Daihatsu Plays Scion xB Again

2007 Daihatsu Materia

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Europeans are aware of the success of Scion in theUnited States, even if the brand isn’t sold on the Continent. The Scion xB has been especially noted, since there is nothing quite like the boxy compact in Europe.

Europe won’t get the Scion after all, but in Geneva, Toyota showed off the latest Scion xB — wearing Daihatsu badges. The new Daihatsu Materia came about because Toyota has a significant stake in Daihatsu, and launching the xB as the Materia means Toyota doesn’t have to pay to establish a new brand. Daihatsu sales have been improving and the Materia has a good chance to sell well without too much effort.

Daihatsu also unveiled the seventh generation of the Cuore, its small model that was launched in 1980 and has always been regarded as a practical, no-nonsense car with space and utility and well-balanced handling. Worldwide, a million Cuores have been sold and the debut of the new model marks a new step toward better fuel efficiency and more practicality. The Cuore is equipped with a 1.0-liter VVT engine with 68 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque. That’s not much, but the weight of the 143-inch-long Cuore is only 1687 pounds. The tiny car has a rear bench that can be adjusted over ten inches. It has seven airbags including a knee airbag, a first in its class, while stability control is available.

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