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OT .L 1 4 1 Whatever the shape or size, if it's a commercial
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vehicle CM will test it To prove the point, may we present to you the Daihatsu Extol.
Being serious automotive journalists we only see the practicalities of CVs, no matter what their structural make-up, so there's absolutely no reason for any adverse comment on our latest test vehicle.., oh come on, who are we kidding? There's no way you can ignore the fact that the Daihatsu Extol is, well, tiny. But it does serve a purpose and demands a thorough testing, so it's balaclavas out and down to business.
The Extol was launched in 2004 to replace Daihatsu's Hi-jet microvan; it's designed for self-employed tradesmen, florists, and anyone else who needs an unobtrusive load carrier on a budget.
And what you get for your money —6,995 to be precise —is an extremely compact frontwheel-drive panel van that makes maximum use of its minimum size.
Power comes from a 16-valve 1.3-litre petrol unit producing 84hp at 6,000rpm and 121Nrn at 4,400rpm. You also get central locking, CDradio, driver and passenger airbags and twin sliding load doors.
Unlike traditional microvans this Daihatsu carries its occupants behind the front wheels, giving the bonnet an added crumple space which can only enhance safety in such a small vehicle.This layout also helps it look more purposeful due to the slanting bonnet, avoiding the slab front that typified the Hi-jet.
As far as direct rivals go, there's little to compare with on size and price apart from the outgoing Suzuki Carry at £6,895. To make up the numbers we've included comparison figures from a couple of alternative contenders that are slightly down and slightly up on load volume — the Ford Fiesta van (1.0m-') and Citroen Berlingo (2.7m3).
oroductivity
L's been a while since we tested anything with petrol engine, and a laden run around the ;ent test route reminded us why.The Extol roduced 37.3mpg, which for a vehicle of this ze and weight is well below (diesel) standard. he Suzuki (also petrol) was even thirstier, at 3.7mpg, while the common-rail competition roved their worth: the Ford Fiesta van with strong 58.0mpg and the Citroen Berlingo ith 44.1mpg.
Running unladen the Extol managed a Iriftier 43.7mpg compared with the Suzuki's 1.6mpg, but once again the diesels shone irough, with 62.2mpg for the Ford and 5.8mpg for the Citroen.
The whole point of the Extol is the Tardiske load qualities that hide behind that dinky Kterion On the payload front, 615kg is a !spectable figure for such a compact vehicle. Getting that load in is simple enough thanks to dual side-sliding doors, though the rear has a hatch instead of two swing doors Load volume is 2.2m3. again packing a lot of punch for such a small vehicle.There's no bulkhead, but considering its urban aspirations and the need to gain quick access that's no bad thing. Underneath the flat load area (which rests on metal supports), there's a hidden space which would be ideal for valuables.
Warranty is three years/60,000 miles with service intervals at 9.000 miles.That's down on some of the larger competition but better than the Suzuki's 6,000 miles.
On the road
Like all commercial vehicles there are certain roles that the Extol excels in as busy urban multi-drop work. But venture out of town and onto motorways and A-roads and it starts to look less capable.
The Extol comes into its own when pottering around town and in urban traffic. Steering is exceptionally light and direct (the turning circle is a compact 8.8m) and with these dimensions, parking's a cinch.
The gear change is surprisingly direct and works well with the free-spinning engine. It provides enough power under most conditions, though when fully laden it does struggle and you have to feather the clutch when pulling away uphillif you head out of town, those nifty dimensions and lightweight construction conspire to work against it.The tight steering feels nervous at higher speeds and the small wheelbase and track make it feel fidgety once you pass 50mph.Larger vehicles will buffet it when passing; crosswinds also contribute to a feeling of instability.
Fast cornering when loaded also shows up the Extol's limitations, Daihatsu says it's done work on the chassis, pointing to the low engine mounting and suspension improvements,but these mods don't cure its deficiencies and inexperienced drivers might be caught out.
Cab comfort
Yes,it's small and yes, you could probably park it in a long-wheelbase Transit. But that slopping nose gives it more credibility than its predecessor and avoids the face-in-thewindscreen look. Our expectations were low as we entered the Extol's cabin, but it proved surprisingly spacious. Admittedly getting in required caution to avoid bumped heads and grazed shins, so multi-drop work may grate after a while. But once inside there's surprisingly decent headroom, even for a 6ft 2in tester. and the seating position is adequate. Don't get us wrong, you still feel like your feet are sticking out the bonnet —but it's a definite improvement on previous attempts in this class The steering wheel is height-adjustable and while it does feel as if it's right in your lap, it's small enough to avoid rubbing on your thighs.
Dash layout is basic — options amount to aircon — and there's no rev counter.That's a pity because this engine demands to be revved when hauling a full load so you'll have to take a guess at the redline.
The main dials are legible and the switchgear's easy to reach, but the build quality reflects the structural design in that it feels decidedly lightweight.
Storage space consists of ultra-slim door pockets, two central cup holders, a glovebox and an oddments tray.
Once on the move, the engine proves surprisingly unobtrusive unless stressed; tyre roar's also minimal. Most of the noise is windgenerated and seeps in through the thin cab doors and windows, though this is only really problem at higher speeds, which is not what the Extol's designed for.
Forward vision is good thanks to the tall windscreen; side and rear views are also fine, helping to manoeuvre safely in tight spaces..