
Takashi Sonoda
DaihatsuDevelopment lead
As development lead of the first Tanto, matched a supple suspension to a tall body with a long wheelbase
Timeline
- 2003
Tanto 1st generation2003–2007Development lead
Even with 50% stiffer rear springs
The first Tanto was taller than the Move and had the longest wheelbase among kei cars. Sonoda tuned the suspension to emphasize suppleness rather than raising its limits. Because its center of gravity was higher than the Move's, it got a dedicated design with rear spring rates raised by about 50%, but he says it should not feel stiff because the shock absorber tuning was changed too. He explained that it may roll more than the Move, but this was the result of balancing ride comfort and stability.
Daihatsu
Connections
Profile
Development lead for the first-generation Tanto.
Translated from Japanese sources.
Daihatsu engineers
Masahiro FukuzukaMove / Mira
Tadashi AisakaCopen
Nobuhiko OnoMira
Shinsuke HoriMove
Takahiko KoyamaTanto
Toyoji MotookaTanto
Masayuki NakajimaMove
Hidehiko SudoMove