TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Daihatsu to get Kei-razy

Daihatsu has revealed the three all-new Kei car concepts it will unveil at the Tokyo motor show at the end of October.

The first out the three is called the Hinata (pale green) and is said to be the closest to being green lit for production.

Measuring 3.4m long, 1.48m wide and 1.67mm high, the concept is said to offer remarkable passenger space considering its diminutive size and is tipped to replace the existing Move Conte micro people mover that’s already sold in Japan.

Offering a pair of novel suicide doors that open wide for great access to the rear seats the Hinata also allows all four chairs to slide and rotate to offer greater flexibility.

Inside the dash offers an untreated wood finish, a large horizontally mounted tablet style infotainment system and a large centrally-mounted speedo.

Adding a sense of fun, the Hinata also has a carpet that’s supposed to mimic Nature’s green foliage.

The next concept it will unveil is called the Tempo that’s thought to be based on the same front-wheel drive platform as the Hinata.

Created to appeal to those running a small catering business, the Tempo shares the same footprint but stands even taller at 1995mm.

The last Kei car concept to be offered is called the Noriori that, like the Hinata is a micro people mover but one specifically designed for wheelchair users. Also boasting a highly configurable interior the Noriori has a pair of sliding doors and a suspension system that drops to allow easy access in out for those in a wheelchair.

All three concepts conform to the current Kei car rules and are powered by the same turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder petrol.

Daihatsu hasn’t confirmed how quick (or slow) any production version would be. Not that it matters. Even if they are all made we won’t see them. The Japanese car-maker withdrew from the Australian market back in 2006 and is unlikely to return in the near future.