Here is the official Daihatsu Japan website, if you use google chrome, you can switch to English translation https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/lineup/truck/index.htm I am in the final stage to order a new Hijet from the local dealer, wife wants me to have all the safety gimmicks of "Smart Assist IIIt", so the good old Honda Acty will be given to a friend. Grades and prices here https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/lineup/truck/02_grade.htm (exchange rate at the moment 1 USD = Yen105) New car will be a Standard “SA Ⅲt” 2WD 4AT, here what is all included and comparison to Extra “SA Ⅲt” 2WD 4AT https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/lineup/t...tandard_sa3t_2wd_4at&grade=extra_sa3t_2wd_4at Collision avoidance support system "Smart Assist IIIt" ・ Collision avoidance support braking function (for vehicles and pedestrians) ・ Collision warning function (for vehicles and pedestrians) ・ Lane departure warning function, ・ False start suppression control function (forward) (AT vehicles only) -Preceding vehicle start notification function - LED headlights when ordering smart assist IIIt I can apply for subsidies from the gov. for car owners over 65 years old , approx $500 aircon, power steering and AM / FM radio LED headlights are included in the base price. Loading platform protection and guard frame with rubber cost extra price https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/accessory/truck/nidai.htm plus extra rubber thick floor mats, extra price Paint G59 Mint Metallic vs extra price Engine for the automatic version has 39 Kw/53 HP at 7200 RPM, 60 Nm at 4000 RPM Delivery time approx. 6 weeks after order signing
Just came back from the dealer signing the contract. Sales rep gave us a good discount on the MRSP and threw in for free a system for Electronic Toll Collection for abt. $200 MRSP as a Hijet Celebration 60th Anniversary Fair gift, a system for paying Highway tolls with credit card without stopping at a toll gate. In total the discount is about 8%, also includes a 2 years free of charge package for regular service, inspection, incl. oil, filter etc As for the Collision avoidance support system "Smart Assist IIIt" they will do the application to the government for refund to us, so maybe I can get more back, but that depends if there is still money available from the budgeted amount for the fiscal year ending March. Excerpt: .. gov. subsidizes purchases of cars with extra safety functions for those age 65 or over as part of steps to reduce traffic accidents. Up to ~ $1000 will be provided per new vehicle equipped with an automatic braking system or a function to curb acceleration when the gas pedal is mistakenly hit instead of the brake pedal. The subsidy amount is max ~ $700 for mini vehicles. The government has included the program in an economic stimulus package. Spec copied from the net: Engine model KF Maximum output 53ps (39kW) / 7200rpm Maximum torque 6.1kg ・ m (60N ・ m) / 4000rpm type Water-cooled in-line 3-cylinder DOHC 12 valve Total displacement 658cc Inner diameter x stroke 63.0mm x 70.4mm Compression ratio 11.3 Supercharger None Fuel supply device EFI (Electronic Controlled Fuel Injection Device) Fuel tank capacity 35 liters Fuel used Unleaded regular gasoline Steering type Power-assisted rack-and-pinion Suspension type (front) L-shaped lower arm & MacPherson strut coil spring Suspension type (rear) Axle leaf spring Brake type (front) disk Brake type (rear) Drum Tire size (front) 145R12-6PRLT Tire size (rear) 145R12-6PRLT Minimum turning radius 3.6m Drive system transmission 4AT Gear ratio 1st speed 2.730 2nd speed 1.526 3rd speed 1.000 4th speed 0.696 R 2.290 Final reduction ratio 6.285
Got it today, here is the first pic of the S500P, in the background my good old 1997 Honda Acty. Drove today the first 50Km. Of course one can feel the difference of about 25 years between the cars, more quiet inside the cabin, and important for me are more legroom and a bit higher cabin (approx. 10 cm). Aircon more effective compared to the old Acty. First trip was to the farmers store to get a rubber truck bed mat, 5mm thick, 140 x 201cm, was pre-cut and fits perfect. Acty will be picked up tomorrow by a friend.
