Vehicle Segment:
Kei car (Keijidōsha), subcompact hatchback.
Key Competitors:
Suzuki Alto, Honda Life, Mitsubishi Minica, Subaru Vivio.
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious urban commuters, first-time car buyers, small families.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers owners/technicians to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnostics, clutch, driveline components.
Brakes:
Brake system service, hydraulic components, disc/drum brakes, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Steering system service, power steering (if equipped), steering rack, tie rods.
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, wiring diagrams.
Bodywork:
Body and chassis repair, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, seals.
Climate Control:
HVAC system service and repair, air conditioning, heating, ventilation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine, transmission, and major component overhauls.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) interpretation and electronic system diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Engine Code:
Likely KF-VE or EF-SE (naturally aspirated or turbo variants for this generation).
Displacement:
Typically 657cc (standard for Japanese Kei cars).
Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder (SOHC or DOHC, naturally aspirated or turbocharged).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 50-64 PS (varies by engine and market).
Torque Range:
Approximately 55-80 Nm (varies by engine and market).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer specification).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission.
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission.
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Optional Four-Wheel Drive (4WD).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90. Automatic: Dexron III or equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 3,395 mm (Kei car regulations).
Width:
Approx. 1,475 mm (Kei car regulations).
Height:
Approx. 1,450 mm.
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-800 kg (varies by specification).
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model and configuration.
Crash Test Results:
Limited official crash test data available for this specific generation and region, typical for older Kei cars.
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may be optional on higher trims.
Passive Safety Features:
Seatbelts, potentially front airbags on higher trims. Chassis designed to meet Japanese safety standards of the era.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player or CD player (depending on trim level and options).
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; potential for power steering on higher trims. Basic driver controls.
Connectivity Options:
Minimal; typically limited to audio system inputs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-40,000 km for standard plugs, or up to 80,000-100,000 km for iridium/platinum plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Typically every 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Crucial for engine longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0-3.5 liters with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III (if equipped with power steering).
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, exhaust system components, clutch wear (manual transmissions), ignition coils, thermostat.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals over time; timing belt integrity is critical.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, especially in humid environments; aging wiring harnesses.
Daihatsu Focus:
Daihatsu has a long history of producing compact and economical vehicles, particularly known for their Kei cars.
Cuore Mira Lineage:
The Cuore (and its sibling, the Mira) is one of Daihatsu's longest-running and most successful models, tracing its roots back to the 1960s.
Production Location:
Primarily Japan.
Production Period:
The L700 series was produced from roughly 1994 to 2004, with the L701 being part of the latter half of this generation.
