INDO MOTOR SHOW: Daihatsu FT-Concept unveiled

Daihatsu has shown off its rival for the Mazda CX-5 at the Indonesian motor show.

Called the FT Concept, the apparently close-to-production show car is a medium-sized SUV that measures 4350mm long, 1750mm wide and 1690mm high, with a 2685mm wheelbase.

Inside the FT there’s evidence of big improvement in interior design from the Japanese brand, with a clean and logical layout and a modern large tablet-style infotainment system.

Interior quality also looks like it could be the Japanese brand’s best ever -- if the production car remains true to the concept.

The concept boasts seven seats to appeal to south-east Asian consumers, but the production version is also expected to be offered with five seats.

Little has been revealed about what powers the FT Concept other than that a 1.5-litre petrol engine is under the bonnet, and that -- curiously -- the concept features a rear-wheel drive layout instead of a more traditional front-wheel drive arrangement.

All-wheel drive is also expected to be offered on the production model.

Daihatsu is expected to reveal more information in the coming days that should cast light on how a production version will shape up. It’s not known if any such car will be available outside Asia, but it's unlikely to head Down Under following the Japanese brand’s decision to quit Australia in 2006.