Just got good news from the dealer, the subsidy for the safety system installation for people >65 years was fully approved by the government, will get a refund of approx. $700. Includes also: VSC and TRC steering and acceleration support https://www.daihatsu.com/car_information/safety.html Daihatsu: Smart Assist source: Daihatsu's press release and technical brochures Low-speed pre-collision braking system When the system detects an impending collision with another vehicle ahead, it applies emergency braking to decelerate to avoid collision or reduce damage of collision. It operates when a vehicle is traveling at about 4km/h to 30km/h and the laser radar detects another vehicle within 20 meters ahead. Pre-Collision Throttle Management When laser radar detects an obstacle within 4 meters ahead and the system judges that the driver has stepped on the accelerator pedal carelessly, the system restricts the engine power to prevent sudden starting. Rear Pre-Collision Throttle Management A sonar sensor is used to detect walls or other obstacles behind the vehicle. When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal in R range, the system restricts the engine power to prevent sudden starting. LED headlamps Automatic high beams with light sensor on the dash Lane Departure Alert
As for the Daihatsu automatic transmission system I researched a bit and found following info : Daihatsu automatic transmissions CVT They produce it in-house at Daihatsu's Shiga (Ryuo) Plant, 4-speed automatic transmission, here a good info CVT/ECU for Daihatsu Vehicles In order to provide optimal gear ratios for all driving conditions, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that allows the engine performance to operate at peak efficiency has been developed that replaces the conventional fixed gear ratio transmissions with a combined planetary gear and torque converter structure. Background to development of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system for mini vehicles The CVT is designed to be able to offer both the driveability of an A/T together with good fuel economy. Since the CVT is continuously changing transmission speed there is no loss of drive power during gear shifting and this capability for smooth operation is a distinctive feature of the CVT. Compared to a conventional A/T, the CVT provides a 10% improvement in gas mileage and, depending on the circumstances, it can offer better gas mileage than an M/T. It also provides reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The reasons why the CVT has not previously been common equipment for mini vehicles is the extensive development costs involved as well as the high cost of the CVT main body. In addition to the unavoidable problem of low cost, a CVT must be small-sized and low-weight in order to be suitable for equipping to mini vehicles. Daihatsu developed and equipped a CVT as standard equipment to their "Sonica" model that went on sale in June of 2006. Differences with conventional CVT units (Characteristics) The new CVT developed by Daihatsu features a compact structure utilizing a three-shaft system as opposed to the four-shaft one used in most conventional CVTs. The input power from the engine is reduced once by the planetary gear structure before it is transmitted to the CVT in order to reduce the operating speed of the CVT thereby improving transmission efficiency. A conventional CVT consists of primary and secondary pulleys with a three-shaft differential gear making it necessary to provide a gear that reverses the rotation between the differential gear and CVT. However, the new CVT utilizes an additional planetary gear reduction structure on the front of the input shaft so that one of the rotation reversing gear shafts at the front of the differential gear was eliminated. This design allows for a reduction of components and thus provides a lightweight, compact CVT. This results in an CVT that actually has 6% less mass than CVTs for mini vehicle application produced by other companies. Additionally, by using the planetary reduction gear structure to lower the speed by a factor of two-thirds, slippage of the belt from the pulley is reduced thereby improving transmission efficiency. Additionally, a reduction in the equivalent inertia of the engine shaft of the variable transmission unit together with the use of a small metal belt provides smooth acceleration performance. As a result, fuel efficiency has been improved by approximately 15% as well as a 10% improvement in acceleration performance to provide powerful yet smooth acceleration from low to high speeds which, as a result, provides mini vehicles with mobility performance comparable to compact vehicles. https://www.denso-ten.com/business/technicaljournal/pdf/28-3.pdf Daihatsu New Eco-Friendly, High Acceleration Performance CVT DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) has developed an environmentally friendly, high acceleration performance CVT*1 for minivehicle use, and has commenced in-house manufacturing. Comprising the world's first "input-speed reduction type three-shaft gear train system" and other original components, the new CVT features enhanced fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration performance, with a lightweight, compact body . In this system, a reduction gear on the input shaft side of the CVT reduces and reverses speed and rotation. Features: (1) Enhanced transmission efficiency Minimizes transmission loss due to belt dislocation caused by high centrifugal force. (2) Reduced inertia of variable transmission unit Increased torque with decreased rotational speed reduces transmission unit inertia. (3) Fewer parts No need for speed reduction on CVT output shaft side, thus reducing the number of shafts from 4 to 3. 2. Features of the CVT Enhanced fuel efficiency Feature (1) above enhances fuel efficiency by approximately 15% over Daihatsu's conventional automatic transmission vehicles, attaining a class*2 leading fuel efficiency among mini vehicles of the same category. Smooth acceleration performance Feature (2) above, together with the use of the world's smallest metal belt*3, increases acceleration performance by approximately 10% over Daihatsu's conventional automatic transmission vehicles, attaining powerful yet smooth acceleration from low to high speeds. Lightweight and compact Feature (3) above, combined with the use of the world's smallest metal belt*3, enables a compact CVT ideal for minivehicles. https://www.daihatsu.com/news/2006/06061902.html https://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/06/daihatsu_launch.html
Today I visited the Daihatsu dealer for the scheduled inspection after 1 month of use, they checked the usual stuff such as coolant level, wiper/washer fluid, tire pressure, trans fluid, they washed the car, etc pp., replaced engine oil, oil filter and gasket free of charge as that is part of the 2 year free service kit. Regular price would have been engine oil, $27.50, filter and gasket $12.90, labor $16.50. Next visit scheduled 4000 km later, same procedure, again free of charge. Got as usual good coffee and cake, and as present a pair of working gloves and a kitchen towel with the add printed on " 60 Years Hijet, Thank You". Love the car, compared to my 1997 Acty much more quiet, fuel consumption better, aircon more effective, more space for legs and headroom. Well, it is a bit unfair to compare a 1997 with a 2021 new car, the Acty was a very reliable and good car and gave little / small probs over all the years I owned it and drove with it about 60.000 kms.
