Japanese Mini Trucks

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. was formed in 1951 as successor organisation to Hatsudoki. Daihatsu is a Japanese manufacturer of cars, well known for its smaller models and off-road vehicles (Minitruck) especially compact/small cars & kei truck (Mini Truck). These cars are also known as kei jidosha in Japan. Daihatsu researches hybrid vehicles and two stroke diesel engines.

The Daihatsu Hijet (new & used mini truck) is a world famous microvan and pickup mini truck produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. The name “Hijet” mini truck has been in use for Daihatsu’s Kei trucks and vans since at least the 1970s.

Available engines for 2006 include the DVVT equipped 660 cc EF-VE, making 39 kW (52 hp) at 7000 rpm and 63 N·m (46 lb·ft) of torque at 4000 rpm, and the 660 cc EF-SE, making 33 kW (44 hp) at 5900 rpm and 57 N·m (42 lb·ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The base model is mid-engine, rear drive, but four-wheel drive versions are available.
A more luxury version of the Hijet is known as the Daihatsu Atrai, which is also powered by a 660 cc Turbo engine producing 64 bhp (48 kW).