[Bossman]

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While in most regions Daihatsu does not have a sporty image -due of course its low profile models, that doesn’t seem to be the case in Japan as Toyota’s subsidiary continues to evolve mini-“bombs” like the Charade Turbo GTti of the early 90’s.
The Daihatsu Boon, which is known in Europe as the second generation Sirion mini-car, got a tune up and a new name, the Boon X4. This four wheel drive mini gets a 1.0 Turbo engine that produces 133 hp / 7,200 rpm & 13,5 kgm / 3,600 rpm. Daihatsu has yet to release more information, but have in mind that the car weighs a mere 980 kg, which means the Boon X4 will probably honour its WRC Rally inspired bodykit .

[Encyclopedia]

Looks like a bit of fun.

[ferrari_chris]

A bit of fun, yes.

But I can't see it embarrassing anything other than it's driver...

[Dave A]

Same here, it still resembles a shopping trolly with windows.

[YSSMAN]

Looks like a nice car, but probably way too small for sale here in the US. Plus, it carries the Dihatsu name, and that is really bad in the US market...

[Wolfe]

133hp and 930kg is enough to probably put it below 8 seconds from 0-60, and that ain't half bad for a 1.0L compact car.

[JCE]

The Daihatsu Boon, which is known in Europe as the second generation Sirion mini-car, got a tune up and a new name, the Boon X4. This four wheel drive mini gets a 1.0 Turbo engine that produces 133 hp / 7,200 rpm & 13,5 kgm / 3,600 rpm. Daihatsu has yet to release more information, but have in mind that the car weighs a mere 980 kg, which means the Boon X4 will probably honour its WRC Rally inspired bodykit .

Hmm let me get this straight:

My 2005 Focus ZX5 2.0l with 136bhp ... this Daihatsu Boon 1.0l with 133bhp AND AWD? That's scary. And it looks rather cool too, it might do better in the US than what people think--everyone wants tiny gas saving cars...you would not BELIEVE how many people we get a the dealership trading thier V6 and V8 autos for Civics and 4cyl Accords. Some guy traded his 2003 ZO6 Vette for a 4cyl 2dr Accord. Screw hybrids, tiny 4cyl cars with decent cargo space and 4 doors > hybrids in my opinion.

[niky]

Yup... mine too... Honda Fit > Toyota Prius, to me... 95% of the fuel savings at half the price.

Ever since I took my cousin on a Honda "Eco-run" (sweet event, free lunch, prizes, and free gas) he's been driving his Fit sedan in "eco-mode" all the time, and he gets around 40-50+ mpg in daily driving... sweet. That's 40 mpg in tropical traffic with the airconditioner on. (beat that, electrical AC that only saves gas if it ain't too hot Prius).

As for this Daihatsu, it's kinda porky compared to the old GTti, which was about as fast as a Civic Si. That, plus the weight of the AWD should put it at 8 flat, unless it's got some spectacular grip in thos skinny tires... on good tires, maybe mid-sevens or even better.

But in a car that small, sub-8 0-60's will feel like warp speed. And it'll probably be fun to punt around corners, too.

*sigh*, if only they'd kept the Charade small and light... those things were fun, and you could swap turbo starlet motors into them for more front wheel madness.

[a6m5]

I think it's cool, too. Unfortunately, it's too much hassle to bring back the Daihatsu brand to the U.S. IMO. I agree with JCE though, AWD is very cool.

[JohnBM01]

The Daihatsu Boon X4... it looks a bit outlandish for a Kei. Mean little bastard, isn't it? It got the big hood scoop to make sure clean air gets into that tiny terror. It sort of has SUV styling up front. Too bad I can't really see the rear of the car with the pictures provided. The thing I like best about this machine is the interior. It's a bit like a Scion inside, but it's pretty stylish for what is. It has subtle aggression in its looks and looks like it can take on any rally course it enters.

Well, I been as nice as I could about this automobile. I wanted to avoid using "ugly." I'll present it with a score of 75% approval out of the maximum 100%.

[JCE]

I'm excited about us getting Honda Fits in less than 2-3 weeks. I like those things, hell I might buy one if enough aftermark exsists. The cheapest one is the LX-5spd that'd also be the best one to get with the least amount of weight. I also want to recomment on the Boon, I really like it--is it coming to the USA? And I wonder what kind of price range that model pictured would be...

[BMWteamPTG]

i think id be embarassed to be seen in that. i understand it has a crapload of power and is light too but...its not an attractive car...at all...

ill stick with what i got

[Azuremen]

I think its a neat looking car, with certainly some possiblities. That kind of power in that small of a car is handy, though I think it would be better to scrap the AWD and just stick with the fronts, as that would cut a fair amount of weight off the car. And 133 HP does not really merit AWD I think.

Wish the US would get small crazy things like this though, would be fun