Yes, this is the experience that I am looking forward to. Awesome truck you got there. Thanks for sharing
316 pages for download Japanese language owners/user handbook 01999- B5220 for Hijet Truck with KF engine, the same one I got in printed form for my 2021 Hijet https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/service/torisetu/truck/pdf/hijet_truck_2008.pdf Edit 08.08.2022: search here for the manual https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/service/torisetu/index.htm update: Jan 1, 2024, new link to jap. owners manual user handbook 01999- B5220 Hijet https://www.daihatsu.co.jp/service/torisetu/truck/pdf/hijet_truck_slim_2112.pdf
Today I visited again the Daihatsu dealer for the scheduled 2nd inspection after receiving the car end of April, drove in total 2150 km so far, same procedure as before: they checked the usual stuff such as coolant level, washer fluid, tire pressure, trans fluid, washed the car, etc pp., replaced engine oil, oil filter and gasket free of charge as that is part of the 2 year free service kit. Regular price would have been the same as mentioned before. Next visit scheduled 3000 km later, same procedure, again free of charge. Got as usual good coffee and cake + small advertisement gift.
Just found a detailed info on the smart III system installed on my Hijet in English, in 2016 introduced first for the Daihatsu Tanto and then later also into the trucks Daihatsu Develops Smart Assist III, a Crash Avoidance System with a New Breaking Function to Avoid Accidents with Pedestrians , Featuring the world’s smallest stereo camera*1, the new crash avoidance system is adopted for Tanto mini vehicles released today... Outlines of Smart Assist III ☆Functions of Smart Assist III Crash-avoidance braking function (for vehicles and pedestrians) Brake assist for damage reduction Collision warning function (for vehicles and pedestrians) Erroneous start prevention function Preceding vehicle departure reporting function Lane departure warning function Auto high beam more details here https://www.daihatsu.com/news/2016/20161130-2.pdf
Fantastic thread and lovely truck. Thanks so much for posting and keeping us updated! I really appreciate the links, too. I lived in Japan many, many years ago and have wonderful memories. Seeing cherry blossoms is the icing on the cake!
that is how it looks when I lift the seats, engine bay KF-VE4, a bit more space to work, fuse box can be seen etc.
Brief update, the truck is now 1 year old, total 5800 km driven in 1 year, had to visit the dealer for annual inspection and oil change. Took 1 hour, 33 items checked as per annual inspection list such as brake pads, window washer liquid etc pp., engine oil, filter and gasket change, they even replaced the wiper blades although the original ones were still fine, fault code readout with reader, car washed as standard service of that dealer, although it was raining that day . As I have the 2 years free service in my new car purchase contract, it was all free, from the papers I got it would have cost in total $180. In their Daihatsu customer waiting area = nowadays called "Daihatsu Cafe project" we got nice coffee and cake, and my wife got a large pack of "Daihatsu" Udon Noodle Soups as present. Dealer rep told us that it was good that I ordered the car last year and the delivery was only 6 weeks, as like all other car makers they now have probs with chips/parts supply and now I would have to wait much longer and also the discount I got then would be less nowadays. All in all I am happy with the Hijet and also the excellent dealer service. To be continued......
The Hijet is now 2 years old, total now 10.250 Km. No problems to report at all. All vehicles in Japan must undergo a compulsory inspection process every two years. It includes checking various components of the vehicle, doing safety tests, emission testing, and more. Typically, many Japanese vehicle owners opt to have their local dealer take care of the inspection on their behalf. Some dealers, going along with the manufacturer’s recommendations, may add unnecessary items to the final billing cost. I went the cheapo way and made a user shaken = I drove to the inspection by myself. By eliminating the dealership from the equation, you can ultimately save a lot by paying only the fixed costs associated with shaken. But one needs some hours time and has to fill out many papers. I had to pay Weight Tax for Kei cars JPY 6,600 Compulsory Insurance JPY11,200, In Japan, compulsory insurance covers the following basic third party costs: Limit of liability, Death: 30 million yen, Injury: 1.2 million yen, Residual disability: 750,000 yen – 40 million yen Stamp Duty JPY1,700 Required Documentation 1. Current Shaken Certificate 2. Compulsory Insurance Certificate (New & Old) 3. Automobile Tax Notification Certificate 4. Shaken Inspection Form 5. Weight Tax Application Form 6. User Shaken Application Form 7. Maintenance Checklist Regular service incl. engine oil and filter change etc was done by my friendly dealer before I went to the user Shaken, still included in the service package for 2 years when I bought the truck in 2021, that was a good deal. Now I signed a new 2 year service contract called (translated) Reasonable Maintenance 24 months Pass, it includes after 6 months engine oil change, fault code reading, car inspection accdg to service plan after 12 month engine oil and engine oil filter change, wiper change + as mentioned above after 18 month same as after 6 month after 24 month same as after 12 month plus coolant change, brake fluid change Regular price for 24 months is Yen 93.049 Yen = US$ 705, with this Pass the price is reduced to Yen 52.510 = $395/2years. To be continued