Daihatsu · Tanto

Daihatsu Tanto 1st generation (L350S/L360S)

Years
2003–2007
Chassis
L350S/L360S
Drivetrain
FF / 4WD
Daihatsu Tanto 1st generation (L350S/L360S)

Image: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 4.0

Story

With the concept of a "happy family space", it was developed as a new genre of kei car with a unique package of a compact nose, a big cabin and a flat floor.

Stories

01

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.

Chassis

Length 3,395 mmWB 2,440 mm1,725 mmHeightWidth 1,475 mm
Curb weight
870-960kg

US import eligibility

Earliest cars
Eligible from November 202825 years after sales began in November 2003
Last cars
Eligible during 203225 years after sales ended in 2007 (month not recorded)

Eligibility depends on each car's month of manufacture on its build plate, not on the sale dates shown here (NHTSA).

Japanese cars reaching 25 years in 2028 →

Engineers

Takashi Sonoda

Takashi Sonoda

Development lead for the first-generation Tanto.