:
Optional on many variants.
E Brake:
Mechanical parking brake.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on some later models and higher trims; passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners (on some models), two-point rear belts.
Body Structure:
Designed with crumple zones to absorb impact energy, though less advanced than contemporary larger vehicles.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (optional). Speaker configurations vary.
Dashboard Features:
Analogue speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, warning lights.
Parking Aids:
Rear parking sensors were a rare optional addition, not standard.
Connectivity Features:
Very basic, primarily limited to standard automotive electrical connections. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 km or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), intervals can range from 30,000 km to 100,000 km.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item. For EF-series engines, typically 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, viscosity grade SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is common. Check manual for specific approval and viscosity.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Long-life types may be specified. Manual will confirm.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, exhaust system corrosion, aging rubber hoses and seals.
Engine Idling Instability:
Can be due to dirty throttle body, vacuum leaks, or worn idle air control valve (IACV).
Oil Leaks:
Common from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals due to age.
Rust And Corrosion:
Areas like wheel arches, rocker panels, and floor pans are susceptible, especially in regions with road salt.
Daihatsu Focus:
Daihatsu has a long history of producing small, economical, and reliable vehicles, often catering to specific market needs for compact transportation.
L700 Series Context:
The L701 is part of the L700 series, a significant generation for Daihatsu's small car offerings, representing a modern evolution of the Cuore/Mira lineage.
Platform Sharing:
Daihatsu's expertise in microcar technology allowed for efficient platform sharing and component reuse, contributing to affordability.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan, with potential for assembly in other regions under license or for export markets.