BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 10th May 2001
The Pyzar is based on the Charade's running gear, sharing its engine, suspension and virtually all other unseen components.
Impressively, Pyzar does not share Charade's small-car room. It is an airy mini people-mover offering big-window visibility, heaps of headroom, upright legroom-improving seating positions and plenty of space for four adults.
The rear seats fold to provide a flat loading bay that can swallow even mountain bikes and camping gear.
Inside, the quality of the fabric and plastic parts surpasses Charade but it is still nothing special with hard plastic on the dash and plenty of monotonous grey throughout.
But the firm seats are too flat, lacking in proper thigh and backrest support.
Entry and egress is easy thanks to Pyzar's "just right" height, easily facilitated by wide opening doors.
Dual airbags, central locking, electric mirrors, a driver's footrest and cupholders are standard, as are doors that unlock in a crash, activating the hazard flashers and interior lights to alert passers-by.
Pyzar's 67kW, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine offers good performance, gaining over the less torquey Charade-derived 1.5- litre version used before September, 1998.
The steering shows Pyzar is designed for a suitably gentle life with a steering wheel that is light and over-assisted. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than handling with a soft, almost wallowing ride.
Unfortunately, this soft set-up means the suspension loses its composure at higher speeds. There is noticeable body roll when cornering.
The 1998 introduction of the larger engine was accompanied by a mild facelift which gave the Pyzar a different front end plus new trim packages.
Pyzar is a quirky, capable small car that manages to easily fit into its intended role as a city-dweller's practical hold-all. It is one of the best Daihatsus yet.
- Automotive NetWorks 05/07/1999