2003 Daihatsu Cuore 1.0 EL 12v 3 Door review from UK and Ireland

Unsurprisingly, No Faults or Failures.

I chose a Cuore because it is a properly small/lightweight car, (not like a fat/heavy Corsa or Yaris, e.t.c.) with an interesting, high-tech. engine and modern safety gear. I preferred it to it's replacement 'Charade' model, (same car, different body) The fact it was a run-out model at the time and therefore cheap was just a bonus. Although properly run-in and well cared-for, (synthetic oil, iridium plugs, e.t.c.) I do use the car hard and it has coped well so far. It looks like a Granny's car, but pulls/revs. well, with a nice 3-cyl. beat. Gears are quick/light, (4th/5th slightly over-geared.) Has great visibility for a modern car and gives 48 MPG with a very broad mix of use, including a lot of high-speed, long distance and city driving. Handling/grip is fine, (improved with decent Euro. tyres) ride O.K., but doesn't like 'washboard' type surfaces, (vibration.) Aim to fix this with Euro. Gas-type dampers. Interior is well finished, sensible, but dull, with lots of grey plastic, but little imagination, (unlike my old Panda.) Dash has v. good instruments, but infuriating Toyota-style seats with walk-in 'memory' for accsses to the back, which dosn't work properly, (they never do on Toyotas or Suzukis either!) Boot is small, with no split-fold and doesn't double-roll forwards like a decent hatchback. But overall, it's a pretty good car for what it is.