TOYOTA DUET VS DAIHATSU STORIA - Vol.170
The Daihatsu Storia was a supermini automobile manufactured by the Japanese car manufacturer Daihatsu over the period 1998 to 2004. It was also presented as the Toyota Duet. It ultimately substituted the kindred Daihatsu Charade which was manufactured aboard the Storia and Duet until its production was ceased in 1999.
The 1998 embodiment of the Daihatsu Storia and the Toyota Duet presented dual petrol engines hosting a multi-point fuel injection characterised by a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder 54 bhp unit, as well as a 1.3 litre 4-cylinder 86 bhp unit. Both these units were presented for sale with a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic gearbox.
In 2001 the 1.3L series presented 102 bhp engines enabled to accelerate from 0 - 60 mph within 9.6 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 111 mph or 179 km/h. Its engine was extremely fuel economic and received an intermediate rating of 49.6 mpg or 21.1 km/lt. The 1.0 series accomplished 51.4 mph or 21.85 km/lt.
Rally Series
Two Rally variations of the Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia were manufactured: The Rally 2 and Rally 4 respectively; The Rally 4 being a four wheel drive series. The Rally varieties hosted a somewhat enhanced engine yield of approximately 108 bph and featured an incomparable 0 - 60 mph time of an incredible 8.1 seconds. It reached a maximum speed of 115 mph or 185 km/h. This trait attributed to its reputation as a "hot hatch". The 4Track, also known as the 4WD outside Japan, was the four wheel drive variant of the general 1.3 series. The F-speed variety presented the formula 1 trend paddle gear changing. An additional series known as the Storia X4 was only released in Japan and featured a 120PS engine.
Extreme Make-Over
During 2000, the Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia were reproduced with alterations to the front of the vehicles; more noticeably to the design of the framework, whereas the blueprint persisted to be fairly similar from the A-posts to the rear of the vehicles. The dashboards were redesigned comprehensively to ensure progressive use of the storage area and furthermore relayed a more opulent presentation.
The Australian auto industry only hosted the 1.0 series. During 2001 the sporty 1.3 GTvi was appended. Considering the year, the GTvi featured the most compelling naturally inspired engine obtainable in its category: 101 bhp at 7500 rpm. This series also traded as the Toyota Duet.
During December 2001 the Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia received yet another make-over. The front framework was redesigned to feature a more sport-like appearance. In some areas of the industry the silver detail on its sides were omitted. This time around the dashboard was designed to include more storage areas as well as host controls that were more user-friendly. The vehicles were exported to Australia and Europe in 2002 where it was traded as the Daihatsu Sirion.
Pros and Cons
The Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia listed various advantages. Firstly, it was a fairly inexpensive and economic vehicle, thus very favourable for everyday commuting. So far as traction was concerned, the fact that they presented as four wheel drive made them quite useful. Its smaller proportions also assisted these vehicles to out-smart their counterparts. It hosted a power which was far above market expectations.
The downside to the Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia also needs to be mentioned. It has been experienced that the vehicles presented a below-average braking system in comparison with their parallel compact contenders. Also, disregarding their modest power and their compactness, some drivers mentioned that the throttle had to be tamed in order to deflect under steer.
The manufacturing of the Toyota Duet and Daihatsu Storia was discontinued in 2004, when these vehicles were replaced by the well-known Daihatsu Sirion.