Cleaner, quicker, Cuore

18 February 2002: Daihatsu’s Cuore minicar range has been upgraded for 2002 to provide 64 mpg-plus fuel economy, reduced exhaust emissions, greater refinement, livelier acceleration, and new interior trim.

Like the larger Sirion, Terios and YRV, the Cuore now has Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which provides strong low-speed pulling power with fewer gear changes and lively engine response at higher speeds.

Already the official ‘Environmental Car of the Millennium’ according to the UK-based Environmental Transport Association, the Cuore’s CO2 emissions are reduced from 127 g/km to 124 for the manual with the automatic remaining at a still low 157 g/km.

The three cylinder twin overhead-camshaft 12 valve engine produces 55 PS at 5,200 rpm and 65.1 lb ft torque at 3,600 rpm – sufficient for an 87 mph top speed for both manual and automatic models with
0-62 mph times of 12.8 and 15.9 seconds respectively (was 15.2 and 16.3 seconds).

A completely redesigned intake and exhaust system plus revised manual gear ratios are claimed by the manufacturer to provide better refinement. Fourth and fifth gears now pull 17.8 and 21.7 mph per 1,000 rpm respectively instead of 16.4 and 20.1 mph/1,000 rpm. This reduces engine speed and therefore noise.

Other Cuore improvements include new cloth trim for the seats and door inserts, a cleaner, simpler front bumper and grille design and new rear lamps.

February 2002