Daihatsu Wake Kei Car Cars
The Daihatsu Wake Kei Car Turbo is a compact and highly practical vehicle that caters to the needs of urban drivers and small families in New Zealand. As a kei car, it complies with Japan's strict size and engine displacement regulations, featuring a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine. This small yet efficient powertrain delivers sufficient performance for city driving and light highway use while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, an important consideration given New Zealand’s varying fuel prices.
Designed with a tall, boxy silhouette, the Wake maximizes interior space within its compact footprint—typically around 3.4 metres in length—making it an ideal choice for navigating narrow suburban streets and tight parking spaces common in Auckland and Wellington. The generous headroom and flexible seating arrangement ensure comfort for both driver and passengers on short commutes or school runs. Additionally, the high roof design provides impressive cargo capacity for transporting groceries, sports gear, or camping equipment, which suits New Zealanders who often engage in outdoor activities.
The turbocharged engine not only enhances power but also improves drivability when ascending hilly terrain frequently encountered on routes around the Waikato region or winding roads on the Coromandel Peninsula. While its kei car dimensions mean limited top speed compared to larger vehicles, its nimble handling and responsive acceleration make it well-suited for city traffic and rural backroads alike.
From a safety perspective, modern versions of the Daihatsu Wake come equipped with features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and sometimes advanced driver assistance systems like lane departure warnings—features increasingly valued on New Zealand roads that can vary from congested urban areas to remote rural stretches.
Overall, the Daihatsu Wake Kei Car Turbo stands out as a clever blend of economy, practicality, and agile performance tailored for New Zealand drivers looking for a compact yet capable vehicle adaptable to diverse local conditions.

