If you’d prefer to ride a sedan than an SUV, the Daihatsu Altis is the option you should not miss. Discover to learn about this car’s evolution from the very first time up until today through the following explanation!
Overview of Altis Series
Altis debuted for the first time in March 2000 as a vehicle made by Toyota Motor Corporation under the OEM concept. Upgrades included adding a new body color called Emotional Red III.
Basically, the Daihatsu Altis is a compact car that’s been a hit in the car world. It also brings in great performance and practicality. Its sleek design and smaller size make it perfect for zipping around town and handling those tight spots.
This car evolved through generations because Daihatsu kept making it better with new tech and design tweaks. Therefore, Altis has proven itself to be a practical and dependable compact car that adapts to modern needs while staying competitive in the car market.
The Evolution of Daihatsu Altis
While it was launched in the early 2000s, this car has evolved for good throughout the past two decades. Let’s learn more about the details of each generation as reviewed below.
1. First Generation (2000-2001)
In ’98, Toyota beefed up its ownership in Daihatsu and jumped from 33.4% to 51.2%. Their game plan was to make Daihatsu more profitable. They ditched the low-selling Daihatsu Applause and switched it out with the eighth-gen Toyota Camry XV20 to achieve that target.
The Altis first gen rocked the horizontal headlights up front, wrapped-around bumper, and an option for fog lights on the sides. Between those headlights, there was this narrow grille with shiny slats supporting the D-badge.
Inside, it offered comfy seating for five, even with that tunnel running through the middle. Additionally, the dashboard had all the controls for audio and climate, and the gear selector for the automatic transmission was right there on the center console.
Under the hood, Toyota went with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine for the Daihatsu Altis, unlike other places where the Camry came with a V-6. Therefore, this Altis kept it simple with that four-pot engine.
2. Second Generation (2001 -2006)
When Toyota called the shots at Daihatsu and swapped the Applause for the Altis, they weren’t sure how people would take it. But it turns out, that customers liked it, so Toyota went the same route by using the badge-engineering trick again. Thus, in Japan, they sold the Toyota Camry XV30 as the Daihatsu Altis.
Toyota’s new design trend was all about edges, and the Camry/Altis rocked that style. Therefore, the headlights had this leafy shape with two sharp angles, and the blinkers were perched up top.
Besides, the plastic bumper wraps around and houses fog lights or fake scoops which depend on the trim level. In between, a grille with three shiny slats supports the D-badge. Daihatsu introduced different trim levels inside, incorporating wood touches on the dashboard and door panels, contributing to the car’s success in Japan.
Under the hood, similar to its predecessor, the Altis featured a 2.4-liter inline-four paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that directed power to the front wheels. All corners had independent suspension to ensure a smooth ride, while the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes enhanced stopping power.
3. Third Generation (2006-2010)
In 2006, the Camry received a makeover that sheds its bland appearance for a more dynamic look and aims at middle-aged families or a vibe mirrored in the Altis as well. The headlights swept angularly, the front design became sleeker, and the overall shape exuded a “dynamic vehicle” feel.
The Altis showcased a redesigned center stack, an easier-to-use climate control unit, and a CD stereo. It combined wood trims with aluminum-like decorations and added a touch of sophistication, however, it did not offer a sporty package.
Staying true to its predecessors, the third generation of Daihatsu Altis didn’t opt for a V-6 engine. Instead, it stuck with the 2.4-liter inline-four paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While the Camry offered no such option, Daihatsu made the Altis available with all-wheel drive and set it apart.
4. Fourth Generation (2012-2017)
The badge-engineering trick was a success for Daihatsu in Japan which got the Altis on the market. While they didn’t entirely ditch the Camry for global markets, they at least replaced it with the base versions in their home country.
The fourth generation got a facelift outside with a new front look, borrowing some shiny bits from the Camry. Its lower bumper boasted tall, narrow fog lights, giving it a sportier vibe than before. The sedan’s shape had longer, curved lines, and the rear windscreen had a more angled appearance.
The carmaker kept up with modernizing the cabin for the interior design. They spruced up the infotainment system but maintained a clean and simple layout of the dashboard and center stack, much like the 2006 model. The instrument cluster stayed similar, with the speedometer and tachometer surrounded by gauges for fuel and coolant.
Like the previous generation, it still offered decent backseat space. Toyota swapped out the 2.4-liter engine for a 2.5-liter one, both inline-four setups, under Altis’ hood. So, only a CVT was available, and there was no option for all-wheel drive.
5. Fifth Generation (2017- Now)
The fifth generation of the Daihatsu Altis marks a fresh phase in its evolution, spanning a specific period. This model revamp brings loads of updates, focusing on design, tech, performance, and safety.
The Altis generation amps up its look with a modern, sleek exterior featuring bold LED headlights and a sharp grille for a more stylish and aerodynamic vibe. Under the hood, there’s a variety of engines that aim to balance power, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact.
The base ones could have stuff like AC and a touchscreen system, while fancier versions might add leather seats, panoramic roofs, and top-notch safety features. Because safety is a big deal, Daihatsu adds airbags and stability control inside the car.
Does Customers Line Daihatsu Altis?
Over the years, as it has gone through different generations, Daihatsu Altis has transformed to keep up with drivers’ evolving needs, specifically for those who fancy sedans. This car has always been about blending practicality, performance, and affordability, which is why it’s remained a top pick among customers in its category.