Daihatsu Taft (F10)

For the succeeding vehicle which still used the "Taft" name in Indonesia, see Daihatsu Rugger.
For the unrelated crossover SUV-styled kei car sold since 2020, see Daihatsu Taft (LA900).
Daihatsu Taft (F10/F20/F50/F60)
1980 Daihatsu Taft (F20)
Overview
ManufacturerDaihatsu
Also called
ProductionAugust 1974 – April 1984
Body and chassis
Class
LayoutFront-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,025 mm (79.7 in)
Length
  • 3,320 mm (130.7 in)
  • 3,485 mm (137.2 in) (long body)
Width1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Height1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Curb weight985–1,255 kg (2,172–2,767 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorDaihatsu Rugger

The F10/F20/F50/F60 series Daihatsu Taft (Japanese: ダイハツ・タフト, Hepburn: Daihatsu Tafuto) is an off-road vehicle built by Daihatsu between 1974 and 1984. It was also sold as the Wildcat in Australia, and Scat in Germany, the Netherlands and some other European markets. The Taft is similar to the Suzuki Jimny, although a bit larger. The name "Taft" stands for "'Tough and Almighty Four-wheel Touring Vehicle".[1]

The first Taft was the F10 model, introduced in 1974. It was equipped with a 1.0 L (958 cc) petrol engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a two-range transfer case. The F10 model is available in short wheelbase (SWB) softtop and hardtop versions.

Around 1977, the F10 was replaced with the F20 series with a larger 1.6 L (1587 cc) Toyota 12R petrol engine. Around the same time the F50 with a 2.5 L DG diesel engine was introduced. Both models had an improved transmission and were available in SWB softtop and hardtop versions, either as four- or six-seaters. In 1979, trayback/ute versions of the F20 and F50 introduced as the F25 and F55 models. In Papua New Guinea, these models were sold with a locally manufactured dropside cargo tray from 1980.[2]

Around 1983, updated F20/F25 models were introduced with an optional Deluxe version and optional five-speed transmission. At the same time the 2.5-litre F50/F55 models were replaced with the F60/F65 with a 2.8 L DL diesel engine, with the same Deluxe model version and optional five-speed gearbox. In Indonesia, the radiator grille material was changed from steel to plastic, along with plastic fender flares. The interior also had a redesigned centre dashboard which included 4 dial meters (clock, ampere meter, engine temperature meter, and fuel meter), optional air conditioning switch, and stereo head unit. The tachometer dial is placed side-by-side with the speedometer.[citation needed]

In Europe, Giovanni Michelotti marketed a luxuriously equipped version of the Taft, a version echoed by the later Bertone Freeclimbers.[3]

Daihatsu revived the "Taft" nameplate in Japan in 2020 as a kei car competing with the Suzuki Hustler.[4][5]

  1. ^ "懐かしのクルマ（販売終了車種）" [Nostalgic Cars (discontinued models)] (in Japanese). Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on 2020-11-01.
  2. ^ Bowerman, Robin (1980-02-20). "Down to earth in new Daihatsu". Papua New Guinea Post-Courier. Port Moresby: 20. Retrieved 2020-11-21 – via Trove.
  3. ^ Costa, André; Fraichard, Georges-Michel, eds. (September 1980). "Salon 1980: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". l'Auto Journal (in French). No. 14 & 15. Paris: Homme N°1. p. 202. M1117.
  4. ^ "東京オートサロン２０２０に軽クロスオーバー「ＴＡＦＴ コンセプト」を世界初出展" [World premier of Taft Concept light crossover at 2020 Tokyo Motor Salon] (PDF) (Press Information) (in Japanese). Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. 2019-12-23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-02-16.
  5. ^ "【TAFT復活】ダイハツ・タフト・コンセプト撮影 「軽」クロスオーバー 東京オートサロン2020" [TAFT Revival: Daihatsu Taft Light Crossover concept shot at 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon]. Autocar Japan (in Japanese). 2020-01-10. Archived from the original on 2020-02-29.