The wraps have been pulled off the Daihatsu FX Concept at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) – this dinky little crossover could prove a serious threat to the Honda HR-V's dominance in the region.
It certainly won't challenge the H brand in terms of size or interior space, however – at 3,800 mm long, 1,690 mm wide and 1,580 mm tall, it's a massive 495 mm shorter, 80 mm narrower and 25 mm lower; its 2,455 mm wheelbase is also 155 mm shorter. Think of it, then, as a car that straddles the A- (Renault Kwid) and B-segment (HR-V, Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur) crossover markets.
We can't fault the modern, attractive styling, though. At the front, the mask-like graphic integrates the LED headlights, slim upper grille and a full-width chrome bar, under which sits a gaping trapezoidal lower grille, jutting chin spoilers, LED daytime running lights and a stylish silver skid plate.
Lines on the bonnet flow into the gloss black wing mirrors, while the windscreen wraps around to meet the side glass – it's all a bit Suzuki Swift. Down in the rockers, a kink where the body-coloured bits meet the black plastic mouldings is echoed in the Perodua Axia-like upwards flick in the window line.
Round the back, shapely LED tail lights are connected via another chrome bar, while a second skid plate in the bumper is flanked by twin vertical exhaust exits. Vents aft of the wheel arches – reminiscent of the "Air Breather" vents on recent BMWs – give the car a more aerodynamically-efficient look.
Inside, you'll find a bright, futuristic interior with a dual-tier instrument binnacle – which looks to have been cribbed off an FD or FB Honda Civic – behind an in-vogue flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel.
To the left sits a large interactive display and a central spar that runs down to the narrow transmission tunnel housing the gearlever, a row of buttons and an electric paring brake. A panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of airiness.
Technical details are scarce, with mention only given to the 1.2 litre engine and front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout (like the Terios/Toyota Rush). The latter is interesting to say the least – will the production version of this be built on a ladder frame, like the Toyota Avanza and Rush?
And as this is a Daihatsu, it could have links to Perodua, which made us wonder. Could this show car presage a spiritual successor to the Kembara and Nautica? What do you think, dear readers – would you like to see the production Daihatsu FX on our roads?
