Daihatsu Kei Car Cars
The Daihatsu Kei Car Turbo range represents a popular segment of compact vehicles engineered for efficiency and practicality, especially suited to New Zealand's urban and suburban environments. These kei cars, originally designed under Japan's kei car regulations, benefit from their small size, lightweight construction, and turbocharged engines, which offer an impressive balance between fuel economy and adequate performance.
Daihatsu Kei Cars are characterized by their compact dimensions—typically around 3.4 meters in length and 1.48 meters in width—which make them exceptionally easy to manoeuvre on New Zealand’s narrow city streets and tight parking spaces commonly found in Auckland and Wellington. The turbocharged engine enhances power output while maintaining low emissions and fuel consumption, making these cars well-suited for both stop-start traffic conditions and highway cruising on routes such as State Highway 1.
Fuel efficiency is a standout feature, with many models achieving over 20 kilometres per litre under normal driving conditions. This efficiency not only supports cost-effective ownership but also aligns well with New Zealand’s increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly transport options. Their small engine displacement (typically around 660 cc) is supplemented by the turbocharger to deliver responsive acceleration necessary for overtaking on open stretches of road or tackling inclines found throughout the North Island.
Inside, the Daihatsu Kei Car Turbo maximises space utilization despite its diminutive footprint. Clever design ensures that passengers have sufficient headroom and legroom for daily commuting or short family trips. The vehicle's suspension setup is tuned to absorb the irregularities of New Zealand’s varied road surfaces—from smooth motorway asphalt to rougher rural backroads—offering a comfortable ride without compromising handling agility.
With reliability synonymous with the Daihatsu brand, these turbocharged kei cars serve as practical urban companions that meet the demands of New Zealand drivers seeking economical yet peppy vehicles tailored for diverse local driving conditions.

