The Daihatsu Storia is a supermini car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu from 1998 to 2004. Positioned as a practical and affordable city car, the Storia (model code M1) was primarily sold in the Japanese domestic market. It was notable for its compact dimensions, efficient packaging, and available four-wheel drive option. The 1.0 i variant, producing 64 horsepower, represented the entry-level trim, focusing on fuel economy and ease of driving rather than outright performance. This model played a significant role in Daihatsu’s strategy of offering small, economical vehicles tailored to the specific needs of Japanese urban commuters.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daihatsu |
| Model | Storia |
| Generation | Storia (M1) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 i (64 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 year |
| End of production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm, 111.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 94 Nm @ 3600 rpm, 69.33 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 989 cm3, 60.35 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72 mm, 2.83 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm, 3.19 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 840 kg, 1851.88 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l, 10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal |
| Length | 3960 mm, 155.91 in |
| Width | 1600 mm, 62.99 in |
| Height | 1450 mm, 57.09 in |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm, 93.31 in |
| Front track | 1390 mm, 54.72 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1375 mm, 54.13 in |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 145/80 R13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Daihatsu Storia 1.0 i is powered by the EB07 inline three-cylinder engine. This 989cc engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio was a standard figure for naturally aspirated engines of the era, balancing performance and fuel economy. The EB07 engine, while not known for its high output, was designed for reliability and low running costs. The engine is mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle. The transmission paired with the 1.0 i engine was typically a four-speed automatic. This automatic transmission was chosen to provide ease of use, particularly appealing to the target demographic of urban drivers who prioritized convenience over sporty driving dynamics. The transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for low-speed maneuverability and acceptable highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 64 horsepower and 94 Nm (69.33 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 1.0-liter engine resulted in modest, but adequate, performance. Acceleration was not a strong point, with the Storia 1.0 i taking a considerable amount of time to reach highway speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, contributed to this lack of urgency. Compared to the slightly more powerful variants, or those equipped with a manual transmission, the 1.0 i felt noticeably slower. However, the engine was willing enough for city driving, and the automatic transmission made it easy to navigate congested urban environments. The power delivery was linear, with peak torque arriving at 3600 rpm, making it reasonably drivable in everyday situations. The weight-to-power ratio of 13.1 kg/Hp meant that the car felt light and nimble, but also highlighted the engine’s limitations when carrying a full load of passengers or cargo.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 i trim of the Daihatsu Storia was generally considered the base model. Standard equipment typically included power steering, central locking, and basic instrumentation. Interior upholstery was usually a simple cloth material. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were power windows and upgraded audio systems. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over aesthetic flair. The Storia was designed to be a no-frills, affordable vehicle, and the 1.0 i trim reflected this philosophy. Higher trim levels offered features like alloy wheels, color-coded bumpers, and more luxurious interior appointments, but the 1.0 i focused on providing essential transportation at a low cost.
Chassis & Braking
The Daihatsu Storia featured a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension utilized MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a torsion beam setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for urban driving conditions. The 1.0 i variant was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. This braking setup was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but lacked the stopping power of more sophisticated systems found on higher-performance vehicles. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often included as standard equipment, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The Storia’s tires were typically 145/80 R13, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ride comfort over grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daihatsu Storia 1.0 i was well-received in the Japanese market as a practical and economical city car. Critics praised its compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. However, the engine’s lack of power was a common criticism. Compared to other kei cars and superminis available in Japan, the Storia 1.0 i offered a good balance of features and affordability. It was often seen as a more spacious and comfortable alternative to some of the smaller kei car options. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.0 i performed competitively with other vehicles in its class. Reliability was generally good, with the EB07 engine proving to be a durable and long-lasting unit.
Legacy
The Daihatsu Storia, particularly the 1.0 i variant, has maintained a reputation for reliability and low running costs. In the used car market, these models are often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and dependable vehicle. The EB07 engine is known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for first-time car owners or those on a tight budget. While not a particularly exciting or high-performance vehicle, the Storia 1.0 i served its purpose as a practical and economical city car, and continues to provide reliable transportation for many years after its production ended. Its compact size and fuel efficiency remain relevant in today’s urban driving environment.
